For individuals seeking to enter or re-enter the United States after international travel, possessing the correct travel documents is essential. These documents serve as proof of your authorization to return to the U.S. legally. Crucially, each travel document comes with a unique Travel Document Number, which is vital for identification and processing by immigration officials. This article will guide you through the different types of travel documents, highlight the significance of your travel document number, and ensure you are well-prepared for your journey.
Generally, when returning to the United States after traveling abroad, you must present either a valid entry document or a valid and unexpired travel document. Entry documents typically include a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or a nonimmigrant visa. Travel documents, on the other hand, cater to specific immigration statuses and situations, such as those with pending immigration applications.
It is imperative to apply for and secure your necessary travel document before departing the United States. Planning ahead is crucial, and it’s advisable to check USCIS processing times to ensure timely receipt of your document. For urgent travel needs, USCIS offers options for Expedite Requests and Emergency Travel.
To request various travel documents, you will generally need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, Parole Document, and Advance/Departure Record. This form is used for:
- Advance Parole Document: For individuals in the U.S. with pending applications who need to travel temporarily and return. This includes long-term residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
- Refugee Travel Document: For refugees and asylees needing to travel internationally.
- Re-entry Permit: For lawful permanent residents who intend to stay outside the U.S. for more than one year but less than two.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Travel Authorization: For TPS beneficiaries to travel and return to the U.S.
If you are already outside the United States and find yourself without your re-entry permit, Green Card, advance parole document, or TPS travel authorization document due to loss, theft, or destruction, you should refer to Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation. This document assists transportation carriers in boarding you for return travel to the U.S.
Understanding the Cautions and Important Considerations
It’s vital to understand that traveling outside the U.S. while holding certain immigration statuses or pending applications can have significant immigration consequences. Possessing a travel document does not guarantee admission back into the United States. Upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, you will still undergo inspection by immigration officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). They will determine whether you can be admitted or paroled into the country and if you are eligible for the immigration status you are seeking.
Specific cautions apply to different situations:
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Nonimmigrants: If you are in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa and have applied to change your status by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, leaving the U.S. before a decision is made typically results in the abandonment of your application. Importantly, having an advance parole document does not prevent this abandonment. Returning to the U.S. with an expired status is likely to lead to denied admission.
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Pending Green Card Applicants: If you have a pending application for adjustment of status (Green Card) and depart the U.S. without proper travel documentation, such as an advance parole document, you may be denied re-entry. Even if you are allowed to re-enter, your pending Green Card application could be considered abandoned.
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Individuals with Unlawful Presence or Removal Orders: If you have accrued unlawful presence in the U.S. or have a removal order, seeking admission after leaving the U.S. may result in inadmissibility, even with a travel document. However, it’s important to note that, according to Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly, travel on advance parole is not considered a “departure” that triggers the 10-year unlawful presence bar for adjustment of status applicants. This principle also applies to individuals with TPS traveling on TPS travel authorization. For detailed information, consult Section 212(a)(9) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the Unlawful Presence and Inadmissibility page.
Types of Travel Documents Explained
Advance Parole Document
An advance parole document is crucial for certain individuals with pending immigration applications in the U.S. It permits you to travel internationally and return to the United States without needing a visa. Airlines and other transportation companies accept advance parole documents as sufficient proof of your authorization to travel to the U.S. It is important to remember that an advance parole document is not a substitute for your passport.
While it facilitates travel, an advance parole document does not guarantee re-entry into the United States. CBP officers at the port of entry have the final authority to decide whether to allow your re-entry.
Advance parole is commonly utilized by individuals who have pending:
- Adjustment of Status applications (Form I-485)
- Asylum applications (Form I-589)
- Temporary Protected Status applications (Form I-821)
To apply for advance parole, refer to Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, Parole Document, and Advance/Departure Record.
Refugee Travel Document
USCIS issues refugee travel documents specifically for individuals with refugee or asylum status and lawful permanent residents who obtained their Green Card based on this status.
A refugee travel document is mandatory for returning to the U.S. if you:
- Hold refugee or asylee status but are not yet a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
- Are a derivative asylee or refugee.
Traveling outside the U.S. without a refugee travel document may result in denial of re-entry or placement in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.
For application information, visit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, Parole Document, and Advance/Departure Record.
Re-entry Permit
Lawful permanent residents or conditional residents who plan to reside outside the United States for one year or more should apply for a re-entry permit. Valid re-entry permits allow you to apply for admission to the U.S. without needing to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Application details are available at Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, Parole Document, and Advance/Departure Record.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Travel Authorization
TPS travel authorization enables beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status to travel and return to the United States. If eligible, you will be inspected and admitted back into TPS status. Transportation companies can accept a TPS travel authorization document in place of a visa as proof of your travel authorization to the U.S. Like other travel documents discussed, a TPS travel authorization document is not a replacement for your passport.
It is crucial to understand that possessing a TPS travel authorization document does not guarantee re-entry. CBP officers at the port of entry retain the final decision-making authority regarding your admission.
If your TPS application is still pending and you need to travel, you may be able to request advance parole.
For application information on TPS travel authorization, consult Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, Parole Document, and Advance/Departure Record.
Carrier Documentation
Carrier documentation is designed to assist permanent residents who have been temporarily outside the U.S. and have lost, had stolen, or had destroyed their Green Card or re-entry permit. In such situations, you may need to file Form I-131A. Refer to Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) for further details.
Conclusion
Navigating U.S. immigration requirements can be complex, and understanding travel documents and their associated numbers is critical for seamless international travel. Always ensure you have the correct documentation before traveling outside the United States and that you understand the conditions of your specific travel document. For detailed guidance and the most up-to-date information, always refer to official resources from USCIS and CBP. Planning ahead and being well-informed are your best tools for ensuring顺利 re-entry into the United States.
