Quick answer
What is USCIS Form I-131 used for?
Use this form to apply for travel documents, parole documents, or arrival/departure records. Travel Documents You may use this form to apply for a reentry permit, refugee travel document, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) travel authorization document, Advance Parole Document, or advance permission to travel for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) long-term residents. If we approve your Form I-131 and you are a (TPS) beneficiary in the United States who wishes to travel outside the United States, we will issue you Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by an Alien to the United States. If we approve your Form I-131, and your Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, is still pending, we will issue you a Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document. If you are a TPS beneficiary or have a pending initial TPS application, you should carefully read the Form I-131 Instructions. These instructions explain certain risks you may face if you are outside the United States while we are considering your TPS re-registration or initial application, such as missing important requests for evidence or other notices or being denied TPS while you are outside the United States. For information on travel documents, including potential immigration-related consequences of traveling outside the United States, see our Travel Documents page.
What to prepare before filling I-131
- 01
Confirm that Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records, matches the specific benefit, request, verification, or record you need.
- 02
Download the current Form I-131 and its separate instructions from USCIS, then compare the edition date before typing any answers.
- 03
For Form I-131, collect the identity records, receipt or account numbers, dates, addresses, and prior immigration documents that support your answers.
- 04
Choose paper or online filing for Form I-131 only after checking whether your eligibility category supports the online option.
Current official filing details
The details below are condensed from the USCIS page reviewed on 2026-07-26. Follow the official page and instructions if they differ from this snapshot.
Edition date
01/20/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
Where to file
You have 2 options for filing your Form I-131 application with USCIS: Online (only available for certain application types); or By mail (on paper). Filing Your Form I-131 Online First create a USCIS online account or log in if you already have an account.
To learn more, visit our How to Create a USCIS Online Account page. After you submit your Form I-131 online, we will send you a receipt notice.
Who Can File Form I-131 Online Form I-131 Application Type Selection on Form I-131 Can it be filed online? Reentry permits Part 1, Box 1 on Form I-131 No Refugee travel documents Part 1, Box 2 or 3 on Form I-131 No Travel authorization documents for TPS beneficiaries inside the United States Part 1, Box 4 on Form I-131 Yes Advance parole documents for aliens who are inside the United States and advance permission to travel for CNMI long-term residents Part 1, Boxes: 5.A (pending Form I-485) Form I-485 receipt number must begin with IOE to file online under 5.A.
All other receipt numbers are ineligible for online filing; 5.C (pending initial Form I-821); 5.D (Deferred Enforced Departure); 5. E (Approved Form I-821D); and 5.G (Approved Form I-918);
Filing fee
You can find the fees for Form I-131 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.
Special instructions
E-Notification: If you want to receive an e-mail and/or text message that we have accepted your form at a USCIS lockbox, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and clip it to the first page of your form.
Official I-131 downloads and filing links
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What is Form I-131 used for?
Use this form to apply for travel documents, parole documents, or arrival/departure records.
How much does Form I-131 cost?
You can find the fees for Form I-131 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.
Can I file Form I-131 online?
USCIS lists an online option, but availability can depend on the filer and eligibility category. Confirm the option on the official page before starting.
Related USCIS form guides
Humanitarian & protection
Form I-589
Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
Fees, support & filing tools
Form G-1145
E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
Humanitarian & protection
Form G-325A
Biographic Information (for Deferred Action)
Humanitarian & protection
Form I-602
Application by Refugee for Waiver of Inadmissibility Grounds
Humanitarian & protection
Form I-730
Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition
Humanitarian & protection
Form I-821
Application for Temporary Protected Status
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Independent guide by Clerks AI; not affiliated with USCIS and not legal advice.
Last researched 2026-07-26. Recheck the official page before filing.