Everything You Need to Know About USCIS Form I-131

What is Form I-131 used for?
Form I-131 can be filed to request different types of travel documents:

• Advance Parole – For individuals with a pending green card (Form I-485), DACA recipients, or others who need to leave the U.S. temporarily without abandoning their status.
• Re-entry Permit – For lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who plan to stay outside the U.S. for more than 1 year but less than 2 years.
• Refugee Travel Document – For refugees or asylees who wish to travel abroad and return to the U.S. legally.

Who should file Form I-131?

• Pending adjustment of status applicants (Form I-485).
• Green card holders planning extended stays abroad.
• Refugees and asylees needing permission to re-enter.
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries seeking Advance Parole.

Why is it important?
Without an approved I-131, certain immigrants risk losing their pending applications, residency status, or ability to re-enter the U.S. if they travel internationally.

When to file Form I-131?

• Before travel: File at least 60–90 days before intended departure.
• Advance Parole should be approved before leaving the U.S..

Key information required

• Applicant’s personal and immigration details.
• Reason for travel and type of document requested.
• Supporting evidence (passport, green card copy, I-485 receipt, or refugee/asylee documents).
• Filing fee (amount varies based on category).

Processing times
Processing can vary:

• Advance Parole: ~3-6 months.
• Re-entry Permit: ~6-12 months.
• Refugee Travel Document: ~3-6 months.

Risks

• Traveling before Advance Parole approval may result in denial of re-entry.
• Extended absence, even with a re-entry permit, may raise residency questions.