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🇺🇸 United States

I-131 Travel Document

Advance Parole or Refugee Travel Document

Easy ~20 min Travel DocumentAdvance ParoleRefugeeImmigration

/ What is this form?

Form I-131 is used to apply for a travel document: Advance Parole (allows travel while I-485 is pending), Refugee Travel Document (for refugees/asylees), or Re-entry Permit (for permanent residents traveling abroad for 1+ year).

/ Who needs this form?

  • Pending green card applicants who need to travel outside the US (Advance Parole)
  • Refugees and asylees traveling abroad (Refugee Travel Document)
  • Permanent residents planning to be abroad for 1–2 years (Re-entry Permit)

/ What you need before you start

Passport photos
Copy of I-485 receipt notice (for Advance Parole)
Copy of green card or I-94 (for other types)
Filing fee: varies by document type

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Identify Document Type
Determine which travel document you need: Advance Parole (for pending I-485 applicants), Refugee Travel Document (for refugees/asylees), or Re-entry Permit (for green card holders abroad 1+ year).
2 Complete Form I-131
Fill in your personal information and the type of travel document requested. Provide the reason for travel and the countries you plan to visit.
3 Gather Required Documents
Include passport photos, copy of I-485 receipt notice (for Advance Parole), copy of green card or I-94, and any other required evidence.
4 Pay the Filing Fee
Fees vary: $630 for Advance Parole/Re-entry Permit, $165 for Refugee Travel Document. Check uscis.gov for current fees as they change.
5 File Early and Track
Processing takes several months — file early before planned travel. Check USCIS processing times and track your case with the receipt number.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Type of application Advance Parole, Refugee Travel Document, or Re-entry Permit Selecting the wrong document type — each has different eligibility requirements

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Traveling without Advance Parole while I-485 is pending — this abandons your green card application
Not applying early enough (processing takes months)
Refugees using a passport from their home country, which can jeopardize asylum status

/ Frequently asked questions

Do I need this if I have a combo card (EAD/AP)?

No. The combo card includes Advance Parole. If you have one, you don't need to file I-131 separately.

Can I travel while I-131 is pending?

No. You must wait until the document is issued before traveling. Traveling with a pending application (but no approved document) can result in denial of re-entry.