What Does I-131 Approval Mean?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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An Application for Travel Document

, or Form I-131, is a form from the US Citizenship and Services (USCIS) that allows applicants to apply for a travel document. Travel documents are used by individuals who are legally in the United States, but wish to temporarily travel outside the United States.

What is the purpose of I-131?

Use this form to apply for a re-entry permit,

refugee travel document

, advance parole travel document (including parole into the U.S. for humanitarian reasons), or advance permission to travel for CNMI long-term residents.

How long does it take for I-131 to get approved?

Generally, it takes

at least three months

for USCIS to process your Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Check USCIS processing times for the latest estimates. However, you may be able to get expedited processing of a travel document in certain situations.

How do I know if my i-131 is approved?

  • Appointment letter.
  • Your I-797C, Notice of Action.
  • Your passport.
  • Green Card, if applicable.

Can I leave us after filing I-131?

You don't have to remain in the United States

until your re-entry permit is approved

. Once you've filed Form I-131 and attended your biometrics appointment, you're free to travel abroad.

How long does it take to get i-131 after Biometrics?

The reentry permit processing time takes

about 4 months

to complete. On average, you will get your biometrics appointment notice within 1 month of filing your Form I-131. The biometrics appointment will be scheduled for roughly 2 weeks after you receive your appointment notice.

Can I leave the US while waiting for green card?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does

provide that immigrants may travel abroad while waiting

on their Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card. … An Advance Parole travel document allows for the continued processing of an adjustment of status to a lawful permanent resident.

Who should file form I-131?

Certain individuals may use Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, to apply for a Reentry Permit, Refugee Travel Document or Advance Parole.

Many non-U.S. citizens must

file Form I-131 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to obtain a travel document before traveling abroad.

Can I submit I-131 with I-485?

File Form I-131 After Filing Form I-485

If you have already filed Form I-485 and it's still pending with USCIS,

you may file Form I-131 without a fee

.

Can you file 131 online?

You may submit Form I-131 by mail or online to

USCIS

. … You can find direct filing addresses on the USCIS website. For online applications, information about where to send your supporting documentation is provided when you submit your application electronically.

How long does it take for travel document to be approved?

The travel document usually arrives

within 150 days (sometimes longer)

after submitting your application. You can't leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand, so you should expect to spend the 3–5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States.

Can I travel outside US while I 130 is pending?

An immigrant petition filed on your behalf means you will eventually get an immigrant visa and immigrate to the U.S., if you are eligible. However,

immigration authorities may not issue non

-immigrant visas while immigrant petitions are pending. …

How do I expedite I-131 reentry permit?

For an expedite request for your reentry permit, you should

clearly state “expedite” on the envelope of the mailed petition and on the cover letter to USCIS

. Additional documentation explaining the need for urgency should be submitted along with your petition to support your request to expedite.

Can I travel with approved I-131?


Individuals may travel on the approved advanced parole document

, provided the document is valid for the entire duration of the time abroad. The pending Form I-131 will not be considered abandoned in this situation.

What happens if I stay more than 6 months outside US?

If you are abroad for 6 months or more per year, you

risk “abandoning” your green card

. This is especially true after multiple prolonged absences or after a prior warning by a CBP officer at the airport.

How long can I stay outside US with green card?

Generally, you can stay outside the U.S. for

up to one year

. If you have been issued a Re-Entry Permit, which applicants must apply for while in the U.S., you can stay outside the United States as long as your Re-Entry Permit has not expired.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.