What Is Form I-131 (Advance Parole / Travel Document)?
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, is a multi-purpose form used to request one of several travel documents — most commonly advance parole, which is permission to return to the U.S. after temporary travel abroad while a green card application is pending. The same form is also used to request a re-entry permit or a refugee travel document, depending on the applicant’s situation.
What Form I-131 Is Used For
The form covers several distinct document types, and the correct one depends on the applicant’s category:
- Advance parole — commonly requested by applicants with a pending Form I-485, so they can travel internationally and be allowed to return without abandoning their pending application.
- Re-entry permit — used by lawful permanent residents planning an extended stay outside the U.S. to preserve their permanent resident status.
- Refugee travel document — used by refugees or asylees (and certain other categories) who need an internationally recognized travel document because they may not be able to safely obtain a passport from their country of origin.
Because the correct document type and the rules around it depend heavily on category, this article describes what the form covers at a high level rather than which option applies to a specific situation.
What Form I-131 Actually Asks
At a high level, the form collects:
- Type of document requested — which of the categories above applies.
- Biographic information — legal name, other names, and current immigration status.
- Travel plans — for advance parole applicants, information about intended travel.
- Processing location preferences — where applicable, based on the applicant’s situation.
Form I-131 Fee in 2026
The I-131 filing fee is $630. When filed concurrently with Form I-485 for advance parole purposes, in eligible categories, it’s typically included at no additional fee — similar to how I-765 is often bundled with a pending adjustment of status application. There is no online-filing discount currently available for I-131.
An Important Timing Note
Leaving the United States without an approved advance parole document (or a valid basis that doesn’t require one) while a Form I-485 is pending can affect that pending application, depending on the applicant’s specific immigration history and status. This is a well-documented general principle in adjustment-of-status cases, but exactly how it applies — including any exceptions — depends on individual circumstances. It’s a question worth confirming with USCIS’s own guidance or a licensed immigration attorney before booking travel, not something to assume from a blog post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need advance parole to travel while my green card application is pending? For most I-485 applicants, yes — traveling without an approved advance parole document (or another valid basis) can affect a pending case. The specifics depend on individual status and history.
How much does Form I-131 cost in 2026? $630, or included at no additional fee when filed concurrently with I-485 for advance parole in eligible categories.
Is a re-entry permit the same as advance parole? No. A re-entry permit is used by permanent residents planning extended travel to preserve their status; advance parole is used mainly by pending I-485 applicants who don’t yet have permanent resident status.
Can I use Form I-131 for a refugee travel document? Yes — it’s one of the document types the form covers, alongside advance parole and re-entry permits.
Passage Forms is not a law firm and we are not lawyers. We do not give legal advice and we are not affiliated with USCIS or any other government agency. This article explains what a form asks — it does not tell you what your answers should be, predict an outcome, or substitute for advice from a licensed immigration attorney.