If you have a pending green card application or another immigration case with USCIS and need to travel outside the United States, you almost certainly need to file Form I-131 advance parole before you leave. Leaving the country without an approved travel document while your case is pending can cause USCIS to treat your application as abandoned — a costly mistake that thousands of applicants make every year.
Form I-131, officially called the Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records, is the USCIS form used to request several types of travel authorization — the most common being advance parole for adjustment of status applicants. This guide explains everything you need to know about the i-131 travel document process in 2026: who needs it, which document applies to your situation, how to complete the form step by step, what supporting documents to include, current fees, and what to realistically expect from USCIS processing.
Whether you are filing an advance parole application 2026 for the first time alongside your I-485, or renewing an expiring document while your green card is still pending, this guide gives you a clear and accurate picture of the entire process based on the latest USCIS guidance.
What Is Form I-131?
📥 Download Form I-131 from the Official USCIS Website →
Form I-131 is the standard USCIS application used to request travel authorization for non-citizens who need to leave the United States temporarily while an immigration case is pending or ongoing. Depending on your immigration status, USCIS will issue one of the following documents when your Form I-131 is approved:
- Advance Parole Document — For people with a pending I-485 adjustment of status application or other pending immigration cases who need to travel abroad.
- Reentry Permit — For lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who plan to remain outside the U.S. for more than one year but less than two years.
- Refugee Travel Document — For refugees and asylees who need to travel internationally without abandoning their protected status.
- TPS Travel Authorization Document — For individuals with Temporary Protected Status who have received USCIS permission to travel abroad and return.
The vast majority of people filing Form I-131 are doing so to request advance parole — specifically, individuals who have a pending Form I-485 and want to travel outside the United States before their green card is approved. This is the scenario this guide focuses on most, though the step-by-step filing process is largely the same regardless of which document you are requesting.
Who Needs Form I-131 Advance Parole?
You need to file how to apply for advance parole using Form I-131 if you fall into one of the following categories and plan to travel internationally:
- You have a pending Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence) and need to leave the U.S. before it is approved.
- You have a pending initial asylum application and wish to travel outside the United States.
- You are a DACA recipient who has filed Form I-485 for adjustment of status.
- You are a TPS beneficiary who needs to travel abroad temporarily.
- You are a lawful permanent resident who plans to be outside the U.S. for more than one year (you need a reentry permit, also filed on Form I-131).
- You are a refugee or asylee who needs to travel internationally and reenter the United States.
One important exception: if you are in valid H-1B or L-1 status with an unexpired visa stamp in your passport, you may be able to travel and reenter the United States using that visa without needing advance parole. However, doing so may affect your nonimmigrant status, and you should consult with an immigration attorney before traveling under these circumstances.
If you have a pending I-485 and you leave the United States without an approved advance parole document — and you do not have a valid underlying nonimmigrant status — USCIS will treat your departure as an abandonment of your green card application. You will receive a denial notice, and your only remaining path to a green card would be consular processing from abroad.
The EAD/AP Combo Card: What Most I-485 Applicants Receive
Since 2022, USCIS has been issuing a combined Employment Authorization Document and Advance Parole card — commonly called the EAD combo card travel document or the I-766 combo card — to most I-485 applicants who file Form I-765 (EAD) and Form I-131 together. This single card serves two purposes at once: it authorizes you to work for any employer in the U.S. while your I-485 is pending, and it authorizes you to travel outside the United States and return without abandoning your application.
The most efficient approach for I-485 applicants is to file Form I-131 and Form I-765 at the same time as your I-485 — or as soon as possible after your I-485 is filed — so that USCIS can issue the combo card together. When all three forms are filed concurrently in the same package, there is no additional filing fee for Form I-131. The combo card is typically valid for two years and must be renewed if your I-485 is still pending when it expires.
Form I-131 Filing Fee in 2026
The i-131 filing fee 2026 depends on the type of travel document you are requesting and how you file:
| Document Type | Filing Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| Advance Parole (standalone filing) | $85 biometric fee only (no separate I-131 fee) |
| Advance Parole (filed concurrently with I-485) | $0 additional (biometric fee waived) |
| Advance Parole (standalone renewal) | $630 |
| Reentry Permit | $660 |
| Refugee Travel Document | Varies; check USCIS fee schedule |
Fees listed above are based on the most recent USCIS guidance as of June 2026. USCIS fees can change, so always verify the current fee on the official USCIS Fee Schedule page at uscis.gov before submitting your application. Note that a new $1,000 immigration parole fee was introduced under the HR-1 reconciliation law in late 2025; however, this fee applies to certain parole categories and does not apply to standard advance parole for I-485 applicants.
Documents Required for Form I-131
The exact supporting documents you need to include with your Form I-131 depend on which travel document you are applying for. Here is a breakdown by category:
For Advance Parole (I-485 Applicants)
- Copy of your government-issued photo ID (passport biographic page)
- Copy of your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (if applicable)
- Copy of your I-485 receipt notice (Form I-797) showing your pending application
- Two recent passport-style photos (2” x 2”)
- Brief written explanation of your travel purpose (optional but recommended)
- Filing fee payment (if applicable)
For a Reentry Permit (Green Card Holders)
- Copy of your green card (both sides)
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two recent passport-style photos
- Filing fee of $660
For a Refugee Travel Document
- Copy of government-issued photo ID (passport if available)
- Evidence of your refugee or asylee approval (Form I-797 approval notice)
- Copy of your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Two recent passport-style photos
- Filing fee (check current USCIS fee schedule)
A separate Form I-131 must be filed for each person requesting a travel document. You cannot include a spouse or child on your own application.
How to Fill Out Form I-131: Step-by-Step Guide
You can download the current edition of Form I-131 directly from uscis.gov or file online through your myUSCIS account. The form edition currently in use is dated 01/20/2025. Always make sure you are using the most current version before filing. Here is how to complete each section:
Step 1: Select Your Application Type (Part 1)
Part 1 asks you to select the type of travel document you are applying for. For most I-485 applicants, this will be Item 5 — Advance Parole Document. Select the correct box carefully, because you cannot change your application type after you file online. Selecting the wrong category is one of the most common reasons for delays and denials.
Step 2: Enter Your Personal Information (Part 2)
Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport. Include your date of birth, country of birth, nationality, A-Number (if you have one), USCIS Online Account Number, and Social Security Number. If you do not have a particular number, write “None” — do not leave fields blank. Provide your current U.S. mailing address and both physical and mailing addresses even if they are the same.
Step 3: Provide Travel Details (Part 7)
For advance parole applicants, Part 7 asks for information about your proposed travel: your intended departure date, the countries you plan to visit, the purpose of your trip, and the number of trips you expect to make. Be specific but concise. USCIS uses this information to evaluate whether your travel is consistent with your pending immigration case.
Step 4: Answer the Background Questions (Part 8)
Part 8 contains standard background questions about criminal history, immigration violations, and prior travel documents. Answer every question truthfully. If you answer yes to any question, you will need to provide a detailed explanation on a separate sheet. Do not leave any question blank — write “N/A” for anything that does not apply to you.
Step 5: Sign and Date the Form (Part 10)
Sign the form in black ink within the signature box. An unsigned Form I-131 will be rejected. If someone helped you complete the form, they must also complete and sign Part 12 (Preparer’s section). If you used an interpreter, they must complete Part 11.
Step 6: Assemble Your Package and File
Gather all your supporting documents, attach your photos, and include your filing fee payment (check or money order made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, or pay online if filing through myUSCIS). Mail everything to the correct USCIS lockbox address listed on the Form I-131 filing address page, or submit online. If filing concurrently with your I-485, include Form I-131 in the same envelope as your I-485 package.
Step 7: Attend Biometrics Appointment (If Required)
After USCIS receives your Form I-131, you may receive a notice for a biometrics appointment at your local Application Support Center (ASC), where USCIS will collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. Attend this appointment promptly — missing it without rescheduling can delay your case. Note that biometrics are required for reentry permit applicants and must be completed while you are still in the United States.
Step 8: Wait for Approval and Receive Your Document
Once USCIS approves your application, you will receive your travel document by mail. For advance parole, this will typically be the EAD/AP combo card (Form I-766) if you also filed Form I-765. Do not travel outside the US with pending green card until you have the physical approved document in hand — a receipt notice or pending application is not sufficient authorization to depart and return.
Step 9: Travel and Return
Once you have your approved document, you may travel. Present your advance parole document (or combo card) to the CBP officer at the port of entry when you return. Remember: advance parole authorizes you to seek reentry, but it does not guarantee admission. CBP officers have the authority to inspect you upon arrival and make an independent determination about your admissibility.
Form I-131 Processing Time in 2026
Understanding the i-131 processing time 2026 is critical for planning your travel. As of June 2026, processing times vary significantly depending on the type of travel document requested and the USCIS service center handling your case:
| Document Type | Estimated Processing Time (June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Advance Parole (standalone) | 4–8 months |
| EAD/AP Combo Card (concurrent with I-485) | 3–6 months |
| Reentry Permit | 14–16 months |
| Refugee Travel Document | 14–16 months |
Processing times are not guaranteed. USCIS publishes updated processing times monthly at uscis.gov/tools/processing-times. For advance parole applicants, immigration attorneys generally recommend filing at least 5–6 months before your intended travel date to allow enough time for processing and any unexpected delays. Premium processing is not available for Form I-131.
If your travel is urgent — such as a medical emergency or the death of a family member — you can request expedited processing by submitting a written request with supporting documentation to USCIS. Expedite requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.
Advance Parole While I-485 Pending: Key Rules
Filing for advance parole while i-485 pending is one of the most important steps in the adjustment of status process, and understanding the rules can save you from a catastrophic mistake. Here are the critical points every I-485 applicant must know:
- Do not leave before your advance parole is approved. Filing Form I-131 does not give you permission to travel. You must wait until you receive the physical approved document before departing the United States.
- Do not travel after your advance parole expires. If your document expires while you are outside the U.S., you cannot reenter on it. Your I-485 may be considered abandoned. File a renewal at least 3–4 months before expiration if your green card is still pending.
- H-1B and L-1 holders have an exception. If you have a valid H-1B or L-1 visa with an unexpired visa stamp and valid status, you may be able to use your visa to travel without advance parole. However, returning on advance parole terminates your H or L status, which can affect other benefits. Always consult an attorney before traveling.
- Advance parole does not guarantee reentry. CBP officers conduct their own inspection at the port of entry. Even with a valid advance parole document, you can be denied admission if a CBP officer determines you are inadmissible.
- Concurrent filing saves money and time. Filing Form I-131 together with your I-485 and Form I-765 eliminates the I-131 filing fee and often results in faster processing via the EAD/AP combo card.
For more details on the green card process itself, read our full guide to Form I-485: How to Apply for a U.S. Green Card. If you were sponsored by a family member and need to understand the financial requirements, see our guide to Form I-864 Affidavit of Support.
Reentry Permit: Form I-131 for Green Card Holders
For lawful permanent residents who need to travel outside the United States for an extended period, the reentry permit form i-131 is the correct application. A reentry permit allows a green card holder to travel outside the U.S. for up to two years without abandoning their permanent resident status, eliminating the need to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Unlike advance parole, you must be physically present in the United States when you file Form I-131 for a reentry permit, and you must complete biometrics before departing. The reentry permit itself is valid for two years from the date of issuance, and it can only be renewed by filing a new Form I-131 before you return to the United States.
If you are a green card holder and your card is lost or expired while you are abroad, you may need to file Form I-131A (Application for Travel Document — Carrier Documentation) to obtain boarding documentation to return. This is a separate form from Form I-131 and is filed with the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are located.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Form I-131
Immigration attorneys consistently see the same errors on Form I-131 filings. Avoiding these mistakes can prevent delays, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), or outright denials:
- Selecting the wrong application type. The form covers multiple travel documents. Selecting the wrong category in Part 1 can result in the wrong document being issued — or a denial. Read the instructions carefully and confirm which document applies to your situation.
- Leaving fields blank. Every question must be answered. Write “N/A” for items that do not apply and “None” for items where there is genuinely no answer. Blank fields are a common reason for rejection.
- Submitting an outdated form. USCIS will reject applications filed on outdated versions of Form I-131. Always download the current edition from uscis.gov before completing the form.
- Signing in the wrong color ink. USCIS requires black ink only. Blue ink signatures have caused rejections.
- Traveling before the document is approved. A pending I-131 is not a travel document. Departing without an approved document while your I-485 is pending can permanently destroy your green card application.
- Missing the biometrics appointment. For reentry permits and some other categories, biometrics must be completed while you are still in the United States. Missing your ASC appointment without rescheduling can delay your case significantly.
- Mailing to the wrong address. USCIS has different lockbox addresses for different I-131 categories. Always verify the correct filing address on the USCIS website before mailing your package.
How to Track Your Form I-131 Case Status
After USCIS receives your Form I-131, you will receive a receipt notice (Form I-797) with a unique receipt number. You can use this receipt number to check your case status online at egov.uscis.gov. USCIS also sends notifications by email or text if you opted in during filing through myUSCIS.
If your application has been pending longer than the published processing time for your service center and document type, you may submit an e-request through the USCIS website to ask USCIS to review your case. If your situation is urgent, you can also call the USCIS Contact Center or schedule an InfoPass appointment at your local USCIS field office.
Other Application Forms You May Need
Filing Form I-131 is often just one part of a larger immigration process. Depending on your situation, you may also need to file or reference these related forms:
- Form I-485 — Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: The green card application most advance parole applicants have pending while filing I-131.
- Form I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Filed alongside I-131 to receive the EAD/AP combo card.
- Form I-130 — Petition for Alien Relative: The first step in a family-based green card process that leads to I-485 and then I-131.
- Form I-864 — Affidavit of Support: Required for most family-based and some employment-based green card applications.
- Form I-90 — Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card: Used by green card holders to renew or replace a lost or expired green card.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form I-131 Advance Parole
Can I travel while my Form I-131 is pending?
No. A pending Form I-131 does not give you permission to leave the United States. If you depart while your I-485 is pending and your I-131 has not yet been approved, USCIS will consider your I-485 abandoned. You must wait until you physically receive the approved advance parole document before traveling.
How long is an advance parole document valid?
Advance parole documents are typically issued with a validity period of one to two years. The EAD/AP combo card for I-485 applicants is usually issued for two years. If your I-485 is still pending when your advance parole expires, you must file a renewal Form I-131 before the document expires if you plan to travel.
Does advance parole guarantee I can reenter the United States?
No. Advance parole authorizes you to seek admission at a U.S. port of entry, but it does not guarantee you will be admitted. CBP officers conduct independent inspections and have the authority to deny admission if they determine you are inadmissible under U.S. immigration law. Be sure you have no outstanding criminal or immigration violations before traveling.
What happens if my advance parole expires while I am abroad?
If your advance parole document expires while you are outside the United States, you cannot use it to reenter the country. USCIS may also consider your I-485 abandoned. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately for guidance. This situation is extremely serious and may require you to restart the green card process through consular processing.
Can I file Form I-131 online?
Some categories of Form I-131 can be filed online through myUSCIS, while others must be filed by mail. Importantly, advance parole applications for I-485 applicants generally must be filed by mail rather than online. Check the current USCIS Form I-131 instructions at uscis.gov/i-131 before attempting to file online to confirm whether your specific category qualifies for online filing.
Is there a fee to file Form I-131 for advance parole?
If you file Form I-131 concurrently with your I-485, there is no additional fee for the I-131 itself — the biometric fee is covered by your I-485 filing fee. If you file a standalone I-131 separately after your I-485 has already been filed, you will pay an $85 biometric services fee. If you are filing a standalone renewal of an expiring advance parole document, the fee is $630 as of 2026.
What is Form I-131A and when do I need it?
Form I-131A (Application for Travel Document — Carrier Documentation) is a separate USCIS form used by lawful permanent residents who are outside the United States and need documentation to board a carrier (such as an airline) to return to the U.S. after their green card or reentry permit was lost, stolen, expired, or damaged. It is not the same as Form I-131 and is filed with the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Official Resources
- 🔗 USCIS Form I-131 — Official Page
- 🔗 USCIS Processing Times Tool
- 🔗 USCIS Fee Schedule
- 🔗 USCIS Case Status Online
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and USCIS policies change frequently. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative for advice specific to your situation, and verify all information on the official USCIS website before filing.