At a Glance
What Form I-131 does: It's the USCIS application for several travel documents. Most visitors to this page want Advance Parole (permission to leave the U.S. and return while a case—often an I-485—is pending). I-131 is also used for Reentry Permits (for permanent residents planning long trips), Refugee Travel Documents, and TPS travel authorization.
Key Points:
- Common use: Advance Parole for people inside the U.S. who need to travel temporarily and return (e.g., while I-485 is pending)
- Travel while I-485 is pending: Leaving without Advance Parole generally abandons the I-485—except some H-1/H-4, L-1/L-2, K-3/K-4, and V nonimmigrants who re-enter in that same status with a valid visa
- Online filing: Some I-131 categories can be filed online; others must be mailed
- 2025 fees: Vary by document and channel (paper vs. online)
- Emergency travel: USCIS may consider expedited or emergency Advance Parole via field-office appointment
Important: If USCIS approves travel for TPS, they generally issue Form I-512T; for many other advance-parole uses, USCIS issues Form I-512L.
What is Advance Parole?
Advance Parole lets certain people already in the U.S. request permission to leave and ask to be paroled back in after a short trip abroad (for "urgent humanitarian reasons" or "significant public benefit," as a discretionary decision at the port of entry). It's not a visa and does not guarantee admission—CBP still inspects you on return.
If Your I-485 is Pending
USCIS generally treats your I-485 as abandoned if you depart without Advance Parole. The instructions list limited exceptions for those who remain eligible to re-enter in valid H-1/H-4, L-1/L-2, K-3/K-4, or V status with a valid visa.
Practical rule: Unless you're squarely in an exception and can re-enter in that status with a valid visa, do not travel until your Advance Parole is approved and in hand.
Other Documents You Can Request
Reentry Permit (Permanent Residents)
Useful if you'll be outside the U.S. for 1+ year, so you don't need a returning resident visa:
- Must be physically present in the U.S. when filing
- Must complete biometrics before departure
- Typical validity is 2 years (1 year if you've spent 4 of the last 5 years abroad)
- Note: Long trips can still affect naturalization continuity—see N-470
Refugee Travel Document (Asylees/Refugees)
Needed to re-enter after travel:
- Apply before leaving and complete biometrics before departure if required
- Do not travel to the country of persecution—this can end asylum
- Typical validity: 1 year
TPS Travel Authorization
If USCIS approves travel for a TPS beneficiary:
- They issue Form I-512T
- DHS decides on admission to TPS on return
Can I File I-131 Online?
Sometimes. USCIS lists exactly which I-131 application types are eligible for online filing:
Online-Eligible Categories
- Advance Parole with a pending I-485 whose receipt starts with IOE
- TPS travel authorization
- Some initial and re-parole processes
Must File by Mail
- Reentry permits
- Refugee travel documents
- Most other categories
Warning: Submitting the wrong type online can lead to denial without a refund. Always verify your eligibility for online filing.
2025 Government Fees
USCIS fees vary by document type and filing method. The online option typically saves $50.
Filing Fees
Online Filing: $580 (Advance Parole) Paper Filing: $630 (Advance Parole)
Fee Breakdown by Document Type
Advance Parole (Inside the U.S.)
- Pending I-485 (Part 1, Item 5.A): $630 paper / $580 online
- Note: If your I-485 was filed with a fee between July 30, 2007 and March 31, 2024 and is still pending, no additional I-131 fee is due for Application Type 5.A
TPS Travel Authorization (I-512T)
- $630 paper / $580 online
Reentry Permit
- $630 paper (must file by mail)
Refugee Travel Document
- $0 if you hold refugee status or LPR status derived from refugee status
- $135 (under 16) or $165 (16+) for those in/as a result of asylee status
- Certain fee-waiver categories exist
Other Parole Uses
- Many initial/re-parole filings: $630 paper / $580 online where online is offered
- Some sub-categories are $0 (e.g., certain T or U classifications)
Required Evidence
Required Documents
- ✓ Completed and signed Form I-131
- ✓ Government-issued photo ID (passport bio page, prior EAD/AP card)
- ✓ Two identical passport-style photos
- ✓ I-94 record (if you have one)
- ✓ Proof of eligibility category (see below)
- ✓ Filing fee payment
Category-Specific Evidence
- Application Type 5.A (I-485 pending): I-485 receipt notice
- TPS travel: TPS approval or application notices
- DACA: Proof of DACA status and qualifying travel purpose
- Reentry permit: Green card copy
- Refugee travel: Refugee or asylee status documentation
DACA Note: USCIS considers education, employment, or humanitarian reasons; vacation is not a valid DACA AP purpose.
Step-by-Step Filing
Option A: File Online (If Eligible)
1. Check Eligibility Verify your Application Type can be filed online
2. Create Account Sign in to your myUSCIS account or create one
3. Start Application Select Form I-131 and choose correct Application Type
4. Complete Form Answer all questions and upload required evidence
5. Pay Fee Submit payment ($580 for most online filings)
6. Get Receipt Save your receipt number for tracking
Option B: File by Mail
1. Download Form Get current I-131 from USCIS.gov
2. Select Application Type Choose correct type in Part 1 (e.g., 5.A for I-485 pending)
3. Complete Form Fill out all required sections
4. Gather Documents Assemble evidence package with photos
5. Find Address Use USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for I-131
6. Mail Package Send via trackable mail with correct fee
Critical for I-485 Applicants: Pick Application Type 5.A in Part 1. Some 5.A cases can file online—check if your receipt starts with IOE.
After You File
What to Expect
- Receipt Notice (I-797C): Arrives within 2-4 weeks with receipt number
- Biometrics Appointment: If required (mainly for reentry permits and refugee travel docs)
- Processing: Monitor using Check Processing Times tool
- Decision: Approval or Request for Evidence (RFE)
- Document Production: I-512L (Advance Parole) or I-512T (TPS)
- Mail Delivery: Track through USPS
Tracking Your Case
- Use receipt number on Case Status Online
- Sign up for email/text updates
- Check processing times for your category
- Submit inquiry if outside normal timeframe
Emergency or Urgent Travel
If you have a true emergency, you can request emergency Advance Parole:
How to Request
- Contact USCIS: Call the Contact Center (1-800-375-5283)
- Explain urgency: Provide details about your emergency
- Get appointment: If approved, USCIS schedules field-office visit
- Bring evidence: Take all requested documents to appointment
- Same-day decision: Field office may issue emergency AP immediately
Qualifying Emergencies
- Death or serious illness of family member
- Urgent business travel that would cause severe financial loss
- Urgent humanitarian reasons
- Time-sensitive medical treatment
Important Travel Cautions
Critical Warnings
I-485 Abandonment
Departing the U.S. without AP generally abandons your I-485—unless you return in valid H, L, K-3/K-4, or V status with a valid visa and remain admissible.
Parolees Leaving the U.S.
If your underlying status is parole, that parole automatically terminates when you depart—even if you hold Advance Parole.
Asylees/Refugees
Traveling to the country of persecution can be treated as re-availment and may terminate asylum.
No Guarantee of Entry
An AP document does not entitle you to parole or admission. CBP makes a separate decision each time you arrive.
Best Practices
- Always carry: Original AP document, passport, I-485 receipt
- Keep copies: Store electronic copies of all documents
- Check expiration: Don't travel if AP expires during your trip
- Plan buffer time: Return well before AP expiration
- Avoid certain countries: Some countries may trigger inadmissibility issues
Special Considerations
Combo Card (EAD + AP)
USCIS often issues a combination card that serves as both:
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Advance Parole document
Look for "SERVES AS I-512 ADVANCE PAROLE" printed on the card.
Multiple Trips
Advance Parole typically allows multiple trips during its validity period unless it specifies "single journey" (rare).
Automatic Revocation
Your Advance Parole is automatically revoked if:
- Your I-485 is denied
- You abandon your I-485
- You violate your status
- USCIS determines you're inadmissible
Red Flags That Cause Delays
- Selecting wrong Application Type
- Missing signature or date
- Incorrect fee amount
- Poor quality photos
- Incomplete travel purpose explanation
- Missing supporting documents
- Filing too close to travel date
- Using outdated form edition
Remember: Form I-131 is critical for maintaining your pending immigration benefits while traveling. Take time to select the correct Application Type, pay the right fee, and never travel without the approved document in hand.