What is Form I-131?
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, is used by green card holders, adjustment of status applicants, and refugees to apply for various travel authorizations. This form can be used to request a re-entry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole travel document.
What documents can be applied for using Form I-131?
Re-entry Permit: This allows lawful permanent residents or conditional permanent residents (green card holders) to re-enter the U.S. after extended travel abroad without needing to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Refugee Travel Document: Issued to individuals in valid refugee or asylee status, or to lawful permanent residents who obtained refugee or asylee status in the U.S. Refugees and asylees must have a Refugee Travel Document to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad unless they have an Advance Parole Document. It's important to apply for the Refugee Travel Document before leaving the U.S.
Advance Parole: This allows entry to the U.S. for a specific purpose without needing a visa. Although advance parole may be used for travel, it does not replace a passport, and individuals entering the U.S. with this document remain “applicants for admission” until they are formally admitted.
When to File Form I-131:
The timing for filing Form I-131 depends on the purpose of travel. This form must be submitted and approved before traveling outside the U.S. in most cases.
Connected Forms:
Form I-131 is often filed alongside other immigration forms, such as applications for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), asylum, or adjustment of status to permanent residence. However, green card holders applying for re-entry permits do not need to file additional forms with their application.
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