When planning international travel as a U.S. resident, understanding the necessary documentation for your return is crucial. While “travel document number” isn’t a term commonly used, it’s essential to know what travel documents are required to lawfully re-enter the United States. This guide will clarify the types of documents you need, depending on your immigration status, ensuring a smooth return to the U.S. after your trip abroad.
Understanding Travel Documents for U.S. Re-entry
Generally, to return to the United States after traveling internationally, you must present valid documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at a port of entry. The specific document you’ll need varies based on your immigration status in the U.S. and the purpose of your travel. These documents serve as proof of your permission to enter or re-enter the country. It’s important to apply for and secure these travel documents before you depart from the United States. Always check the USCIS processing times when planning your travel to account for application processing. For urgent travel needs, USCIS offers options for Expedite Requests and Emergency Travel.
To formally request a travel document, you will typically need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This form covers several types of travel documents, including:
Types of U.S. Travel Documents
There are several types of travel documents that allow certain individuals to re-enter the United States. Understanding which document applies to your situation is key.
1. Advance Parole Document
Advance parole is a document that allows certain foreign nationals in the United States to travel abroad and return without jeopardizing their pending immigration applications, such as an Application for Adjustment of Status (Green Card). It essentially grants “parole” to re-enter the U.S. upon your return.
Who needs it?
- Individuals in the U.S. with a pending Application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485).
- Asylees and refugees adjusting status.
- Individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) who need to travel internationally (though TPS beneficiaries may also use a TPS travel authorization document).
- Certain applicants for asylum and withholding of deportation.
Key points:
- An advance parole document is not a visa and does not replace your passport.
- It does not guarantee re-entry to the U.S.; CBP officers at the port of entry have the final authority to grant or deny admission.
- Carriers like airlines can accept an advance parole document as proof of authorization to travel to the U.S.
For application details, refer to Form I-131.
2. Refugee Travel Document
A Refugee Travel Document is specifically issued to individuals who have been granted refugee or asylum status in the United States, or those who obtained their Green Card through refugee or asylee status.
Who needs it?
- Refugees or asylees who are not yet Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders).
- Derivative asylees or refugees.
Key points:
- If you have refugee or asylee status and plan to travel outside the U.S., you must obtain a refugee travel document before leaving. Failure to do so may result in denial of re-entry or placement in removal proceedings.
- Like advance parole, this document does not replace your passport.
Apply for a refugee travel document using Form I-131.
3. Re-entry Permit
Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), especially those with conditional resident status, should apply for a re-entry permit if they anticipate being outside the United States for a year or more, but less than two years.
Who needs it?
- U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents or Conditional Residents who will be traveling outside the U.S. for an extended period (one year or more).
Key points:
- A re-entry permit allows a permanent resident to apply for admission to the U.S. without needing to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate while the permit is valid.
- It preserves your permanent resident status for immigration purposes during extended absences.
Apply for a re-entry permit using Form I-131.
4. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Travel Authorization
TPS beneficiaries can obtain a TPS travel authorization document to travel outside the U.S. and return.
Who needs it?
- Individuals who have been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the United States and wish to travel abroad.
Key points:
- A TPS travel authorization document allows you to return to the U.S. and, if you remain eligible for TPS, be inspected and admitted back into TPS status.
- Transportation companies can accept this document in place of a visa.
- Similar to other travel documents, it does not guarantee admission upon return; CBP has the final say.
Apply for TPS travel authorization through Form I-131.
5. Carrier Documentation
Carrier documentation is not a travel document for the individual traveler but rather a document that allows transportation carriers (like airlines) to board permanent residents who are returning to the U.S. but have lost their Green Card or re-entry permit while abroad.
Who is it for?
- U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents who are outside the U.S. and have had their Green Card or re-entry permit lost, stolen, or destroyed.
Key points:
- In this situation, permanent residents may need to file Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) to request carrier documentation from USCIS.
- This allows the airline to board you for travel back to the U.S. without the physical Green Card or re-entry permit.
Important Considerations Before You Travel
Traveling outside the United States with or without a travel document carries potential immigration consequences.
General Cautions:
- No Guarantee of Admission: Possession of a travel document does not guarantee admission or parole into the United States. You will still be subject to inspection at a port of entry.
- Immigration Inspection: CBP officers will determine whether you can be admitted and if you are eligible for the immigration status you seek.
Specific Cautions Based on Immigration Status:
For 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 on your application will generally be considered abandonment of your application. Even with advance parole, your change of status application may be considered abandoned. Upon return, you may face denial of admission if your original nonimmigrant status has expired.
For Pending Green Card Applicants
If you have a pending Green Card application (Adjustment of Status) and depart the U.S. without proper travel documentation, such as advance parole, you risk being denied re-entry and your pending application may be considered abandoned. Always obtain advance parole before traveling if you have a pending Green Card application.
For Individuals with Unlawful Presence or a Removal Order
If you have accrued unlawful presence in the U.S. or have a removal order, seeking admission after departing the U.S., even with a travel document, may lead to inadmissibility. While advance parole may prevent triggering certain unlawful presence bars under immigration law in specific adjustment of status cases (Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly), it does not erase past unlawful presence or negate existing removal orders. Consult with an immigration attorney if you are in this situation before traveling. For more information, see Section 212(a)(9) of the INA and USCIS resources on Unlawful Presence and Inadmissibility.
Conclusion
Understanding U.S. travel documents is vital for anyone planning to travel outside the United States and return. While the term “travel document number” isn’t standard terminology, knowing the types of documents like advance parole, refugee travel documents, re-entry permits, and TPS travel authorizations, and when they are needed, is crucial. Always apply for the necessary documents well in advance of your travel and be aware of the potential immigration consequences of international travel based on your specific circumstances. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official USCIS website.
