Fillable Form I-131
Form I-131, also known as the Application for Travel Document, is a form issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows individuals to apply for a travel document or a reentry permit. The form requires detailed information about the applicant's personal information, travel plans, and eligibility for a travel document.
What is the I-131 Form?
Form I-131, also known as the Application for Travel Document, is a form issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows individuals to apply for a travel document or a reentry permit. The form has several sections that require detailed information about the applicant, their travel plans, and their eligibility for a travel document. If the applicant is seeking a reentry permit, they must also provide information about their previous trips outside of the United States and the duration of their absences.
The I-131 Form is typically used by individuals who are lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees and who plan to travel outside of the United States for a temporary period of time.
How do I fill out the I-131 Form?
The I-131 form consists of nine sections that must be filled out with information about the applicant, their travel plans, and what makes them eligible for a travel document.
For USCIS Use Only
Fill this section out only if you are part of the USCIS.
Receipt
Indicate in the space provided whether the form has been received or not.
Document Hand Delivered
If the document was hand delivered, check the box provided and enter the name of the person that delivered the document and the date that the document was delivered.
Document Issued
Check the relevant box indicating what kind of document was issued. You may choose one of the following:
Action Block
Enter the actions taken in the space provided.
Mail To
For re-entry and refugee travel documents, check the box corresponding with the address that the documents must be mailed to. You may choose one of the following:
To Be Completed by an Attorney/Representative
Check the box if G-28 is attached to represent the applicant, then enter the attorney’s state license number.
Part 1 - Information About You
Name
Enter the applicant’s family name, given name, and middle name in the spaces provided.
Physical Address
Enter the name of the person who owns the property that the applicant lives in, then enter the following address information:
Other Information
Alien Registration Number
Enter the applicant’s A-Number, if they have one.
Country of Birth
Enter the applicant’s country of birth.
Country of Citizenship
Enter the applicant’s country of citizenship.
Class of Admission
Enter the applicant’s class of admission.
Gender and Date of Birth
Check the box indicating the applicant’s gender, then enter their date of birth.
US Social Security Number
Enter the applicant’s social security number in the US.
Part 2 - Application Type
Items 1.a to 1.f
Check the corresponding box for whichever situation applies to the application:
Items 2.a to 2.g
If you checked item 1.f, enter the following information for the person the I-131 form is being filed for:
Physical Address (If 1.f was checked)
Enter the following information about the residential address of the person the I-131 form is being filed for:
Part 3 - Processing Information
Date of Intended Departure
Enter the intended departure date.
Expected Length of Trip
Enter the expected length of the trip.
Exclusion, Deportation, Removal, or Rescission Proceedings
If the applicant or any other person included in this application is involved in any proceedings related to exclusion, deportation, removal, or rescission, check “Yes” and enter the name of the DHS office. Otherwise, check “No”.
Previous Reentry or Refugee Travel Document
If the applicant has ever been issued a reentry or refugee travel document before, check “Yes” and enter the date the document was issued and its disposition. Otherwise, check “No.”
If the applicant is applying for a non-DACA related advance parole document, skip to Part 7 of this form. DACA recipients must complete Part 4 before proceeding to Part 7.
Where Should the Document be Sent
Check the box indicating where the travel document should be sent. You may choose one of the following:
Notice to Pick Up Travel Document
If Item 6 or 7 above was checked, check the box indicating where the notice to pick up the travel document should be sent. You may choose one of the following:
Part 4 - Information About Your Proposed Travel
Purpose of Trip
Enter a short explanation of the purpose for the trip.
List of Countries You Intend to Visit
Enter a list of the countries the applicant will be visiting for their trip.
Part 5 - Complete Only if Applying for a Re-entry Permit
Amount of Time Spent Outside the US Since Becoming a Permanent Resident
Check the box that indicates the total amount of time (approximately) that the applicant has spent outside the US after becoming a permanent resident. You may choose one of the following:
Federal Income Tax Return
If the applicant has ever filed a federal income tax return since their becoming a permanent resident of the US, check “Yes”. Otherwise, check “No”.
Part 6 - Complete Only If Applying for a Refugee Travel Document
Country from Which the Applicant is a Refugee or Asylee
Enter the country from which the applicant is a refugee or asylee.
Travel Questions
Note that, for each of the questions in this part, if the applicant’s answer is “Yes”, a separate sheet of paper labeled with their name and A-Number must be provided explaining the reason for why their answer is “Yes”.
Plan to Travel
If the applicant plans to travel to the above indicated country, check “Yes”. Otherwise, check “No”.
Since Obtaining Refugee/Asylee Status
Returned to Country
If the applicant has ever returned to the above indicated country since obtaining refugee/asylee status, check “Yes”. Otherwise, check “No”.
Applied For and/or Obtained a National Passport, Passport Renewal, or Entry Permit of Country
If the applicant has ever applied for or obtained a passport, a passport renewal, or entry permit for the above indicated country, check “Yes”. Otherwise, check “No”.
Applied For and/or Received Benefits from Country
If the applicant has applied for and/or received benefits from the above country, check “Yes”. Otherwise, check “No”.
Reacquired Nationality
If the applicant has reacquired their nationality from the above country, check “Yes”. Otherwise, check “No”.
Acquired New Nationality
If the applicant has acquired any other nationality, check “Yes”. Otherwise, check “No”.
Been Granted Refugee or Asylee Status in Another Country
If the applicant has already acquired refugee or asylee status in any other country, check “Yes”. Otherwise, check “No”.
Part 7 - Complete Only if Applying for Advance Parole
On a separate sheet of paper, explain how the applicant qualifies for an advance parole document and why such a document should be issued. Include copies of any documents you wish to be considered as well.
Number of Trips for Document
Check “One Trip” if the document will only be used for one trip. Otherwise, check “More than one trip”.
Location of US Embassy or Consulate or DHS Overseas Office
If the applicant intended to receive an advance parole document is outside the US, provide the following information about the location of the US embassy or consulate or DHS overseas office.
Travel Document Notice Delivery
Check the box indicating where the notice to pick up the travel document should be sent. You may choose one of the following:
Part 8 - Signature of Applicant
Have the applicant sign the form in the space provided, then enter the date that the form was signed and the applicant’s primary phone number.
Part 9 - Information About Person Who Prepared This Application, If Not Applicant
Preparer’s Full Name
Enter the preparer’s family name, given name, and business name.
Preparer’s Mailing Address
Enter the following information about the preparer’s mailing address:
Preparer’s Contact Information
Enter the preparer’s primary phone number and their email address, if any.
Declaration
Have the preparer sign the form in the space provided, then enter the date that they signed the form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of a travel document?
The purpose of a travel document is to provide official proof of an individual's identity and immigration status, as well as to allow them to travel outside of the United States and return to the United States.
How often can I apply for a travel document or reentry permit?
There is no limit to the number of times an individual can apply for a travel document or reentry permit, as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the specific document and have a valid reason for needing the document.
What is a reentry permit?
A reentry permit is a travel document issued by the USCIS that allows lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to travel abroad for up to two years without abandoning their status.
Does a reentry permit allow me to enter a foreign country?
Not necessarily. Admission into a country is subject to the laws and regulations of the country being visited.
How much does it cost to apply for a travel document or reentry permit?
The filing fee for Form I-131 varies depending on the type of travel document being applied for. As of September 2021, the filing fee for Form I-131 is $575 for most applicants. However, certain individuals may be eligible for a fee waiver or reduced fee based on their income and other factors. Additionally, there may be additional fees for biometric services or other related expenses.
How long is a reentry permit valid for?
A reentry permit is generally valid for two years from the date of issuance.
How long does it take to process a travel document or reentry permit application?
As of September 2021, USCIS estimated the processing time for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, to be between 4.5 to 6 months from the date of filing. However, it is important to note that processing times can change over time and may vary based on individual circumstances.
Can I expedite the processing of my travel document or reentry permit application?
In certain circumstances, it may be possible to request expedited processing for a travel document or reentry permit application by providing evidence of the urgency of the application to the USCIS. However, expedited processing is generally only available in limited situations, such as for humanitarian emergencies or urgent business travel.
Do I need to attend an interview as part of the application process?
Applicants for a reentry permit may be required to attend an interview as part of the application process, particularly if USCIS has questions about the applicant's eligibility or needs additional information or evidence. However, not all applicants for a reentry permit will be required to attend an interview.
What documents are required to be submitted alongside Form I-131?
In general, the following types of documents may be required:
Other documents may be required depending on the application.
Can I travel while my travel document or reentry permit application is pending?
If an individual is a lawful permanent resident and is applying for a reentry permit, they may be able to travel while the application is pending. However, it is important to note that traveling without a reentry permit while an application is pending can carry certain risks. If an individual leaves the United States while their reentry permit application is pending, USCIS may consider their application to be abandoned and deny it.
For applicants applying for a refugee travel document or an advance parole travel document, leaving the United States before the travel document is issued may result in the application being denied.
When should the I-131 form be submitted?
In general, the USCIS recommends that applicants submit their I-131 form at least 60 days before their intended travel date to allow for sufficient processing time.
Can I appeal a denied travel document or reentry permit application?
Yes, it is possible to appeal a denied travel document or reentry permit application, although the specific appeals process can depend on the type of document and the reason for the denial.
In general, if an application is denied, the applicant will receive a written notice explaining the reasons for the denial. The notice will also provide information on the process for appealing the decision, including the deadline for filing an appeal and the appropriate form to use.
What happens if my travel document or reentry permit expires while I am outside the United States?
If an individual's travel document or reentry permit expires while they are outside the United States, they may face difficulties returning to the country. Specifically, an expired travel document or reentry permit will generally not be accepted by airline carriers or immigration authorities, which could prevent the individual from boarding a flight to the United States.
What is the difference between a reentry permit and a green card?
A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document that shows that an individual has been granted lawful permanent resident status in the United States. A reentry permit, on the other hand, is a travel document that allows a lawful permanent resident to return to the United States after an extended absence.