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Official form guide
Form I-131: Application for Travel Document
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-131 is the Application for Travel Documents used to request reentry permits, refugee travel documents, TPS travel authorizations, advance parole, initial parole, or arrival/departure records. Each alien must file a separate form.
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USCIS Form I-131 - Application for Travel Document
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-131 is the Application for Travel Documents used to request reentry permits, refugee travel documents, TPS travel authorizations, advance parole, initial parole, or arrival/departure records. Each alien must file a separate form.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to select a program or process for an initial Parole Document can cause rejection, delay, or denial.
- 2Filing one Form I-131 for multiple aliens instead of a separate form per alien.
- 3Leaving the program or process selection blank when applying for an initial Parole Document.
- 4Omitting required biometrics, interview, or medical exam documentation for re‑parole requests.
- 5Failing to respond to USCIS notices, risking abandonment and denial of a pending TPS application.
Plain English
Form I-131 lets an alien apply for various travel permissions like reentry permits or parole. It gathers personal details and the specific travel document requested. The form must be signed and submitted with any required supporting evidence.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you need to request a Reentry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, TPS Travel Authorization, Advance Parole, an initial Parole Document, or an Arrival/Departure Record.
- Do not use it when the alien is seeking release via parole from immigration custody; they must contact ICE.
- Check Form I-94 instead when you need to obtain an Arrival/Departure Record after re‑parole approval.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Alien needs an Arrival/Departure Record after re‑parole approval
I-94 serves as evidence of re‑parole and records entry/exit
✓ Confirm re‑parole approval before requesting I-94
Alien is represented by an attorney and must file a notice of representation
G-28 authorizes attorney to act on behalf of the applicant
✓ Ensure G-28 is attached to the I-131 filing
Alien needs proof of re‑entry after using an Advance Parole Document
I-94 records the entry and validates the advance parole
✓ Verify the Advance Parole Document is approved before filing I-94 request
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Purpose of travel
Statement of travel purpose · Part 2, question (a)
Specific dates of trip
Travel itinerary with dates · Part 2, question (b)
Travel destinations
List of countries or locations · Part 2, question (c)
Application Type selection
Checked box for desired document · Part 1, Application Type
Supporting documentation
Copies of prior travel documents, proof of status · Attachment section
Before you submit
- 1Print the form using black ink
- 2Complete Part 1 Application Type
- 3Fill in Part 2 Personal Information
- 4Provide purpose of travel, dates, and destinations
- 5Attach required supporting documents
- 6Include Form G-28 if represented by an attorney
- 7Sign and date the form
- 8Verify the edition date is 01/20/25
- 9Keep a copy of the entire submission for your records
How to file this form
- 1Complete the I-131 form with black ink
- 2Gather and attach required supporting documents
- 3Pay the filing fee and attach the receipt
- 4Sign and date the form
- 5Mail the package to the USCIS address for the selected document type
- 6Retain a copy of the entire submission as proof of filing
Known limitations
- 1Not for parole release from immigration custody
- 2Not for duplicate requests of the same application type for the same beneficiary
- 3Not when filing for multiple aliens on a single form
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Part 1
3 items
Name as it appears on your immigration documents.
MM/DD/YYYY
Alien Registration Number if applicable.
Part 2
3 items
Select: Reentry Permit (LPR), Refugee Travel Document, Advance Parole (pending I-485), or other.
Expected departure date and countries you plan to visit.
Brief description of why you are traveling outside the U.S.
Signature
1 items
Sign and date. If under 14, parent or guardian must sign.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The form is the 01/20/25 edition and expires 06/30/2027.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form shows 01/20/25
- Expiration — confirm the form expires 06/30/2027
- Fee — Not stated in the official source
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source
- Signature — Not stated in the official source
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a complete copy of the filed package
- 2Monitor case status through your USCIS online account
- 3Wait for the receipt notice confirming USCIS has received the filing
- 4If a Request for Evidence arrives, respond promptly with the requested information
- 5If an error is discovered, submit a corrected I-131 filing
Court decisions mentioning Form I-131
Real opinions from the CourtListener database. Each one links to its full text, so you can read the source rather than take our word for it.
- Battineni v. Jaddou
District Court, District of Columbia · 2025-02-21
Judge Judge Christopher R. Cooper · Docket Civil Action No. 2024-0302 · Published
Opening of the opinionUNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA RAKESH BATTINENI, Plaintiff, v. Case No. 24-cv-302 (CRC) UR JADDOU, et al., Defendants. MEMORANDUM OPINION Tired of waiting for immigration officials to renew his authorization to return to the United States after traveling abroad, TeThe exact passage is not in the excerpt we hold — open the opinion to see Form I-131 in context.
- Liu v. Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services
Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit · 2009-03-31 · 318 F. App'x 21
Docket No. 07-2589-cv · Published
Opening of the opinionSUMMARY ORDER Plaintiff Luya Liu, proceeding pro se, appeals from the denial of her motions for a preliminary injunction and for the entry of a default judgment and from the granting of defendant’s motion to dismiss. We assume the parties’ familiarity with the underlying facts and procedural history of the case. “On…The exact passage is not in the excerpt we hold — open the opinion to see Form I-131 in context.
- Liu v. Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services
Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit · 2009-03-31 · 318 F. App'x 21
Docket No. 07-2589-cv · Published
Opening of the opinionSUMMARY ORDER Plaintiff Luya Liu, proceeding pro se, appeals from the denial of her motions for a preliminary injunction and for the entry of a default judgment and from the granting of defendant’s motion to dismiss. We assume the parties’ familiarity with the underlying facts and procedural history of the case. “On…The exact passage is not in the excerpt we hold — open the opinion to see Form I-131 in context.
- S.A. v. Trump
District Court, N.D. California · 2018-12-10 · 363 F. Supp. 3d 1048
Judge Beeler, Contents, Table · Docket Case No. 18-cv-03539-LB · Published
Opening of the opinionLAUREL BEELER, United States Magistrate Judge TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...1053 STATEMENT...1056 1. The Immigration and Nationality Act and Parole Generally...1056 2. The Complaint...1056 2.1 September-December 2014: The Creation of the CAM ParoleThe exact passage is not in the excerpt we hold — open the opinion to see Form I-131 in context.
- Jose Alanniz v. William Barr
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit · 2019-05-20 · 924 F.3d 1061 · cited 111 times
Docket 15-72792 · Published
Opening of the opinionFOR PUBLICATION UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT JOSE MAURICIO ALANNIZ, No. 15-72792 Petitioner, Agency No. v. A073-815-349 WILLIAM P. BARR, Attorney General, OPINION Respondent. On Petition for ReThe exact passage is not in the excerpt we hold — open the opinion to see Form I-131 in context.
These cases are listed because they discuss the term, not because they decide your situation. Court decisions bind only their own jurisdiction and turn on their own facts. This is an educational reference, not legal advice — consult a qualified lawyer before acting on anything here.
Source: CourtListener, a project of Free Law Project.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Form I-131 is used to apply for Reentry Permits, Refugee Travel Documents, TPS Travel Authorization, Advance Parole, initial Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records
- SRCInstructions p.3 — Do not file Form I-131 if the alien is seeking release via parole from immigration custody; contact ICE
- SRCInstructions p.4 — A separate Form I-131 must be filed for each alien seeking a travel document, Parole Document, or Arrival/Departure Record
- SRCInstructions p.8 — Required fields include purpose of travel, specific dates of the trip, and travel destinations
- SRCForm p.1 — Edition date shown as 01/20/25 and expiration date 06/30/2027
- SRCInstructions p.4 — Duplicate Form I-131 requests of the same type for the same beneficiary may be rejected
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
Common confusion points
Can I file one I-131 for my whole family?
The form requires a separate filing for each alien
→ Verify each person has their own I-131
Do I need to submit a fee with the form?
Fee amount is not listed in the source
→ Check the USCIS fee schedule before filing
Is a G-28 required for all applicants?
G-28 is only needed if represented by an attorney
→ Confirm attorney representation before attaching G-28
Can I request a reentry permit and advance parole on the same form?
The form allows only one application type per submission
→ Select only one document type per I-131
Do I need to include my travel itinerary?
Purpose, dates, and destinations are required fields
→ Provide complete travel details in Part 2
Will I get a receipt if I mail the form?
USCIS issues a receipt notice after processing
→ Track mailing and await receipt notice
Workflow map
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Questions about USCIS Form I-131
What is USCIS Form I-131 used for?
Form I-131 lets an alien apply for various travel permissions like reentry permits or parole. It gathers personal details and the specific travel document requested. The form must be signed and submitted with any required supporting evidence.
Who must file USCIS Form I-131?
Each alien seeking a travel document, parole document, or arrival/departure record must file USCIS Form I-131.
What information does USCIS Form I-131 require?
Part 2 collects the applicant’s personal data and, if filing for another person, their name, birthdate, A‑Number, and contact information (Item Numbers 16‑27). The form also requires selecting the specific program or process being applied for.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-131?
First, determine the travel document type and complete Part 1. Next, fill Part 2 with the applicant’s personal information, and if filing for someone else, provide their details in Items 16‑27. Select the appropriate program or choose “Other” and attach supporting documents. Finally, sign and date the form, provide contact information, and submit it to USCIS.
What happens if USCIS Form I-131 is filed incorrectly?
If the required program or process is not selected, USCIS may reject, delay, or deny the application. Missing a USCIS notice can cause a TPS application to be deemed abandoned and denied.
Can I file one I-131 for my whole family?
The form requires a separate filing for each alien Verify each person has their own I-131
Do I need to submit a fee with the form?
Fee amount is not listed in the source Check the USCIS fee schedule before filing
Is a G-28 required for all applicants?
G-28 is only needed if represented by an attorney Confirm attorney representation before attaching G-28
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