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Form I-131A: Application for Carrier Documentation
USCIS Form I-131A is the Application for Carrier Documentation, used by carriers (airlines, ships, etc.) to document eligibility for foreign nationals returning to the U.S.; a penalty applies if carriers bring in non-valid passport holders.
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USCIS Form I-131A - Application for Carrier Documentation
USCIS Form I-131A is the Application for Carrier Documentation, used by carriers (airlines, ships, etc.) to document eligibility for foreign nationals returning to the U.S.; a penalty applies if carriers bring in non-valid passport holders.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failure to submit proof of online filing fee payment results in immediate rejection by USCIS.
- 2Filing without submitting proof of payment through the USCIS online system.
- 3Submitting an application that lacks a valid signature (stamped or typewritten names alone).
- 4Not providing a full English translation if the form contains foreign language information.
- 5Using photos that do not meet the 2 by 2 inch size requirement.
Plain English
This form lets you prove that you are allowed to return to the United States from overseas. It is necessary if your carrier refuses to let you board using only your Green Card or Reentry Permit. Filing this document ensures authorities know your status when you travel internationally.
Submission Date
- Filing date: For an address change (if not a U.S. citizen), notification to USCIS is required within 10 days of moving from the previous residence.
- 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 a carrier (like an airline or ship) brings foreign nationals into the United States who lack a valid passport or required visa.
- Do not use this form when you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or conditional permanent resident (conditional LPR) traveling overseas temporarily and do not have another document to use as proof of eligibility.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when needing specific information about the applicable filing fees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Traveling temporarily with a Green Card or Reentry Permit
Use your Permanent Resident Card or Reentry Permit as documentation of eligibility to return.
✓ Confirm you are using this form for carrier documentation.
Needing fee details for the application
This form provides specific information about fees applicable to Form I-131A.
✓ Verify the current fee schedule on www.uscis.gov/forms.
Changing address while not a U.S. citizen
You must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving from your previous residence.
✓ Check instructions for specific filing methods.
Not stated in the official source (verify on the agency site)
Deadline or filing window
For non-U.S. citizens changing address, notification must happen within 10 days of moving from the prior residence. If a carrier is traveling temporarily, they should file Form I-131A if their documents are rejected by the carrier.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Supporting Documents
All evidence listed in the 'What Evidence Must You Submit' section of the Instructions · Not stated in the official source (verify on the agency site)
Foreign Language Document
A full English translation must be submitted along with the original. · Instructions p.4
Photos
Must meet specific dimensions (2x2 inches) and placement requirements. · Instructions p.6
Filing Fee Payment
Proof of payment must accompany the application when filing in person. · Instructions p.6
Applicant's Signature
Must be handwritten (not stamped or typewritten). · Form p.3 / Instructions p.3
Before you submit
- 1Ensure you have properly signed your application (or authorized signer has done so).
- 2Verify that all required evidence and supporting documents are included with Form I-131A.
- 3If submitting a foreign language document, include the certified English translation.
- 4Confirm photos are 2 by 2 inches, frontal view, and have your name/A-Number printed lightly on the back.
- 5Verify you have proof of payment for the filing fee (paid online).
- 6Check that you have not mailed the application to a general USCIS Lockbox address.
- 7If applicable, ensure the translator's certification includes their signature, printed name, date, and contact info.
How to file this form
- 1Submit your filing fee through the USCIS online filing system on the USCIS website before appearing at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- 2Complete Form I-131A by properly signing it (or having an authorized person sign for you).
- 3Gather all required evidence and supporting documents, including certified translations if necessary.
- 4Bring your completed Form I-131A along with the proof of payment when appearing in person at the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to have it accepted.
Known limitations
- 1Form I-131A should not be used to apply for or replace Humanitarian Parole; Form I-131 is referenced for that application.
- 2If a foreign national is an LPR or conditional LPR traveling overseas temporarily and has a valid Permanent Resident Card or Reentry Permit, they ordinarily do not need Form I-131A.
- 3If the applicant is not an LPR or conditional LPR but possesses a Form I-512/I-512L, or Form I-766 (EAD) with travel endorsement, and that document was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged while traveling overseas temporarily, they may use this form.
- 4If the applicant is physically present in the United States but is no longer a valid LPR or conditional LPR, they may use Form I-131A.
Field map
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Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name.
MM/DD/YYYY.
Alien Registration Number if previously assigned.
Details
1 items
The specific reason or legal basis for filing this form.
Evidence
1 items
List of documents supporting this application.
Signatures
2 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
MM/DD/YYYY.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form I-131A is dated 01/20/25, and the form itself has an expiration date listed as 02/28/2027.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — check Form G-1055 for specific information about applicable fees.
- Mailing address — do not mail to the general address listed on Page 7; file at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Signature — ensure your signature is handwritten (a stamped or typewritten name alone will be rejected).
- Photo dimensions — confirm photos are 2 by 2 inches with required head and eye measurements.
Quick Facts
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After you file
- 1Bring evidence of payment when appearing in person at the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file Form I-131A.
- 2Do not consider Form I-131A properly filed until a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate accepts it.
- 3If the form is rejected because it was not signed or did not include proof of paying the filing fee online, the applicant may correct the deficiency and resubmit Form I-131A.
- 4If submitting documents in a foreign language, the applicant must also submit a full English translation that includes the translator’s signature, printed name, signature date, and contact information certification.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of USCIS Form I-131A is to allow foreign nationals to apply for Carrier Documentation (Transportation Letter or Boarding Foil) when they lack a valid passport/visa, are LPRs/conditional LPRs whose documents were lost/stolen/damaged, or if their travel document has expired/is revoked.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — An applicant may use Form I-131A if they are physically present in the U.S., are no longer a valid LPR/conditional LPR, have existing documentation that is still valid (unless lost/damaged), or if their travel document has expired/will expire/is revoked.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — If an applicant obtains a returning resident (SB-1) visa as an alternative to Form I-131A, filing Form I-131A is not needed.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — When submitting documents in a foreign language for USCIS Form I-131A, the submission must include a full English translation certified by the translator.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — The applicant must bring evidence of payment when appearing in person to file Form I-131A at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — OMB No. 1615-0135 for USCIS Form I-131A is listed on Page 7.
Common confusion points
What should I do if my document is valid but I still need to file Form I-131A?
The source notes that even if you have a valid document, filing may be necessary; check with your carrier first.
Can I use the Permanent Resident Card/Reentry Permit instead of Form I-131A?
Yes, if you are an LPR or conditional LPR traveling overseas temporarily and have the valid card or permit.
When do I need to notify USCIS of my new address after filing this form?
If the applicant is not a U.S. citizen, they must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving from their previous residence.
Where should I mail Form I-131A if I am submitting it by mail?
The source advises against mailing it to a specific address and recommends contacting an Embassy or Consulate first for filing location guidance.
What is the difference between my A-Number and USCIS Online Account Number (OAN)?
An OAN is only available if a previously filed form had a receipt number starting with IOE; the OAN is not the same as your A-Number.
Do I need to file Form I-131A if I have an SB-1 visa?
No, if you apply for and receive an SB-1 returning resident visa, filing Form I-131A is unnecessary.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-131A
What is USCIS Form I-131A used for?
This form lets you prove that you are allowed to return to the United States from overseas. It is necessary if your carrier refuses to let you board using only your Green Card or Reentry Permit. Filing this document ensures authorities know your status when you travel internationally.
Who must file USCIS Form I-131A?
A carrier (such as an airline or ship) must file Form I-131A if a foreign national traveling overseas temporarily will not be allowed to board with just their valid Permanent Resident Card or Reentry Permit.
What information does USCIS Form I-131A require?
The form collects documentation details, including information that requires photos measuring 2 by 2 inches. If submitting in another language, the form must include a full English translation certified by the translator.
When is USCIS Form I-131A due?
For an address change (if not a U.S. citizen), notification to USCIS is required within 10 days of moving from the previous residence.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-131A?
Filing occurs by contacting the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate, though you must submit the filing fee through the USCIS online filing system first.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-131A?
The applicant must properly complete the application, ensuring the signature is valid (a stamped or typewritten name alone is insufficient). If you are under 14, a parent or legal guardian can sign. Photos require specific dimensions and placement on the form.
What happens if USCIS Form I-131A is filed incorrectly?
USCIS will reject any Form I-131A that is not signed or does not have proof of having paid the filing fee online; if a deficiency is found, USCIS may deny the request for adjudication.
What should I do if my document is valid but I still need to file Form I-131A?
The source notes that even if you have a valid document, filing may be necessary; check with your carrier first.
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