Eligibility to Fill Out Form I-131A
Before you fill out Form I-131A, make sure you’re eligible. If you’ve had your green card or reentry permit lost, stolen or destroyed while traveling abroad, you’ll most likely need to file Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation). If you are traveling outside the United States and your green card has expired, you probably don’t need to fill out Form I-131A. Most transportation carriers will allow you to board with an expired 10-year green card. If you have an expired green card, check with your carrier first.
If you’re a permanent resident whose been absent from the United States for one year or more, you may have a more serious immigration problem. It’s possible that you’ve abandoned your green card. If this sounds like you, contact an experienced immigration attorney.
RECOMMENDED: Green Card Abandonment: Risks of Travel Abroad
Form I-131A is only for permanent residents outside the United States. File Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, if you are presently inside the U.S. and your green card is lost, stolen or destroyed.
Fill Out Form I-131A
You may download instructions to fill out Form I-131A from the USCIS website. USCIS forms and instructions can be overwhelming. What’s more, mistakes can create significant delays and even rejections of an application. CitizenPath provides step-by-step guidance through the application on our website. Most applicants are able to fill out Form I-131A in about 10 minutes. What’s more, we guarantee accuracy so that USCIS will approve your application the first time.
Filing Form I-131A
After filling out the I-131A application, you must pay the USCIS filing fee and then file the Form I-131A at the closest U.S. embassy or consulate.
