Travel/Status
Form I-131
Application for Travel Document
Used to apply for advance parole (travel document) that allows re-entry to the U.S. while an immigration application is pending, or for a refugee travel document.
- Filing fee
- $630
- Biometrics
- No fee
Who can file
- Pending I-485 adjustment of status applicants
- Refugees and asylees needing to travel
- TPS beneficiaries
- DACA recipients
Send with it
- Copy of I-94
- Passport-style photos
- Copy of pending application receipt
- Explanation of travel purpose
- Copy of refugee/asylee approval (if applicable)
Worth knowing
- Not free with an I-485 since April 1, 2024 - the fee is $630 even when filed with a pending I-485
- Do NOT travel before receiving advance parole - your pending application may be abandoned
- Refugee travel documents are valid for 1 year
- Consider re-entry permit if you plan extended travel
Common mistakes
- Traveling before receiving the document
- Not applying early enough before planned travel
- Refugees traveling back to home country (may affect status)
- Leaving out the fee because an I-485 is pending
Questions
- How much does Form I-131 cost?
- The USCIS filing fee for Form I-131 is $630.
- How long does Form I-131 take?
- Typically 3 to 10 months, depending on the office and the category. Check the current USCIS times for your office before you plan around it.
Often filed together with
Related forms
Fees are as published by USCIS. Confirm on USCIS's fee schedule (G-1055) before you pay - a wrong fee gets a filing rejected. General information, not legal advice.