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I-131 Checklist: Travel Document & Advance Parole Requirements

Immigration Attorney and Travel Document Resource

Streamline your Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) with our comprehensive document checklist. The I-131 is used to apply for several travel-related documents: a reentry permit for lawful permanent residents traveling abroad for extended periods, advance parole for applicants with pending adjustment of status or other benefits who need to travel and return to the U.S., or a refugee travel document for refugees and asylees. This checklist helps immigration attorneys, paralegals, and applicants gather the right evidence—proof of current status, passport-style photos, and for advance parole an explanation of the travel purpose—so you can file before leaving the United States and reduce the risk of RFEs. You must not travel abroad until the document is approved (or as allowed by your category).

I-131 Checklist: Travel Document & Advance Parole Requirements form template preview

Key Benefits

Ensure complete I-131 package before filing
Avoid RFEs with correct proof of status
Cover reentry permit, advance parole, or refugee travel doc
File before leaving the United States
Know photo and evidence requirements by document type
Professional immigration workflow

Common Use Cases

Lawful permanent residents applying for reentry permitAdjustment of status applicants requesting advance paroleDACA recipients applying for advance paroleRefugees and asylees applying for refugee travel documentImmigration attorneys preparing I-131 packagesParalegals assembling travel document evidence

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Form I-131 used for?
Form I-131 is the Application for Travel Document. It is used to apply for a reentry permit (for LPRs), advance parole (for people with pending applications who need to travel and return), or a refugee travel document (for refugees and asylees). The type of document and required evidence depend on your immigration status and reason for travel.
When should I file the I-131?
You must file the I-131 before leaving the United States. For advance parole, do not travel until you receive the approval or the document. For reentry permits, file before your planned departure. Processing times vary; check USCIS for current times.
What proof do I need for advance parole?
You typically need proof of your current status (I-94, EAD, or receipt notice for a pending application), passport-style photos, and for discretionary advance parole an explanation or evidence of the circumstances (e.g., family emergency, business, medical). If you have a pending I-485 or other application, include a copy of the filing receipt.
Does advance parole guarantee reentry?
No. Advance parole allows you to request parole at the port of entry; CBP makes the final decision. Do not travel if you have accrued unlawful presence or other inadmissibility issues without consulting an attorney. A reentry permit does not guarantee admission but is the standard document for LPRs returning from long trips.

Checklist

USCIS Forms

Complete Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document)
Required

Use current edition. Select correct document type: reentry permit, advance parole, or refugee travel document.

Identity Documents

Copy of DHS document showing current status in the United States
Required

Green card, I-94, EAD, or I-797 receipt for pending application (e.g., I-485, DACA). Must show valid status.

Two passport-style photos (USCIS specifications)
Required

2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 30 days. Some categories require two photos.

Copy of biographic passport page (and admission page for reentry permit)

Reentry permit: often need passport page and page showing initial LPR admission. Check form instructions.

Copy of green card or approval notice (for reentry permit applicants)

LPRs applying for reentry permit: copy of front and back of green card or I-90 receipt.

Copy of document showing refugee or asylee status (for refugee travel document)

Required for refugee travel document. Must show status and expiration date.

Supporting Documents

Copy of filing receipt for pending application (if applying for advance parole based on it)

e.g., I-485, I-589, or other pending benefit. Shows basis for advance parole.

Explanation or evidence of travel purpose (for discretionary advance parole)

Letter and supporting docs: family emergency, medical, business, or significant public benefit. Not required when filed with I-485.

Documentation

Certified English translations for any foreign-language documents

Include if you submit documents not in English. Translator certification required.

Financial Requirements

Filing fee payment (check current fee and exemptions on USCIS.gov)
Required

Fee may be waived in some cases. No fee when I-131 filed with I-485 for advance parole in certain situations.

USCIS Process

File before leaving the United States
Required

Do not depart before filing. For advance parole, do not travel until you receive the document or approval unless otherwise allowed.