Navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration can be daunting, especially when it involves international travel. The Travel Authorization Form, officially known as Form I-131, is a crucial document for many non-U.S. citizens seeking to travel abroad and return to the United States, or for those seeking parole or arrival/departure records. This guide provides a detailed overview of Form I-131, ensuring you understand its purpose, application process, and recent updates.
What is Form I-131: Application for Travel Documents?
Form I-131, officially titled “Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records,” is used to apply for various types of travel permissions and immigration documents from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It’s essential to understand that this single form serves multiple purposes, catering to different immigration statuses and travel needs. Whether you are a refugee, a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiary, or seeking advance parole, Form I-131 is likely the form you need to complete.
Types of Travel Documents You Can Apply For Using Form I-131
Form I-131 is versatile and can be used to apply for several different types of travel documents:
Re-entry Permit
If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who intends to travel outside the United States for more than one year but less than two years, you should apply for a re-entry permit. This document allows you to apply for admission back into the U.S. upon your return without needing to obtain a returning resident special immigrant visa.
Refugee Travel Document
Refugees and asylees who wish to travel internationally need a refugee travel document. Unlike a passport, which is issued by your country of nationality, a refugee travel document is issued by USCIS and allows you to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad. It is crucial for those who cannot obtain a passport from their home country.
TPS Travel Authorization Document (Form I-512T)
For individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Form I-131 is used to apply for a TPS travel authorization form, specifically Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States. USCIS issues this document at its discretion, allowing TPS beneficiaries to travel outside the U.S. and seek reentry. It’s important to note that USCIS no longer issues advance parole documents for TPS beneficiaries seeking to re-enter after international travel. Form I-512T serves as the official travel authorization form for TPS holders.
Advance Parole Document (Form I-512L)
Advance parole is permission for certain non-U.S. citizens to temporarily leave and re-enter the United States without abandoning their pending application for adjustment of status (e.g., green card application). Form I-131 is used to request advance parole, and if approved, USCIS will issue Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document. This is particularly relevant for those with pending initial TPS applications (Form I-821).
Advance Permission to Travel for CNMI Long-Term Residents
Long-term residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) can also use Form I-131 to apply for advance permission to travel. This ensures their status is not automatically terminated if they leave the CNMI temporarily.
Important Alerts and Updates Regarding Form I-131
Staying updated with the latest USCIS alerts is crucial when dealing with immigration forms. Here are some key recent alerts related to Form I-131:
New Edition of Form I-131 (06/17/24)
USCIS released a new edition of Form I-131 on June 17, 2024, which was published on October 11, 2024. The form has been renamed “Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.” It is mandatory to use this new 06/17/24 edition if you are filing Form I-131 on or after October 11, 2024. The previous 04/01/24 edition is no longer accepted, and applications filed with the outdated form will be rejected without a grace period. Ensure you are using the most current travel authorization form to avoid processing delays or rejection.
Re-Parole Process for Ukrainians
For eligible Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who were granted parole, a process for re-parole is available. Applications for re-parole can be submitted no earlier than 180 days (6 months) before the expiration of their current parole period. Filing within this 180-day window is highly recommended to prevent a lapse in parole status and employment authorization. Submitting applications too early (more than 180 days before expiration) may result in rejection or denial without a refund of fees. Your parole expiration date can be found on your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
Form I-512T for TPS Beneficiaries
Since July 1, 2022, USCIS has been issuing Form I-512T as the travel authorization form for TPS beneficiaries. Advance parole documents are no longer issued for TPS beneficiaries for re-entry purposes. If you are a TPS beneficiary and need to travel, you must apply for Form I-512T using Form I-131. If you have an existing, unexpired advance parole document as a TPS beneficiary, you can still use it until it expires. For new travel authorization requests, Form I-131 remains the application form, leading to the issuance of Form I-512T upon approval.
Initial Parole and Re-Parole Using Form I-131
Form I-131 is also used for requesting both initial parole and re-parole in the United States:
Initial Parole
Individuals who are outside the United States may use Form I-131 to request parole into the U.S. based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. This could be under specific programs like the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program or for family reunification processes. Initial parole, if granted, may be documented as a boarding foil in your passport or as a Form I-512L travel document.
Re-Parole
For individuals already in the United States who were previously granted parole and require an extension, Form I-131 is used to apply for re-parole. Similar to initial parole, re-parole is granted based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. If approved, you will receive a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record with a new Admit Until Date or Parole Until Date. Re-parole requests often fall under specific programs, including those for Ukrainians, Afghans, and individuals involved in family reunification processes.
Arrival/Departure Records
Finally, Form I-131 is used to apply for arrival/departure records in specific situations:
Parole in Place
Individuals who are present in the U.S. without having been formally admitted may apply for parole in place using Form I-131. This is often based on humanitarian reasons or public benefit, including military parole in place.
Re-Parole
As mentioned earlier, applying for re-parole also results in the issuance of an updated Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94) if approved, documenting the new parole period.
Conclusion
Form I-131 is a vital travel authorization form and application for various immigration-related travel documents, parole, and arrival/departure records. Understanding which type of document to apply for and using the correct, updated form is crucial for a smooth immigration process. Always refer to the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date information and instructions when preparing your Form I-131 application. Ensuring you have the correct travel authorization form and understand the specific requirements for your situation will significantly aid in your travel and immigration journey.
