Form I-131, officially known as the “Application for Travel Document,” is a crucial form for individuals in the United States who need to apply for various types of travel documents, parole documents, and arrival/departure records from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Whether you are a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiary, a refugee, or someone seeking advance parole, understanding Form I-131 is essential for planning international travel and managing your immigration status. This guide provides a detailed overview of the I-131 application, recent updates, and how it applies to different immigration scenarios.
Understanding the Purpose of Form I-131
The Form I-131 serves multiple purposes, allowing different categories of individuals to request specific types of documentation. It’s important to identify your specific need when filing this application. Here are the primary uses of Form I-131:
Travel Documents
For lawful permanent residents and certain other individuals, Form I-131 can be used to apply for:
- Re-entry Permit: This permit allows a lawful permanent resident to travel outside the United States for up to two years and ensures their ability to return. It is particularly useful for those who need to live abroad temporarily for work or family reasons without jeopardizing their green card status.
- Refugee Travel Document: Refugees and asylees can apply for a refugee travel document to travel internationally. Unlike a passport from their country of origin (which they may not be able to obtain), this document allows them to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad.
- TPS Travel Authorization Document: Beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) need to apply for travel authorization to travel outside the U.S. and return. USCIS now issues Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States, for approved TPS travel authorization requests based on Form I-131 filings.
- Advance Parole Document: Individuals in certain situations who do not have permanent resident status may need advance parole to travel and return to the U.S. This includes those with pending adjustment of status applications or those granted deferred action. For TPS applicants with initial applications pending (Form I-821), USCIS issues Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document.
- Advance Permission to Travel for CNMI Long-Term Residents: Long-term residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) can use Form I-131 to seek advance permission to travel outside of CNMI and the U.S.
Parole Documents
Form I-131 also facilitates applications for various types of parole, allowing individuals who may not otherwise be admissible to enter or remain in the United States temporarily for humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
- Initial Parole Documents: Individuals outside the United States can apply for parole into the U.S. using Form I-131. This is often based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit and may fall under specific programs such as the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program or processes for Ukrainians and Afghans.
- Parole in Place: For individuals present in the U.S. without admission, Form I-131 can be used to request parole in place, which allows them to be considered lawfully admitted for specific purposes, such as adjusting status as the spouse of a U.S. citizen. Military parole in place is a common example.
Arrival/Departure Records for Re-Parole
- Re-Parole: Individuals in the U.S. who were previously granted parole and require an extension can apply for re-parole using Form I-131. If approved, USCIS will issue a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record with a new parole expiration date. Specific groups, like Ukrainians granted parole after February 24, 2022, may be eligible for re-parole.
Important Updates to Form I-131
USCIS regularly updates its forms and processes. It’s crucial to use the most current edition of Form I-131 to avoid rejection.
New Edition of Form I-131 (06/17/24)
As of October 11, 2024, USCIS has implemented a new edition (06/17/24) of Form I-131, renamed “Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.” It is mandatory to use this new edition for all filings on or after October 11, 2024. The previous edition (04/01/24) is no longer accepted. Filing with the outdated form will result in rejection without a grace period.
Re-Parole for Ukrainian Citizens
For Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who were granted parole, USCIS has a process for re-parole. Eligible Ukrainians are encouraged to apply for re-parole no earlier than 180 days (6 months) before their current parole expires. Applying too early (more than 180 days before expiration) may lead to rejection or denial without a fee refund. You can find your parole expiration date on your Form I-94. Applying within the recommended window helps prevent a lapse in your parole status and employment authorization.
TPS Travel Authorization and Form I-512T
For TPS beneficiaries seeking travel authorization, USCIS now issues Form I-512T instead of advance parole documents. If you are a TPS beneficiary applying for travel authorization, you should still use Form I-131. USCIS will then issue Form I-512T if your application is approved. If you have an existing, unexpired advance parole document as a TPS beneficiary, you can continue to use it for travel until it expires.
It’s important to note that even with a TPS travel authorization, admission upon return to the U.S. is not guaranteed and depends on DHS discretion at the port of entry. Furthermore, returning to the U.S. with TPS travel authorization after prior parole may affect future parole eligibility.
Filing Form I-131 and Key Considerations
When preparing your I-131 application, keep the following points in mind:
- Use the Correct Form Edition: Always download the latest version of Form I-131 from the USCIS website to ensure you are using the current edition.
- Read Instructions Carefully: The Form I-131 instructions provide detailed guidance on eligibility, required documentation, and filing procedures. Pay close attention to warnings, especially for TPS beneficiaries, regarding potential risks of traveling outside the U.S. while their TPS status is being processed.
- Online Filing: USCIS offers online filing for Form I-131 in certain categories. Check the USCIS website to see if you are eligible to file online, which can offer a more efficient process.
- Expedited Processing: In cases of urgent need for travel, you may request expedited processing. USCIS has specific guidelines for expedite requests, which can be found on their website.
- Travel Risks for TPS Applicants: TPS beneficiaries and those with pending initial TPS applications should be aware of potential risks when traveling outside the U.S., such as missing important notices from USCIS or facing denial of TPS while abroad.
Conclusion
Form I-131 is a versatile application used for various immigration-related travel and parole needs. Staying informed about the latest updates and using the correct form edition is crucial for a successful application. Whether you are seeking a re-entry permit, refugee travel document, TPS travel authorization, or parole, understanding the specific requirements and implications of Form I-131 is essential for navigating your immigration journey in the United States. Always refer to the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date information and guidance when preparing your application for travel documents.
