Form I-131 for Advance Parole: When You Need It and When You Don’t

Form I-131 is a USCIS-issued document that is useful for immigrants who face travel restrictions but have urgent reasons to go abroad. It controls one of the biggest risks for visa holders in the U.S. 

Let’s break it down. 

What Form I-131 Really Does 

Form I-131 is the USCIS form you use to get any of the major U.S. travel documents. 

You can use Form I-131 to request: 

• Advance Parole (AP) – permission to leave the U.S. and return when you don’t have another valid way to re-enter. 

• Re-entry Permit – for green-card holders planning to stay abroad for a year or more. 

• Refugee Travel Document – for refugees, asylees, and LPRs who got their green card through asylum/refugee status. 

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) travel authorization – for people with TPS. 

When You Do Need Advance Parole 

Here are the situations where traveling without a Form I-131 can create problems. 

1. You filed Form I-485, and you don’t have a dual-intent visa. 

If you leave the U.S. without an approved AP, USCIS treats your I-485 as abandoned. That’s the rule. So, if you don’t have H-1B or L-1 status that allows re-entry, get AP before you leave. 

2. You have TP Sand want to travel. 

Traveling abroad when you have a TPS requires Form I-131. 

3. You’re a DACA recipient.

DACA travel is limited and requires AP for: 

• Humanitarian reasons 

• Education 

• Employment 

4. You’re an asylum applicant.

Leaving the U.S. while your asylum case is pending can cause your application to be treated as abandoned. You must get proper travel authorization first. 

5. Humanitarian or emergency parole.

USCIS can grant AP for urgent or public-benefit reasons, such as medical emergencies or urgent humanitarian needs. 

When You Don’t Need Advance Parole 

Not everyone needs AP, such as the people who fall under these categories. 

1. You’re an LPR traveling temporarily.

Green-card holders can re-enter with their card. You only need Form I-131 if you’ll be gone a year or more to apply for a Re-entry Permit. 

2. You’re on a valid H-1B or L-1 visa.

These are dual-intent visas. If your H or L visa stamp is valid, you can re-enter the U.S. using that visa.  

Note: If you re-enter using AP instead of your H or L visa, you may re-enter as a parolee, rather than in H or L status, which can affect your work or future travel. 

3. You already have an immigrant visa.

This applies to someone who already has their immigrant visa in hand and can travel to the U.S. as an LPR. 

Risks You Should Know 

Here are some things to watch out for: 

1. Leaving without AP can kill your I-485.

If you applied for a green card and USCIS sees that you traveled without Advance Parole or another valid reentry document, your adjustment case may be denied. 

2. AP doesn’t guarantee re-entry. 

CBP decides who comes into the U.S. at the port of entry. AP only guarantees the right to be inspected. 

3. Traveling while AP is still pending is a bad idea.

If you leave the U.S. before AP is approved, USCIS can deny it. If that happens, you face all the risks of traveling without a valid permit. 

How to File Form I-131 Properly 

Here’s the process in simple terms. 

1. Pick the correct category.

You will see different categories on Form I-131, such as AP, re-entry permit, refugee travel doc, and TPS travel.  

Choosing the wrong one will likely stall your case.  

2. File before you travel.

USCIS must approve AP while you’re still in the U.S. You must be patient to avoid risks. 

3. Include your evidence.

What to attach with your application depends on your category, but common items include: 

• I-485 receipt notice 

• Passport photos 

• Evidence of the reason for travel 

• Proof of TPS, DACA, or humanitarian need 

• Filing fee 

4. Track your case.

Monitor the progress of your case through your USCIS account. There, you’ll get all the updates from USCIS for your case. For instance, your category may require biometrics. If it does, you’ll get updates through your USCIS account. 

Processing Times, Fees & Emergencies 

USCIS processing times are subject to change frequently, so please check them each time before applying. 

• Timelines vary by case type. 

• Fees change with policy updates. 

• Emergency AP is possible, but you must prove the urgency. An emergency appointment might be available at a USCIS field office. 

Travel Tips for a Smooth Return 

Carry these when you travel with AP: 

• Your AP document (Form I-512 or combo card) 

• Your passport 

• Your I-485 receipt 

• Any document supporting the reason you traveled 

• Your attorney’s contact information 

Also, be prepared to answer any questions that CBP may ask. 

Seek Help at ImmigrationQuestion.com 

Do you have any questions regarding your Form I-131 processing? Ask FREE and get answers from licensed immigration attorneys at ImmigrationQuestion.com. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s Form I-131 used for? 

Form I-131 is the USCIS form for four travel documents: Advance Parole, Re-entry Permits, Refugee Travel Documents, and TPS travel authorization. 

Do I need Advance Parole if my I-485 is pending? 

Yes, unless you can return using a valid option such as an H-1B or L-1 visa. Leaving without Advance Parole usually leads USCIS to treat your I-485 as abandoned. 

Does Advance Parole guarantee re-entry? 

It only lets you request entry. CBP officers will make the final decision at the airport. 

Can I travel while my AP application is still pending? 

That’s not a good idea. If you leave before USCIS approves it, the AP request can be denied. And your I-485 could be considered abandoned. 

Who doesn’t need Advance Parole? 

You’re fine without AP if you’re: 

• A green-card holder returning from a short trip 

• Traveling on a valid H-1B or L-1 visa, and you’ll re-enter using that visa 

• Holding an immigrant visa that already lets you enter as an LPR 

How long does Form I-131 take to process? 

It depends on the category and workload. USCIS processing time changes from time to time. You can check the current timing before making plans. 

What documents should I carry when traveling with AP? 

Bring your AP document, passport, I-485 receipt, and any documents that show why you traveled, such as medical or employer letters. 

Can I speed up Form I-131 processing? 

You may. You’ll need strong proof of an urgent humanitarian or business reason. 

What happens if USCIS denies my AP request? 

You shouldn’t travel. You may need to refile with better evidence or request an emergency AP if the situation qualifies.