Many clients ask if they are able to travel outside the United States and return without fear of being placed in deportation or simply denied re-entry. This blog post offers some guidance on who is eligible for a travel document.
The I-131, Application for Travel Document, is a form used to request various travel authorizations from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The most common types of travel documents requested through Form I-131 include a Re-entry Permit, Advance Parole, Refugee Travel Document, and a Humanitarian Parole document. Each of these documents serves different purposes based on an individual's immigration status, allowing them to temporarily leave the U.S. and return without risking the abandonment of their immigration status.
Who is Eligible?
- Permanent Residents (Re-entry Permit): U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) who plan to travel outside the U.S. for more than one year but less than two years need a re-entry permit to avoid being considered as having abandoned their status. The re-entry permit allows them to return to the U.S. without the need for a returning resident visa.
- Adjustment of Status Applicants (Advance Parole): Individuals who are in the process of adjusting their status to permanent residency (green card) can apply for Advance Parole if they need to travel abroad. This document allows them to re-enter the U.S. without affecting their ongoing application for permanent residency.
- Refugees and Asylees (Refugee Travel Document): Individuals granted refugee or asylum status can apply for a Refugee Travel Document to travel outside the U.S. The document acts as a passport substitute and ensures they can return to the U.S. without issues.
- Humanitarian Parole Applicants: In some cases, individuals outside the U.S. facing urgent humanitarian circumstances may request travel authorization for emergency reasons.
The I-131 is critical for those with pending immigration matters or special circumstances needing international travel. Please keep in mind that this is just general guidance. We strongly recommend that you contact the Law Office of Gregory J. Eck before undertaking an application for travel authorization. Failure to consult a skilled immigration lawyer could have very serious negative consequences.
If you'd like to explore the specific uses of each document further, the USCIS website and legal immigration resources provide comprehensive guides. Contact us online for more information.