Form I-131: Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure
This guide explains what Form I-131 is, who typically needs it, and the types of travel documents you can request. You'll get a simple overview explanation and links to detailed pages for your situation.
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Types of Travel Documents You May Request Who Typically Needs to File Form I-131? Evidence & Supporting Document Checklist Form I-131 Filing Fee Instructions: How to Complete the Form Processing Time & What Happens After You File Common I-131 Mistakes & RFEs How CitizenPath Helps You File an I-131 Application Correctly
What is Form I-131?
Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records, is a USCIS application used to request certain immigration-related travel documents. These documents allow eligible applicants to travel internationally or document lawful entry under special circumstances.
You do not receive the same document in every case. The travel document issued depends on your immigration status, your reason for travel, and your current application with USCIS.
Form I-131 is commonly filed by people who:
- Have a pending immigration application
- Plan to travel for an extended period
- Need proof of lawful parole or reentry
USCIS reviews each request carefully, so it is important to understand which document applies to your situation before filing.
What Travel Documents Can You Request with Form I-131?
Form I-131 is used to request several different travel-related documents. Each document serves a specific purpose and applies to different groups of applicants.
Advance Parole
Advance parole allows certain people to travel outside the U.S. and return without abandoning a pending immigration application. It is commonly used by adjustment of status applicants. Without an advance parole document, traveling abroad may cause USCIS to deny the green card application.
Reentry Permit
A reentry permit is designed for lawful permanent residents who plan to remain outside the United States for an extended period. It helps show that you did not intend to abandon your permanent resident status while abroad. It is especially important for trips lasting more than one year.
Refugee Travel Document
A refugee travel document is issued to refugees and asylees who need to travel internationally. In many cases, refugees and asylees should not use a passport from their country of persecution. This document allows travel while maintaining protection status.
Arrival/Departure Record
This record can establish lawful parole for individuals who entered the United States without inspection and qualify under specific parole programs. It does not authorize international travel but can play a critical role in later immigration benefits.
Some travelers need Carrier Documentation to return to the United States after losing a green card or travel document abroad. Do not use Form I-131 to request this benefit. Instead, to request Carrier Documentation use Form I-131A →
Who Typically Needs to File Form I-131?
Form I-131 is generally filed by individuals who are already inside the United States and need travel authorization or parole documentation. Common applicants include:
- Adjustment of Status applicants
- Lawful permanent residents planning long trips
- Refugees and asylees
- Individuals requesting parole-based benefits
Eligibility depends on your immigration situation, so reviewing the correct document type before filing is essential.
For the most accurate list of documents, try CitizenPath’s Travel Document Package. Our online service walks you through Form I-131 and produces a customized checklist tailored to your situation, ensuring you send only what USCIS requires.
What You Must Submit With Your I-131
The supporting documents you include with Form I-131 depend on the type of travel document you are requesting. USCIS uses these documents to confirm your identity, eligibility, and current immigration status.
- Advance Parole: Copies of government-issued ID (passport), I-94 arrival/departure record, receipt notice of pending application, passport-style photos.
- Reentry Permit: Copies of green card, passport, I-94 arrival/departure record, passport-style photos.
- Refugee Travel Document: Copies of government-issued ID (passport) if available, evidence of refugee/asylee approval, I-94 arrival/departure record, passport-style photos.
- Arrival/Departure Record: Copies of government-issued ID (passport), evidence supporting parole in place eligibility, proof of qualifying relationship.
This is a summary list of items to submit but may not be complete for your situation.
For the most accurate list of documents, try CitizenPath’s Travel Document Package. Our online service walks you through Form I-131 and produces a customized checklist tailored to your situation, ensuring you send only what USCIS requires.
Form I-131 Filing Fee
Currently, most applicants will pay an I-131 filing fee of $630. However, there is a different filing fee for refugee travel documents, and military-based parole in place applicants pay no fee at all. Use CitizenPath's list of USCIS fees to check your filing fee. USCIS occasionally adjusts fees, so always verify the USCIS fee schedule before filing.
Form I-131 Instructions: How to Complete the Application
Form I-131 is a flexible application used for several different travel-related benefits, and the exact requirements depend on your immigration status and the document you are requesting. At a high level, the process involves completing the official form, selecting the correct travel document type, and submitting supporting evidence that shows you qualify for that benefit.
The details can vary significantly between advance parole, reentry permits, refugee travel documents, and parole-based requests. USCIS provides the official Form I-131 instructions, but our supporting pages explain the major choices you may face and how requirements differ based on your situation.
Make it easy and file correctly: CitizenPath walks you through each question, checks for errors, and produces ready-to-file forms plus tailored instructions. It's free to try: Travel Document Package →
Processing Time & What Happens After You File I-131
USCIS processing times for Form I-131 vary depending on your service center case loads and your type of document. After submission, you can expect:
- A receipt notice
- Biometrics appointment
- Case review
- Decision
Interviews are very unusual, but they may be requested.
| Form I-131 Document Type | Must Receive Document Before Traveling Abroad? |
|---|---|
| Advance Parole | Yes. You must receive Advance Parole approval before departing the United States. |
| Reentry Permit | No. You may have the document delivered to you outside the United States. |
| Refugee Travel Document | Yes. You must receive the refugee travel document before traveling internationally. |
| Arrival/Departure Record (Parole in Place) | Not applicable. This document does not authorize international travel. |
Common I-131 Mistakes & RFEs
Filing a complete and accurate Form I-131 is critical for smooth processing. Most delays occur because of avoidable errors. USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if something is missing or unclear. Examples include:
- Traveling before approval
- Requesting the wrong document type
- Failing to submit proper supporting documents
- Excessive time abroad
USCIS I-131 Rejections in 2025
MODERATE RISK
USCIS I-131 Denials in 2025
HIGH RISK
CitizenPath checks your application to identify mistakes, omissions and inconsistencies. This optimizes your chances at smooth processing and a quick approval. Learn more about our Travel Document Package →
FAQs About the I-131 Application
How CitizenPath Helps You File I-131 Correctly
CitizenPath makes it easy to prepare Form I-131 correctly the first time. Our affordable online service was designed by immigration attorneys to guide you through each question with simple directions, check for errors, and generate personalized filing instructions.
- Step-by-step I-131 preparation
- Customized checklist of supporting documents
- Error-checking logic and alerts for problems
- Money-back guarantee of USCIS approval
- Try for free; pay only when ready to file