INSTRUCTIONS: APPLICATION FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENT (Form I-131)

Form I-131 is for resident aliens and refugees within the United States to apply for a reentry form if they travel abroad. It can also be used to apply for "advanced parole" for foreign citizens requesting entry on emergency or humanitarian grounds. This document from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can be obtained directly from their website.

Application for Travel Document I-131 Step 1: Under "Part 1," list your name, address, gender, current residential status, countries of birth and citizenship and social security number if applicable.

Application for Travel Document I-131 Step 2: Under "Part 2," check the box next to the listed application types indicating your purpose. These include options for permanent or conditional residents seeking a reentry permit for when they return from a trip abroad, refugees or asylees wishing to travel abroad, and those seeking advanced parole for themselves or others.

Application for Travel Document I-131 Step 3: If applying for advanced parole for another person, list their name, address and other requested information.

Application for Travel Document I-131 Step 4: Under "Part 3," list the date you intend to leave the country, the length of your trip and indicate if you are involved in any review of your residential status. Indicate if you have been issued a reentry or refugee travel document before. Indicate whether you want this document sent to the address listed above, or to a consulate, embassy or DHS office overseas. Provide an address where notice that this document has arrived can be sent.

Application for Travel Document I-131 Step 5: Under "Part 4," list the purpose of your trip and the countries you intend to visit.

Application for Travel Document I-131 Step 6: If a permanent resident applying for a reentry document, under "Part 5" list how much time you have spent outside the United States since receiving this status or during the last 5 years, whichever is less.

Application for Travel Document I-131 Step 7: If a refugee or asylee, under "Part 6" indicate if you are returning the country you fled from.

Application for Travel Document I-131 Step 8: If applying for advanced parole, under "Part 7" indicate where the document should sent.

Application for Travel Document I-131 Step 9: Sign, date and submit the document to the address indicated in form instructions.