Travel Document / Advance Parole (Form I-131)
Complete guide to USCIS Form I-131 — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times.
Legal basis
INA § 212(d)(5) — 8 U.S.C. § 1182(d)(5)Travel Document / Advance Parole (Form I-131)
USCIS sets the filing fee for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, at $630 for Advance Parole, $620 for a Re-Entry Permit, or $135 for a Refugee Travel Document. The form requests permission to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad across these three main uses.
Download the official form
USCIS publishes Form I-131 as a free PDF. Always download the current version directly from USCIS — third-party copies may be outdated.
- Download Form I-131 (PDF) — official USCIS source
- Download Instructions for Form I-131 (PDF) — read before filling out the form
- File Form I-131 online with USCIS (where supported)
What is it for?
Request permission to re-enter US after traveling abroad. Three main uses: Advance Parole (for I-485 or DACA), Re-Entry Permit (for LPRs absent 1+ years), and Refugee Travel Document.
Who needs it?
People in I-485 process (adjustment of status), DACA recipients needing to travel, permanent residents needing to be absent 1+ year, refugees and asylees.
Processing time
Typical range: 3-7 months for Advance Parole. Faster in emergencies (expedited processing available).
⚠️ Verify current time: USCIS Processing Times · Your case status
Fee
$630 (Advance Parole) or $620 (Re-Entry Permit) or $135 (Refugee Travel Document)
How to file
By mail. Expedited processing for humanitarian emergency (family death, etc.) available by calling USCIS Contact Center.
Required documents
- Completed Form I-131
- Copy of I-485 receipt notice (if Advance Parole based on pending I-485)
- Copy of I-797 EAD/DACA approval (if Advance Parole based on DACA)
- Copy of green card (if Re-Entry Permit)
- Supporting documents for travel reason (employer letter, proof of family emergency, etc.)
- Fee payment
- 2 recent passport photos
Current USCIS processing times
USCIS publishes the time in which 80% of cases complete, per form, category, and office. The table below renders from our automatically maintained copy of the official data — always verify against the live system before relying on a deadline.
The time in which 80% of cases complete, by category and office. Data from the official USCIS system (2026-05-26) · verify live
| Category | Office | 80% complete within |
|---|---|---|
| Re-entry permit or refugee travel document | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 16 Months |
| Advance parole | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 22 Months |
Frequently asked questions
Can DACA recipients travel with Advance Parole?
Yes, with approved I-131 Advance Parole in advance. Without valid AP, leaving the US TERMINATES your DACA and re-entry is practically impossible. Only travel for specific reasons: employment, education, or humanitarian. Consult an attorney before any travel.
How long does Advance Parole take for emergencies?
Expedited processing available for verifiable humanitarian emergencies. Call USCIS Contact Center and explain. Can process in 2-5 business days in some cases.
Can I re-enter the US with pending legal issues?
Advance Parole is permission to present at a port of entry — does not guarantee admission. CBP has final authority. With criminal history or prior immigration issues, consult attorney before traveling.
If I have I-485 pending, what happens if I travel without Advance Parole?
Your I-485 is considered automatically abandoned. You’ll return to your original immigration status (potentially without status if you entered on expired temporary visa).
Are Re-Entry Permit and Advance Parole the same?
No. Re-Entry Permit is for LPRs (green card holders) absent 1-2 years. Advance Parole is for non-LPRs (DACA, pending I-485, pending asylum) who need to travel. Different forms and categories in I-131.
Related information
Last verified: 2026-05-24. General information — not legal advice. Always verify at USCIS.gov.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
Frequently asked questions
Can DACA recipients travel with Advance Parole?
How long does Advance Parole take for emergencies?
Can I re-enter the US with pending legal issues?
If I have I-485 pending, what happens if I travel without Advance Parole?
Are Re-Entry Permit and Advance Parole the same?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.