Travel Outside the U.S. as a Permanent Resident
If you are in the United States as a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident and you wish to travel outside the U.S., you may apply for a re-entry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole travel document (including parole into the U.S. for humanitarian reasons). You must be physically present in the United States when you file the re-entry permit and complete the biometric services requirement, if applicable.
Eligibility
If you are a permanent resident, you can travel outside the United States. Temporary or brief travel usually does not affect your permanent resident status. However, if we determine that you did not intend to make the United States your permanent home, we will find that you have abandoned your permanent resident status. A general guide used is whether you have been absent from the United States for more than a year.
See our International Travel as a Permanent Resident and Maintaining Permanent Residence webpages for more information.
How to File
You must:
- Read the instruction for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document;
- Complete and sign your Form I-131;
- Pay the filing fee, if applicable; and
- Provide all required evidence and supporting documentation.
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After You File
Once we receive your Form I-131, you will receive a:
- Receipt notice confirming we received your application;
- Biometric services notice, if applicable;
- Notice to appear for an interview, if required; and
- Notice of our decision.
Forms and Fees
- Form I-131
- Use our Fee Calculator to help determine your fee.