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Official form guide
Form I-131: Application for Travel Document
USCIS Form I-131 is used to apply for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records; it is effective until 06/30/2027.
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USCIS Form I-131 - Application for Travel Document
USCIS Form I-131 is used to apply for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records; it is effective until 06/30/2027.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failure to select a specific program or process when applying for an initial Parole Document may result in rejection or denial.
- 2Filing Form I-131 when seeking parole release directly from immigration custody instead of filing with ICE.
- 3Not completing 'Information About Them' section when applying for someone other than oneself on Form I-131.
- 4Failing to select a specific program or process under Part 2 when requesting an initial Parole Document.
- 5Selecting 'Other' without specifying the exact program/process in the available field.
Plain English
This form allows an alien to request several types of travel or status documents from USCIS. Applicants can use it to get things like Reentry Permits or Advance Parole Documents. If approved, the agency will issue the necessary documentation proving eligibility for travel or parole.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a specific filing deadline, but if an alien has pending TPS registration and leaves the U.S., they must ensure timely response to notices from USCIS.
- 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 applying for Reentry Permits, Refugee Travel Documents, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Travel Authorization Documents, Advance Parole Documents, initial Parole Documents outside the U.S., or Arrival/Departure Records for parole in place/re-parole inside the U.S.
- Do not use this form if you are only requesting a change to your existing document status; use it when applying for a new travel document, parole document, or arrival/departure record.
- Check Form I-131 instead when applying for an Advance Parole Document based on guidance provided by DHS or USCIS (though the form covers both).
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying for Reentry Permit
This is listed as a primary document type available via this form.
✓ Check Part 1, Action Block.
Requesting New Parole Approval (Re-parole)
An alien inside the U.S. needing to stay beyond approved parole must file a new Form I-131 for re-parole.
✓ Refer to instructions related to requests for re-parole.
Deadline or filing window
If an alien has a pending re-registration application for TPS and leaves the U.S., they must make arrangements to avoid missing important USCIS notices. Failure to respond timely can lead USCIS to deem the application abandoned, potentially withdrawing their TPS.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Reentry Permit
Proof of CNMI long-term resident status + statement (purpose, dates, destination) · Instructions p.8
Advance Parole Document
Statement describing intended travel/eligibility basis ('Other') · Instructions p.8
Applying for Another Person (Outside U.S.)
Completion of Part 2, Items 16-27 · Instructions p.12
Parole/Re-parole Inside U.S.
Proof of current parole status and documentation · Instructions p.12
Before you submit
- 1Fill out all required fields in Part 1 using black ink.
- 2Complete Part 2 (Information About You) if applying for someone outside the United States.
- 3Include a statement detailing purpose(s), specific dates, and travel destination(s) when applying for a Reentry Permit.
- 4If applicable, provide proof of CNMI long-term resident status along with your application.
- 5Sign Part 11 (Applicant's Signature) and date it correctly.
- 6Provide contact information (phone/email) in Part 11 if not already listed elsewhere on the form.
- 7Ensure all supporting documentation is included before mailing or submitting.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Part 1 of Form I-131, selecting the correct Application Type.
- 2Fill out Part 2 with your personal information (Part 2. Information About You).
- 3If applying for someone outside the U.S., complete Items 16-27 in Part 2 with their details.
- 4Attach required supporting documents and include a detailed statement describing travel plans (if applicable to the document type).
- 5Sign and date Part 11 of Form I-131, providing your contact information.
- 6Submit the completed Form I-131 to the appropriate U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS international field office.
Known limitations
- 1A separate USCIS Form I-131 must be filed for each alien seeking a travel document, Parole Document, or Arrival/Departure Record.
- 2Do not file USCIS Form I-131 if the alien is seeking release via parole from immigration custody; in that case, the alien should contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- 3If an alien has a pending re-registration application for TPS and leaves the United States, they risk missing important notices regarding their application.
- 4When applying for an initial Parole Document under a specific program or process (Part 1., Item Number 6.), failure to select that program/process may result in rejection, delay, or denial of the Form I-131.
- 5Duplicate USCIS Form I-131 requests for the same application type and beneficiary may be rejected, denied, administratively closed, or terminated if a previous one is pending.
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form I-131 is 01/20/25, and this version includes instructions covering pages 1 through 30.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm 01/20/25
- Form Number — confirm I-131 (OMB No. 1615-0013)
- Expiration Date — confirm 06/30/2027
- Part 2 Requirement — confirm Part 2 must be completed if applying for someone outside the U.S.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the filed USCIS Form I-131.
- 2If applying for Reentry Permit or Refugee Travel Document, ensure the 'Mail To' section on the form is updated correctly.
- 3If seeking re-parole and the Form I-131 is approved, expect to receive a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
- 4When traveling with an Advance Parole Document obtained while having a pending application, ensure arrangements are made to avoid missing important USCIS notices.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Form I-131 is used to apply for Reentry Permits, Refugee Travel Documents, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Travel Authorization Documents, Advance Parole Documents, initial Parole Documents for aliens outside the United States, and Arrival/Departure Records.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — USCIS may require biometrics, an interview, or a medical examination for aliens seeking re-parole; approval results in issuance of Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record).
- SRCInstructions p.3 — A separate Form I-131 must be filed for each alien seeking a travel document, Parole Document, or Arrival/Departure Record.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — When leaving the U.S. after obtaining Advance Parole, an alien risks missing notices regarding their pending application, which may lead to abandonment and loss of benefit.
- SRCInstructions p.12 — If applying for initial Parole under a specific program, selecting 'Other' requires specifying that program/process and including additional supporting documents.
- SRCForm p.1 — The current edition date is 01/20/25, and the form expires on 06/30/2027.
Common confusion points
Who should file the Form I-131?
A separate form must be filed for each alien seeking a travel document, parole document, or arrival/departure record.
→ Check Part 1 of the form to confirm all beneficiaries are listed.
Do I need to file this if I'm being released by ICE?
No, do not file Form I-131; contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about the request instead.
→ Verify the alien is *not* seeking release via parole from immigration custody.
What happens if my TPS application is pending and I travel?
USCIS may deem the application abandoned or withdraw the TPS if the alien does not respond timely to important notices, like Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
→ Make arrangements to ensure you do not miss any critical notices.
If I select 'Other' on the Form I-131, what must I do?
You must specify the program or process in the available field and include any additional supporting documents USCIS should consider.
→ Confirm you have specified the exact program/process when selecting 'Other'.
What if my application is for a Reentry Permit but it's also tied to TPS?
The alien may need to file Form I-131, and must make arrangements so they do not miss notices regarding their pending TPS application.
→ Review the instructions regarding TPS re-registration status.
Does ICE handle all requests for this form?
ICE generally has jurisdiction when the applicant is in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, is subject to an administratively final order, or was previously ordered excluded/deported/removed.
→ Check if your case falls under these jurisdictional criteria.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- A duplicate submission may lead to rejection or denial of the same application type.
Questions about USCIS Form I-131
What is USCIS Form I-131 used for?
This form allows an alien to request several types of travel or status documents from USCIS. Applicants can use it to get things like Reentry Permits or Advance Parole Documents. If approved, the agency will issue the necessary documentation proving eligibility for travel or parole.
Who must file USCIS Form I-131?
A separate Form I-131 must be filed for each alien seeking a travel document, Parole Document, or Arrival/Departure Record. Do not file this form if the alien is seeking release via parole from immigration custody; that request goes to ICE.
What information does USCIS Form I-131 require?
The form collects personal information in 'Part 2. Information About You' and details about another person in 'Information About Them.' It also captures contact details like phone number, email, and Alien Registration Number (A-Number).
Where do I file USCIS Form I-131?
The instructions do not specify a single service center address for mailing, but additional guidance on parole programs can be found at www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/humanitarian_parole.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-131?
First, complete all required information in Part 2. If applying for someone else, fill out 'Information About Them' (Items 16-27). Finally, the applicant must sign on Form I-131 and provide the date of signature before submitting it to USCIS.
What happens if USCIS Form I-131 is filed incorrectly?
Failure to respond timely to notices regarding an application may cause USCIS to deem the application abandoned and deny it; their TPS may also be withdrawn.
Who should file the Form I-131?
A separate form must be filed for each alien seeking a travel document, parole document, or arrival/departure record. Check Part 1 of the form to confirm all beneficiaries are listed.
Do I need to file this if I'm being released by ICE?
No, do not file Form I-131; contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about the request instead. Verify the alien is *not* seeking release via parole from immigration custody.
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