A Travel Authorization (TE) is used to request approval for a business-related trip. In this document, the traveler indicates trip destination(s), purpose, and dates of travel and requests advance checks. In response, the TE records trip information and schedules advance checks.
While passports issued by governments are the most common variety of travel document, many states and international organisations issue other varieties of travel documents that allow the holder to travel internationally to countries that recognise the documents.
Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel.
The travel document usually arrives within 150 days (sometimes longer) after submitting your application. You can't leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand, so you should expect to spend the 3–5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States.
ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States.
To apply for TPS travel authorization or advance parole, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. If you are filing Form I-131 together with Form I-821, send your forms to the address listed for your country.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Visa Waiver Program travelers are required to apply for and receive an approved travel authorization via ESTA to board a plane or vessel bound for the United States. (A travel authorization via ESTA is not a guarantee of admission into the United States.
USCIS' Emergency Travel site provides information to individuals seeking an expedite or emergency issuance of a travel document due to a pressing or critical need to travel. If you are requesting an expedite or experiencing an extremely urgent situation, you may contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.