To ask about emergency processing of a travel document, call the Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or request an appointment through My Appointment. If your situation qualifies for emergency processing, we will schedule an appointment for you with a local field office.
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.
If we approve your Form I-131 and you are a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiary in the United States who wishes to travel outside the United States, we will issue you Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States.
The processing time for a travel permit (Advance Parole) currently averages 5-24 months, depending on the service center processing your application.
Use this form if you are: A lawful permanent resident (LPR), including an LPR with conditions, and wish to apply for a travel document (carrier documentation) that allows you to board an airline or other transportation carrier without the airline or transportation carrier being penalized; or.
USCIS P.O. Box 660167 Dallas, TX 75266 For U.S. Postal Service: If you are filing Form I-131 by itself, based on a pending or approved Form I-821, file your Form I-131 with the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility. Include a copy of the I-797C Notice of Action showing that your I-821 application was accepted or approved.
Certain non-citizens may file the I-131 application to request various travel documents like a reentry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole document. The I-131A is strictly for use by permanent residents who require temporary documentation in order to return to the U.S.
One of the most significant differences between these documents is their validity: Advance Parole: Typically valid for 1 year and must be renewed if additional travel is planned. Re-entry Permit: Generally valid for 2 years, allowing green card holders longer flexibility for international stays.
On June 9, 2023, USCIS announced that certain individuals requesting parole based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit can file Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records, online.
In most cases, a refugee or asylee may use the Refugee Travel Document for travel in place of a passport. The Refugee Travel Document is similar in appearance to a U.S. passport. How do I apply for a Refugee Travel Document? To apply for a Refugee Travel Document, file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.