The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-131, also known as the Application for Travel Document, is an important form for individuals who are looking to travel outside of the United States for a temporary period of time. The form is used to apply for a Re-entry Permit, an Advance Parole Document, or a Refugee Travel Document.
Re-entry Permit
The Re-entry Permit allows individuals who are permanent residents of the United States to travel abroad for an extended period of time without losing their permanent resident status. This permit allows individuals to travel for up to two years and is generally valid for two years. It is important to note that individuals who apply for a Re-entry Permit must be physically present in the United States when they apply and may not leave the country until they receive the permit.
Advance Parole Document
The Advance Parole Document is used to allow individuals who are in the process of applying for permanent resident status to travel outside of the United States and return without having to apply for a new visa. This document allows individuals to travel in order to visit family, attend school, or take care of other personal matters without having to worry about having their application for permanent resident status denied. It is important to note that individuals who have been granted an Advance Parole Document must carry the document with them when they travel, as it is the only evidence of their eligibility to return to the United States.
Refugee Travel Document
The Refugee Travel Document is used by individuals who have been granted refugee or asylee status in the United States to travel outside of the country and return. This document is valid for one year and must be renewed each year in order for individuals to be able to travel outside of the United States. It is important to note that individuals who have been granted Refugee Travel Documents are not eligible to apply for a Re-entry Permit or an Advance Parole Document.
Filing USCIS Form I-131
Filing USCIS Form I-131 is a necessary step for individuals who wish to travel outside of the United States and return. The form must be filed with the appropriate fee and all necessary supporting documents. The form must also be signed and dated and include the applicant’s biometrics. Once the form is filed, applicants must wait for USCIS to process their application and issue the appropriate travel document.
Conclusion
USCIS Form I-131 is an important form for individuals who wish to travel outside of the United States for a temporary period of time. The form is used to apply for a Re-entry Permit, an Advance Parole Document, or a Refugee Travel Document. It is important to note that the form must be properly completed, signed, and dated with the appropriate fee and supporting documents in order to be processed by USCIS. Once the form is filed, applicants must wait for USCIS to process their application and issue the appropriate travel document.
