In order to enter the United States after traveling abroad you will have to apply for a travel document. The Form I-131, Application for Travel Document is part of the application for several travel documents, some for simple re-entry and others for rare humanitarian crisis. These are the travel documents that the Form I-131 is required for:
You can download the PDF document from the USCIS website free of charge here. You can print it off, or you can type in your information into the PDF.
*Note: if you are typing the information in the PDF file be sure not to alter the bottom of the page with notes, staples, spills or anything else after you’ve printed it out. The USCIS uses 2D barcode technology to read information that was typed into the application.
+ A biometrics services fee of $85 is required for applicants ages 14 through 79.
$135 (for an applicant age 16 or older) or $105 (for a child younger than 16)
A biometrics services fee of $85 is required for applicants ages 14 through 79.
All fees are paid by check or money orders. They must be drawn from a financial institution that is located in the United States. It must be payable in U.S. dollars, and should be made to be payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, written exactly like that. If you do not live inside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate and they will give you instructions for payment.
USCIS fees do change sometimes. You can check the updated amount here or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. If you cannot pay the fee then check out the USCIS’ guide for Filing for a Fee Waiver.
Each travel document requires different evidences to be submitted along with the Form I-131. However, each document does require a copy of an official photo identity document showing your photo, name, and date of birth.
In addition, the Re-entry Permit requires:
For the Refugee Travel Document you just have to attach a copy of the document that proves your refugee or asylee status (with the the expiration date). This document was issued to you by the USCIS.
The requirements for the Advance Parole Document for Individuals Who Are Currently in the United States are a lot more extensive. Here they are according to USCIS.
(a) A letter from a school employee acting in an official capacity describing the purpose of the travel and explaining why travel is required or beneficial; or
(b) A document showing enrollment in an educational program requiring travel.
A letter from your employer or a conference host describing the need for the travel.
(a) A letter from your physician explaining the nature of your medical condition, the specific medical treatment to be sought outside of the United States, and a brief explanation why travel outside the U.S. is medically necessary; or
(b) Documentation of a family member’s serious illness or death
For applications for an Advance Parole Document for an Individual Who is Outside the United States there are different evidences required depending on if you are applying under a Family Reunification Parole policy there are different evidence requirements. Applications independent of a Family Reunification Parole policy have different requirements as well.
Both the Refugee Travel Document and Advance Parole Documents need passport-style photos attached to the application.
Once you have filled out the form and gathered all supporting documentation, you’re ready to send it in! But where you send the form is different depending on your situation. Here is the address list of where to send your application
