If you are planning a trip outside the United States, have a pending I-485 application, and don’t know whether it will be affected, you need Form I-131. Form I-131 is used by non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents when they need travel documents that do not jeopardize their current status. In this guide, we explain what Form I-131 means, how to complete it properly, and when you need each document.
Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records, is an official USCIS form used by foreign nationals and permanent residents in the United States to apply for travel authorization documents, including Advance Parole, Reentry Permits, and Refugee Travel Documents.
Essentially, you file it when you need to travel, but you’re not a U.S. citizen and don't want to risk losing your status.
Form I-131 covers several types of travel documents, including;
Form I-131 is also used in certain humanitarian situations. Individuals outside the U.S. may use the I-131 to request humanitarian parole for urgent humanitarian reasons or public benefit.
Your physical location matters. Applicants for advance parole and reentry permits must be in the United States when filing. The rules change, so always review the current Form I-131 page and instructions before you submit anything.
Form I-131 allows you to apply for different types of travel authorization, and they all serve a specific purpose. Choose the right document for your situation, as filing the wrong one can lead to delays, denials, or rejections.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the main travel documents available under Form I-131.
A few points to note for all these document types;
Filing Form I-131 correctly helps you avoid unnecessary delays or rejections. Here is a simplified guide through the process;
Download the latest version of Form I-131 directly from the USCIS website. Always double-check the edition date, as submitting an outdated form will lead to rejection.
The form requires the following details;
Answer every question completely and accurately. Before submitting, confirm that your name, A-Number, and address are accurate, and sign and date the document. Unsigned forms are rejected immediately.
Form I-131 filing fee depends on the document type and how you file. Always check the current USCIS Fee Schedule before submitting. Depending on the filing method, payment options include Check, money order, Credit card (using Form G-1450), and ACH debit if USCIS allows it.
Some Form I-131 categories may be eligible for online filing through your USCIS account, while others may require paper filing by mail. Check the USCIS filing instructions for your category. If filing by mail, send your packet to the designated filing address for your location and document type.
Reentry permit applicants and certain advance parole applicants must attend a biometrics appointment. USCIS will mail you a notice with the date, time, and location of the biometrics appointment.
Processing times vary by location and document type. Use the USCIS processing times tool to track expected wait times for your category using your receipt number.
Below is a clearer breakdown for Form I-131 applicants;
There is no single filing fee for I-131. The cost you pay depends on which travel documents you’re applying for. USCIS separates these categories in its official fee schedule.
Review the current payment instructions carefully before submitting your package. You can pay by credit card using Form G-1450, ACH debit using Form G-1650 where USCIS allows it, pay.gov for online filings. Submitting the wrong fee or using the wrong payment method is still one of the most common reasons USCIS rejects a Form I-131 application.
Where you send your Form I-131 depends on a few key factors:
Most applicants inside the U.S. must file with a designated USCIS Lockbox facility. In limited situations, such as certain humanitarian parole requests, filing instructions may differ.
Most applicants inside the U.S. will send their application to a designated USCIS Lockbox, though in some cases, like certain humanitarian parole requests, have different instructions.
Filing addresses can change, so always double-check the USCIS direct filing addresses page before mailing your package. Sending it to the wrong location can cause unnecessary processing delays.
Processing times vary depending on the document type and the specific service center handling your file. Processing times are estimates, not guarantees. Factors that can affect your case include:
To get a realistic estimate for your specific form and office, check the USCIS processing times tool.
Once you file, USCIS sends you a receipt notice with a 13-character number. You can use it to track your status online by entering the number on the USCIS Case Status page. Do not lose your receipt notice. If your application is taking longer than the posted processing times, you can submit an online inquiry or reach out to the USCIS Contact Center.
The standard rule is strict: leaving the U.S. while your green card application (Form I-485) is pending is treated as an abandonment of your status.
However, the regulations make a clear exception for H-1B and L-1 visa holders (and their H-4 and L-2 dependents). You can travel without advance parole if you meet three mandatory conditions when returning:
Note: This travel rule specifically applies only to H-1 and L-1 visas. O-1 visa holders are not included. If you hold O-1 status with a pending I-485, you must get advance parole before traveling outside the United States. Verify that you satisfy all three conditions before deciding to travel without an advance parole document.
If you already hold a green card and will be outside the United States for an extended period, you will need to apply for a reentry permit. Here are the rules that apply;
Most people who come to us about travel have already decided they need advance parole. Often they do. Sometimes they have a cheaper or faster option they had not considered.
Our attorneys will tell you whether your status lets you travel without filing, what your I-485 receipt date means for the fee, and whether a reentry permit fits the absence you are planning.
Request a free consultation for an honest assessment of your case.
Advance parole is for people with a pending Form I-485 who need to return without abandoning it. A reentry permit is for people who already hold a green card and are planning a long absence. Same form, same fee, opposite situations.
Advance parole and reentry permits cost US$630 to file on paper, while online filing costs US$580. The discount does not apply to refugee travel documents.
Possibly. You can travel as long as you remain eligible for H or L status, return to resume employment with the same employer, and hold a valid H or L visa where required. All three conditions must be met, and this exception does not cover O-1.
No. The regulation requires you to file while inside the country and in permanent or conditional resident status.
Two years from issuance for a permanent resident. One year if you have been outside the United States more than four years since becoming a resident, or in the last five years, whichever period is shorter.
Unless an exception applies, USCIS treats your departure as an abandonment of your status.
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