Overview
Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) is used to apply for various U.S. travel documents. The most common use is Advance Parole (AP), which allows applicants with a pending I-485 (Adjustment of Status) to travel outside the U.S. and return during the pendency of their application. I-131 is also used to apply for Re-entry Permits (for permanent residents planning to be abroad for more than 1 year) and Refugee Travel Documents. For I-485 applicants, I-131 is typically filed concurrently with I-485 and I-765 at no additional fee.
Eligibility Requirements
- Advance Parole (AP): Applicants with a pending I-485 (Adjustment of Status) application
- Re-entry Permit: U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) or conditional permanent residents planning to be abroad for more than 1 year
- Refugee Travel Document: Individuals who have been granted refugee or asylee status
- Important: H-1B or L-1 holders who use AP to depart and reenter may be considered to have abandoned their H/L status
- TPS (Temporary Protected Status) holders may also apply for I-131 travel documents
Application Process
Determine Document Type
Based on your immigration status and travel needs, determine whether to apply for Advance Parole, a Re-entry Permit, or a Refugee Travel Document.
File Form I-131
Submit Form I-131 and supporting materials (passport copy, green card copy, I-485 receipt, etc.) to USCIS. No additional fee when filed concurrently with I-485.
Biometrics Appointment
Attend a designated ASC for fingerprints and photographs after receiving a notice (required for Re-entry Permits and some AP applications).
Await Adjudication
USCIS reviews and processes the application. AP is typically approved in 3-7 months; Re-entry Permits and Refugee Travel Documents may take longer.
Receive Travel Document
Upon approval, the document is mailed. When using AP to reenter, present it to CBP, who will stamp the passport as "Paroled."
Timeline Reference
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Advance Parole Processing | 3–7 months |
| Re-entry Permit Processing | 6–12 months |
| Refugee Travel Document | 3–6 months |
| AP Validity | Typically 1–2 years |
| Re-entry Permit Validity | Up to 2 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Advance Parole and a visa?
Advance Parole is not a visa but a pre-approved travel authorization. Key differences: (1) AP is only for I-485 pending applicants; visas are for various immigrant/nonimmigrant applicants; (2) entering on AP results in "Paroled" status, not visa holder status; (3) AP may be single-use or limited-use; visas are typically multiple-entry; (4) leaving the U.S. without AP while I-485 is pending results in the application being deemed abandoned.
What is the impact of using AP while on H-1B?
If you hold H-1B (or L-1) status and use AP to depart and reenter, your H-1B status may be considered terminated — you reenter as a "Parolee" rather than H-1B. This means that if I-485 is denied, you may not have H-1B status to fall back on. H-1B holders are advised to travel on a valid H-1B visa stamp (not AP) to preserve their H-1B status as a safety net. If the H-1B visa stamp has expired, AP may be the only option.
What is the difference between a Re-entry Permit and AP?
A Re-entry Permit is for existing permanent residents (green card holders) who plan to be outside the U.S. for more than 1 year. AP is for I-485 pending applicants (not yet green card holders). Re-entry Permits are valid for up to 2 years and allow permanent residents to maintain their green card status during extended absences. Without a Re-entry Permit, a green card holder absent for more than 1 year may be considered to have abandoned permanent residence. The I-131 must be filed before departing the U.S.
Can I leave the U.S. before AP is approved?
No. If I-485 is pending and you depart without an approved AP, the I-485 application will be deemed abandoned (unless you hold valid H-1B, L-1, or another status that permits travel). You must wait until the AP document is in hand before departing. If there is an urgent travel need, you may contact USCIS to request expedited processing of I-131, but expedited processing is not guaranteed.
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