🇺🇸United States

I-131 Travel Document

Advance Parole or Refugee Travel Document

Easy~20 minTravel DocumentAdvance ParoleRefugeeImmigration

/ What is this form?

Form I-131 is used to apply for a travel document: Advance Parole (allows travel while I-485 is pending), Refugee Travel Document (for refugees/asylees), or Re-entry Permit (for permanent residents traveling abroad for 1+ year).

/ Who needs this form?

Pending green card applicants who need to travel outside the US (Advance Parole)
Refugees and asylees traveling abroad (Refugee Travel Document)
Permanent residents planning to be abroad for 1–2 years (Re-entry Permit)

/ What you need before you start

Passport photos

Copy of I-485 receipt notice (for Advance Parole)

Copy of green card or I-94 (for other types)

Filing fee: varies by document type

/ Step-by-step guide

1Identify Document Type

Determine which travel document you need: Advance Parole (for pending I-485 applicants), Refugee Travel Document (for refugees/asylees), or Re-entry Permit (for green card holders abroad 1+ year).

2Complete Form I-131

Fill in your personal information and the type of travel document requested. Provide the reason for travel and the countries you plan to visit.

3Gather Required Documents

Include passport photos, copy of I-485 receipt notice (for Advance Parole), copy of green card or I-94, and any other required evidence.

4Pay the Filing Fee

Fees vary: $630 for Advance Parole/Re-entry Permit, $165 for Refugee Travel Document. Check uscis.gov for current fees as they change.

5File Early and Track

Processing takes several months — file early before planned travel. Check USCIS processing times and track your case with the receipt number.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Type of application	Advance Parole, Refugee Travel Document, or Re-entry Permit	Selecting the wrong document type — each has different eligibility requirements

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Traveling without Advance Parole while I-485 is pending — this abandons your green card application

Not applying early enough (processing takes months)

Refugees using a passport from their home country, which can jeopardize asylum status

/ Frequently asked questions

Do I need this if I have a combo card (EAD/AP)?

No. The combo card includes Advance Parole. If you have one, you don't need to file I-131 separately.

Can I travel while I-131 is pending?

No. You must wait until the document is issued before traveling. Traveling with a pending application (but no approved document) can result in denial of re-entry.