Travelling and immigration in the United States can be tough, partly when one wants to travel to another country. If the foreign national is in the United States temporarily but needs to travel, then Form I-131 is very useful. This guide offers all the information you need about Form I-131, including instructions for filling it in and information about the Advance Parole document.

What is Form I-131?

The Form I-131, also referred to as the Application for Travel Document, is completed by foreign persons who require permission to travel outside the United States — and retain their immigration status upon returning to the country. This form can be used for three main purposes:

1. Advance Parole: Permits persons with resident permits in the United States to travel to their home countries and other countries temporarily while waiting for approval of their immigration petitions or applications such as the I-485 application for Adjustment of Status.
2. Refugee Travel Document: For clients, who received asylum or refugee status and sometimes have to travel but can no longer have a passport of their home country.
3. Re-entry Permit: Employment authorization document for those Green Card without physical residency from 6 months more but less than 2 years, intending not to abandon lawful permanent residence status.

When you provide Form I-131, you keep abreast of your temporary absence with the immigration process, especially if you’re in the middle of an adjustment of status application.

Form I-131 instructions

When Completing Form I-131 it is mandatory to do so accurately. Here’s a simplified guide:

1. Personal Information: Begin with the first name, last name, date of birth, Alien Registration Number or other identification number, and current immigration status.

2. Travel Details: Include details of your intended travel, telling the date of departure and the date you will be returning, plus the countries you intend to visit. If travelling for some emergency, supporting documents like medical or work-related documents must be carried.

3. Application Type: Choose whether you are applying for AdvanceParole, Re-entry Permit or the Refugee Travel Document. In this case, other documents may be required depending on your selection inclusive of proof of being a refugee or a green card.

4. Signature and Fees: Ensure you sign the form. For most forms or documents filed, you must also submit the correct government filing fee. 

5. Submit the Form: When ready, send Form I-131, along with your supporting documents to the USCIS Lockbox where the application will be processed. The average time is 90-120 days Up to 120 days of processing time can be expected from the typical approach.

What is an Advance Parole document?

An advance parole document is by far the most popular travel document issued using Form I-131. It lets people who have applied for the adjustment of status on Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) travel abroad for some time and then return to the United States without having to quit the process.

This is especially so since many people with a change of status need to travel internationally, and without Advance Parole, one’s absence might be interpreted as having withdrawn the application. Using an Advance Parole document, persons are capable of travelling for personal, medical, work and other considerations but do not lose their immigration process on their return.

However, having Advance Parole does not mean they can gain entry into the United States again in the first place. It just gives you the opportunity to be present at the border. CBP comprises officers that can refuse an individual entry if they consider him/her inadmissible. Hence more importantly there is a need to carry with all relevant identification and conform to United States immigration laws.

I-131 is a critical document to be used by aliens in the United States requiring a temporary travel overseas. Likely, you will apply either for the Advance Parole, Re-entry Permit, or Refugee Travel Document, and it is crucial to pay much attention to details during the process. Learning more about the Advance Parole document can also help to avoid travel mishaps which may affect your legal stay in the United States.

By following these steps, you will gain assurance while going through the application process as well as continue with the trips at any given time without affecting your immigration status.