Form I-131 Instructions

Form I-131 is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) travel application. The form is for people applying for a reentry permit, a refugee travel document or an advance parole travel document. A reentry permit allows U.S. residents to return to the United States after traveling abroad. A refugee travel document allows a refugee or an asylee to travel abroad and return to the U.S. An advance parole travel document allows non-U.S. citizens with pending immigration paperwork to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad or allows non-citizens into the U.S. for humanitarian reasons. To successfully obtain your travel document, you must complete all of the specific instructions regarding Form I-131.

Things You'll Need

  • Form I-131
  • Form I-551
  • Identification document
  • Check or money order
  • USCIS-issued refugee document
  • USCIS-issued status document
  • Written explanation for advance parole
  • Two color photographs of self
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Instructions

  1. Reentry Permit

    • 1

      Navigate to the USCIS website (uscis.gov) if you do not already have Form I-131 in your possession.

    • 2

      Click on the "Forms" link at the top of the page and then scroll down and click on the "Application for Travel Document I-131" link.

    • 3

      Click the "Download Form I-131" link.

    • 4

      Complete Form I-131 by typing or filling it out in black ink.

    • 5

      Attach to your Form I-131 a copy of your Form I-551 (Green Card).

    • 6

      Include with your Form I-131 a copy of a photo identification document, such as a current government-issued driver's license, a Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551 or a passport identity page. The document must display your photograph, name and date of birth.

    • 7

      Include with your Form I-131 a check or money order for $360 payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

    • 8

      Send your Form I-131 and documents to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox (uscis.gov; PO Box 660867, Dallas, TX 75266) or the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox (uscis.gov; PO Box 21281, Phoenix, AZ 85036) depending on which state you live in. Navigate to the USCIS website (uscis.gov) to determine where to file your application.

    Refugee Travel Document

    • 9

      Complete Form I-131 by filling it out or typing it in black ink.

    • 10

      Include with your Form I-131 a copy of an identification document, such as your current driver's license or passport identity page, displaying your photograph, name and date of birth.

    • 11

      Attach to your Form I-131 your USCIS-issued document that displays your refugee or asylee status.

    • 12

      Include with your Form I-131 a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The document fee is $135 for people 16 years old and above and $105 for people under 16 years old.

    • 13

      Navigate to the the USCIS website (uscis.gov) or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center (1-800-375-5283) to determine where to file your application.

    Advance Parole Travel Document

    • 14

      Type or fill in the Form I-131 using black ink.

    • 15

      Attach a copy of the USCIS-issued document that demonstrates your current status in the United States as well as evidence or an explanation detailing the reasons for obtaining an advance parole travel document.

    • 16

      Submit two identical color photographs of yourself with your Form I-131. These forms must be taken within 30 days of filing your application and must be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish and have a white or off-white background.

    • 17

      Include a check or money order for $360 payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with your Form I-131.

    • 18

      Navigate to the USCIS website (uscis.gov) or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center (1-800-375-5283) to determine where to file your paperwork.

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