Application for Travel Document [Form I-131]

Protect your immigration status while traveling outside the United States

If you are in the process of obtaining your residence or have temporary immigration status, you cannot leave the country without proper permission.

The Form I-131 — Application for Travel Document allows you to do so legally and safely, without jeopardizing your case with USCIS.

Table of Contents

• What is Form I-131?
• Types of travel documents you can request
• Who can file Form I-131?
• Key documents and requirements
• Step-by-step process
• Common mistakes and helpful tips
• Why choose Legalízate Ya?
• 📞 Contact us today

What is Form I-131?

Form I-131 is an application filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to obtain an official travel document.
This document authorizes certain immigrants or applicants to temporarily leave the country and return without losing their immigration status or jeopardizing a pending application.

Depending on your situation, this may be a:

• Reentry Permit (for permanent residents planning to be outside the U.S. for more than 1 year), or
• Advance Parole Document, for applicants for adjustment of status or other pending immigration benefits.

Types of travel documents you can request

1. Advance Parole Document:
   For individuals with pending adjustment of status applications (e.g., Form I-485) or DACA, TPS, or humanitarian parole beneficiaries.
2. Reentry Permit:
   For permanent residents (Green Card holders) planning to stay outside the U.S. for more than 12 months but less than 2 years.
3. Refugee Travel Document:
   For individuals with asylum or refugee status who need to travel abroad without losing their protection in the U.S.

Who can file Form I-131?

The following individuals can file this application:

• Applicants for Adjustment of Status (I-485) who need to leave the country temporarily.
• DACA or TPS holders who require humanitarian, educational, or employment authorization to travel.
• Permanent residents who will be outside the U.S. for an extended period.
• Asylees or refugees who cannot use the passport of their home country to travel.

Key documents and requirements

To file Form I-131, you will need:

• Copy of a valid identity document (passport, work permit, etc.)
• Evidence of your current status or pending application (e.g., copy of I-485 or I-821D receipt)
• Two recent passport-style photos
• Payment of corresponding fees
• Evidence justifying the need to travel (e.g., family emergency, humanitarian, employment, or educational reasons)

Step-by-step process

1. Preparation of Form I-131 with necessary evidence and fees.
2. Filing with USCIS (by mail or online, depending on the case).
3. Receipt of Notice of Action (I-797C).
4. Biometrics appointment (if applicable).
5. Review and decision by USCIS.
6. Once approved, USCIS sends the authorized travel document to the applicant.

Common mistakes and helpful tips

• Do not travel without permission: if you leave without an approved I-131, your residency application could be considered abandoned.
• Do not use your home country’s passport if you have asylum or refugee status.
• Verify your address with USCIS, as the document is sent via physical mail.
• Consult with an attorney before leaving the country, especially if you have a criminal record or a prior deportation order.

Why choose Legalízate Ya?

At Legalízate Ya, we understand that traveling is often a necessity: visiting a sick relative, attending to an emergency, or meeting important responsibilities.
That is why our legal team takes charge of protecting your immigration status while you manage your trip, ensuring your application is complete, correct, and free of errors that could jeopardize your future in the U.S.

With nearly 30 years of combined experience, we offer personalized guidance, constant communication, and full support throughout your process.

📞 Contact us today

Do you need to travel outside the United States but don’t know if you can?
Before risking your immigration status, speak with our immigration attorneys.
Call us today at (956) 725-9714 or visit www.legalizateya.com/en to schedule your consultation.

Legalízate Ya — protecting your status, wherever you go.