To apply for a re-entry permit, refugee travel document or advance parole travel document, to include parole into the U.S. for humanitarian reasons.

Form 5; Instructions 15.

12/23/16. No previous editions accepted. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the Form and Instructions.

Please check the Filing Addresses for Form I-131 for information on where to mail your application.

Filing Tips for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

Complete all sections of the form. The form will be rejected if these fields are missing:

• Part 1 – Information About You
  • Family Name
  • Physical Address
  • Date of Birth
• Part 2 – Application Type
  • 1.a. – 1.f.
  • Family Name (If 1.f. selected)
  • Physical Address (If 1.f. selected)

Sign the form at Part 8, Item Number 1.a., Signature of Applicant. The fillable version of Form I-131 now includes a “Don’t forget to sign!” message and an arrow pointing to the signature box as a reminder for when you print the completed form for mailing. If there is no signature in Part 8, we will reject the form and return it to you.

See Special Instructions.

Note: You do not need to pay an additional fee for Form I-131 if:

• You are filing Form I-131 Application Type B or D;
• You filed a Form I-485 with a fee on/after July 30, 2007; and
• Your Form I-485 is still pending.

To ensure your Form I-131 is accepted for processing:

• Fill out the form completely and accurately
• Sign the form
• Pay the correct filing fee
• We recommend reading our Lockbox Filing Tips.
• To receive an e-Notification when your Form I-131 has been accepted, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance and clip it to the front of your application.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: You cannot apply for advance parole while your request for deferred action is still pending. If you leave the United States while your request for consideration of deferred action is pending, your deferred action request will be denied.

Once USCIS approves your request for consideration of deferred action, you may file Form I-131 to request advance parole to travel outside of the United States. If you travel outside the United States without first receiving advance parole, USCIS will automatically terminate your deferred action. You must submit Form I-131 with specific documentation depending on the agency that deferred action in your case. If USCIS deferred action in your case, submit a copy of your Form I-797, Notice of Action. If U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deferred action in your case, submit a copy of the ICE order, notice, or letter. USCIS will only grant advance parole if your travel abroad will be for educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes. You must indicate the purpose on the Form I-131 as described below:

• Educational purposes, such as semester abroad programs or academic research;
• Employment purposes, such as overseas assignments, interviews, conferences, training, or meetings with clients; or
• Humanitarian purposes, such as travel to obtain medical treatment, attend funeral services for a family member, or visit an ailing relative.

Travel for vacation is not a valid purpose.

You may not file Form I-131 online. Please check the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-131 for information on where to mail your application.

For additional information about travel outside the United States and filing for advance parole, read Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: Travel Documents.