Form I-131, Application for Travel Document is also a significant form that is being implemented in the framework of the U. S. immigration process that enables some applicants to apply for different kinds of travel documents. This blog responds to questions individuals have regarding Form I-131, what it is and more information about Advance Parole, the filing fee, and the time it is likely to take to be processed.
What is Form I-131?
I-131 is filled for several travel documents, among them being the Advance Parole Travel Document, Re-entry Permit Travel Document, and the Refugee Travel Document. Such a form is very important for those who have permission to work in the USA and need permission to travel outside the USA and return to the USA with no change of their immigration status. Below is the brief description of each travel document that one can apply using form I-131:
- Advance Parole: This provides humanitarian benefits to those persons in the U. S. with certain immigration classifications who need to travel abroad and be readmitted to the U. S. without effectively relinquishing their pending applications for change of status, or other immigration benefits.
- Re-entry Permit: For legal permanent residents who anticipate being out of the United States for an amount of time more than 1 year, this is for them to keep their permanent resident status.
- Refugee Travel Document: This is issued to persons who have been granted asylum or refugee status and requires international travel from the US, it is used as an alternative to a passport.
Form I-131 is submitted to the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it is used when one wants to retain permission to travel while waiting for a change of status or to continue to maintain LPR status while travelling.
What is Advance Parole?
Advance parole is a travel document which is issued by USCIS to an alien physically present in the U. S. and this document enables him or her to travel to the home country or any other country and return with immunity on his or her pending application for change of status or other immigration benefits. Advance Parole is commonly used by:Advance Parole is commonly used by:
- Applicants for Adjustment of Status: Those who need to travel abroad while their green card application is being processed.
- DACA Recipients: Individuals who are eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) but who must temporarily leave the country.
Although it permits passengers to apply for admission at a U.S. port of entry upon their return, advance parole does not ensure re-entry into the country. To prevent delays and issues, it’s crucial to apply for Advance Parole well in advance of the trip you intend to take.
Do not confuse Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) with Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Undocumented Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens. Form I-131F is used only by undocumented relatives of US citizens who entered the US without inspection.
Form I-131 Filing Fee
The filing fee for Form I-131 depends on the type of travel document you are requesting. As of the most recent update, the fees are:
- Advance Parole: $575
- Re-entry Permit: $575
- Refugee Travel Document: $135
You must pay the relevant fees for each form of travel document if you are submitting a single Form I-131 for numerous types of documents. Since fees are subject to change, always check the USCIS website for the most recent schedule.
Fees must be paid with an electronic payment option, if one is available, or with a check or money order made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” To prevent delays or rejections, make sure the appropriate fee is included with your application.
Form I-131 Processing Time
The type of travel document requested and the service center handling your application determine how long a Form I-131 takes to process. In general:
- Advance Parole: Three to six months may pass throughout the processing phase.
- Re-entry Permit: 6 to 12 months are usually needed for processing.
- Refugee Travel Document: Processing times generally range from 2 to 6 months.
These processing durations are only estimates that may change depending on the amount of applications received and the intricacy of each case. Using your receipt number, you can visit the USCIS website to track the progress of your Form I-131 application. To account for any potential delays and guarantee that your vacation plans are not hampered, it is advised that you apply for your travel document as soon as possible.
Advance parole, re-entry permits, and refugee travel documents are among the many travel documents for which Form I-131 is an essential application. You can handle the application procedure more skillfully if you are aware of the functions of each kind of travel document, the related filing costs, and the processing times. To make sure you have the most recent and accurate information for your application, always refer to the most recent rules and revisions from USCIS.