⚠ General information only — not legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for your specific situation.

USCIS · Form I-131

Application for Travel Document

Get advance parole to travel internationally while your green card application is pending.

Filing fee

$630 for most applicants. Free when filed concurrently with Form I-485.

Processing time

5 to 7 months. File well in advance of any planned travel — do not book non-refundable travel until your advance parole is approved.

Filed with

USCIS — online through myUSCIS or by mail. File concurrently with I-485 when possible.

Overview

Form I-131 is used to obtain several different types of travel documents for non-citizens who need to travel outside the United States in situations where their regular immigration status does not allow them to simply leave and return. The most common use is obtaining Advance Parole for pending I-485 applicants. When a person files I-485 to adjust status, in many cases their prior visa status has been extinguished by the filing. Without approved advance parole, departing the US is generally considered abandonment of the I-485 application. Reentry Permits are for permanent residents who need to travel outside the US for more than 1 year but less than 2 years. Without a Reentry Permit, an LPR who stays abroad for more than 1 year may be presumed to have abandoned their permanent residence. Refugee Travel Documents serve as a travel and re-entry document for refugees and asylees who cannot obtain a passport from their home country.

Who needs Form I-131?

People with a pending I-485 who need to travel outside the US and need advance parole to re-enter. Also: permanent residents needing a Reentry Permit for extended travel, and refugees and asylees needing a Refugee Travel Document.

What does Form I-131 do?

Issues travel documents allowing certain non-citizens to travel outside the US and return. Specific document depends on situation: Advance Parole for pending I-485 applicants, Reentry Permit for LPRs planning extended travel, or Refugee Travel Document for refugees and asylees.

Key requirements

✓Pending I-485 or documentation of your qualifying status (refugee, asylee, TPS, LPR)
✓Copy of any prior travel documents or advance parole documents
✓Two passport-style photos if filing by mail
✓Explanation and documentation if requesting expedited processing

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠Traveling internationally before advance parole is approved — this typically abandons your pending I-485
⚠Not filing I-131 concurrently with I-485 — filing separately costs more and creates gaps
⚠Confusing advance parole with a visa — advance parole allows US re-entry but does not guarantee entry into other countries
⚠Asylees: returning to your home country on advance parole — this may be used as evidence against your asylum claim
⚠LPRs staying abroad more than 1 year without a Reentry Permit — risks being considered to have abandoned permanent residence

Processing details

After filing, USCIS issues a receipt notice. USCIS can expedite I-131 in genuine emergencies — include a detailed explanation and supporting documentation with your expedite request. Do not travel outside the US while your I-131 is pending unless you have a separate valid visa (such as a valid H-1B or L-1) that allows re-entry without advance parole. Consult an immigration attorney before traveling if you are unsure. Advance parole allows you to travel and seek re-entry. However, CBP makes the final admissibility determination at the port of entry — advance parole does not absolutely guarantee admission.

After you file

After receiving your advance parole document, keep it with you when traveling. Present it to the airline when boarding your return flight and to CBP at the port of entry. Check the expiration date on your advance parole — do not plan travel that would result in your return after the expiration date. If you are an asylee, consult an immigration attorney before traveling to your home country — such travel can create serious problems for your case.

Common situations

Family emergency abroad while I-485 pending

If you have a genuine emergency requiring travel, request expedited processing of your I-131 by documenting the emergency. USCIS considers expedite requests for genuine emergencies. Alternatively, if you have a valid H-1B or other dual intent visa, you may be able to travel and return — consult an attorney.

Permanent resident planning extended travel

If you are an LPR planning to work or live abroad for 1 to 2 years, apply for a Reentry Permit before you leave. You must be physically present in the US when you file. The permit is valid for up to 2 years.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I travel without advance parole while I-485 is pending?

In most cases, departing the US without advance parole while I-485 is pending will be considered abandonment of your application. USCIS will close your case. There are limited exceptions — for example, if you have a valid H-1B or L-1 visa. The rules are complex — always consult an immigration attorney before traveling while I-485 is pending.

What is a Reentry Permit and when do I need one?

A Reentry Permit is for LPRs planning to travel outside the US for more than 1 year but less than 2 years. Without it, an LPR who stays abroad for more than 1 year risks being considered to have abandoned permanent residence. Apply for a Reentry Permit before departing — you cannot apply from abroad.

Does advance parole count as a visa?

No. Advance parole is not a visa — it is authorization to seek re-entry to the US. It does not allow you to enter other countries that require a US visa. CBP makes the final admissibility determination at the port of entry.

Official USCIS page for Form I-131

Always download the latest version of the form directly from the official source.