Form I-131: Your Key to International Travel
(Advance Parole & Reentry Permits)
Planning international travel as a U.S. Green Card holder or with a pending immigration application requires careful thought to protect your status. That's where Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, comes in. While this form serves various purposes, this section focuses on its two main functions: Advance Parole and Reentry Permits.
These crucial documents are essential to ensure your smooth return to the United States and prevent potential issues with your immigration process or permanent resident status.
What Is Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is typically for individuals who are currently in the U.S. and have a pending immigration application (such as an Adjustment of Status for a Green Card, or a U Visa, or VAWA petition) but need to travel abroad temporarily.
Leaving the U.S. without Advance Parole while such an application is pending can lead to the abandonment of your application and potential inadmissibility upon return.
Who Should Apply for Advance Parole?
You should apply for Advance Parole if you are:
Adjusting Status to a Green Card (I-485 Pending): This is the most common scenario. If you have a pending application for a Green Card (Form I-485) and need to travel outside the U.S., you must obtain Advance Parole first. Leaving the U.S. without it will generally cause USCIS to consider your I-485 application abandoned, with rare exceptions (e.g., for certain H-1B or L-1 visa holders who maintain their nonimmigrant status).
Hold Temporary Protected Status (TPS): TPS holders who wish to travel internationally and return to the U.S. need Advance Parole.
Asylum Applicants: If you have a pending asylum application (Form I-589) and plan to travel abroad, you must apply for and receive Advance Parole to avoid your asylum application being considered abandoned.
U Visa or T Visa Holders: Individuals with U or T nonimmigrant status often need Advance Parole to travel abroad and return.
DACA Recipients: DACA recipients can apply for Advance Parole for specific humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes.
What Is A Reentry Permit?
Reentry Permits are primarily for lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) who anticipate being outside the U.S. for an extended period, generally one year or more.
While a Green Card allows you to live permanently in the U.S., prolonged absences without a Reentry Permit can raise questions about your intent to abandon your permanent residency, potentially leading to issues at the border upon your return.
Who Should Apply for a Reentry Permit?
You should apply for a Reentry Permit if you are:
A Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) planning an extended trip abroad: If you anticipate being outside the U.S. for one year or more, a Reentry Permit is essential. Without it, prolonged absences can lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to presume you have abandoned your permanent resident status, potentially leading to issues upon your return.
A Conditional Permanent Resident (2-year Green Card holder) planning an extended trip abroad: Similar to 10-year Green Card holders, conditional residents should obtain a Reentry Permit for extended absences.
Crucial Timing for Application
Advance Parole: You must apply for and receive your Advance Parole document before departing the U.S. Leaving without it (unless you fall under a specific exception, like certain H-1B/L-1 visa holders) can lead to the abandonment of your pending application.
Reentry Permit: You must be physically present in the U.S. when you file your Form I-131 for a Reentry Permit. While you are generally not required to remain in the U.S. until your Reentry Permit is approved after your biometrics appointment, it is highly recommended to receive it before you depart.
🔍 Additional Resources
🔗 I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records: Click here to learn more.
🔗 Case Status: Click here to check the status of your case online using your USCIS Receipt Number.
🕒 Processing Times: Click here to check current USCIS processing times.
📦 Address Changes: All non-immigrants and permanent residents are required to notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days of moving. Click here to create an account and submit your change of address online.
