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.
