The I-131 Application for Travel Document is used by foreign nationals and noncitizens who need to travel outside the United States, often due to an emergency situation. Read on for more.

I-131 – Application for Travel Document is an important document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). I-131 form is used mainly by those who have a valid travel document, such as a re-entry permit, Refugee Travel Document or another. I-131 can be also used to apply for replacement of lost/damaged travel documents as well as for advance parole prior to traveling outside the U.S. The I-131 requires information regarding one’s I-94 Number, UID Number (biometric identifier), Passport Number and other details from the authorized travel document holder. USCIS recommends applicants to follow all instructions carefully while filling out the I-131 application and submit it along with the requested documents in order to avoid delays in processing their documents.

This document allows applicants to reenter the United States with their current immigration status intact. Additionally, applicants may need to provide evidence of financial support and valid employment in order to be approved for travel. Once all necessary documentation and forms are submitted, USCIS will typically process the application within three months or less. In some cases an expedited processing option is available if there is extreme urgency to leave the country immediately due to serious circumstances such as illness or death of immediate family members who live abroad.