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I-131 · Family-Based

I-131 – Travel Document (Advance Parole)

Travel outside the U.S. without abandoning your pending green card or immigration application.

Our Fee

$69

USCIS Fee

$630 or $0 w/ I-485

Est. Completion

10–15 min

Processing Time

3–5 months

🚨 Do NOT travel until you have received your Advance Parole document. Leaving the U.S. before AP is approved may result in abandonment of your pending I-485.

About Form I-131

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, is used to apply for Advance Parole (AP), a Reentry Permit, or a Refugee Travel Document. Advance Parole is most commonly needed by individuals with a pending I-485 (Adjustment of Status) who need to travel internationally. Without approved Advance Parole, departing the U.S. while your I-485 is pending will generally be treated as an abandonment of that application. I-131 is typically filed concurrently with I-485 (and I-765) for no additional USCIS fee.

Who Needs Advance Parole?

✓ Individuals with a pending I-485 (Adjustment of Status) who need to travel abroad

✓ TPS (Temporary Protected Status) beneficiaries needing travel authorization

✓ DACA recipients seeking authorization to travel internationally (high risk — consult attorney)

✓ Individuals with other pending applications that instruct them to apply for AP

Documents Required

  • ✓Copy of pending I-485 receipt notice (Form I-797) — required to show pending application
  • ✓Copy of passport bio page (valid or expired)
  • ✓Two passport-style photos (2"x2")
  • ✓Written explanation of the purpose and duration of your intended travel
  • ✓Evidence of the emergency or need for travel (if urgent — funeral notices, medical records, etc.)

Steps to File

  1. 1

    Confirm you have a pending I-485 or other qualifying application — do not file I-131 if you have no pending application

  2. 2

    Complete the I-131 questionnaire using our software

  3. 3

    Gather supporting documents including I-485 receipt notice and photos

  4. 4

    File I-131 with I-485 simultaneously (no additional fee) OR separately with the $630 fee

  5. 5

    Mail to USCIS and await receipt notice

  6. 6

    Wait for your Advance Parole document to arrive before booking travel

  7. 7

    When re-entering the U.S., present the AP document to CBP at the port of entry

FAQs – I-131

Q: Does Advance Parole guarantee re-entry to the U.S.?

A: No. AP permits you to travel and apply for re-entry, but CBP officers at the port of entry make the final determination on admissibility. AP is not a visa.

Q: Can I use AP to renew my foreign passport?

A: Traveling to your home country on AP can carry risks, particularly if you have immigration violations or prior bars. Consult an attorney before traveling to your country of origin.

Q: What if my AP expires while I am abroad?

A: You must return before your AP expires. If your AP expires while abroad, you may face difficulties re-entering the U.S. and your I-485 may be considered abandoned.

Ready to Start?

Complete the continuous questionnaire to generate your print-ready packet.

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