What a U.S. Travel Document Is and Who Needs One
A U.S. travel document is an official paper that lets you leave and re-enter the United States if you cannot use a regular passport. The most common type is the Advance Parole Document, which the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues to people with pending immigration cases. Another type is the Refugee Travel Document, issued to refugees and asylees who need to travel outside the U.S. but want to keep their status.
You may need a travel document if you are waiting for a green card decision, have a pending asylum case, or are a refugee who needs to visit family abroad. Without one, leaving the U.S. can cancel your immigration case or your status. A travel document lets you go and come back without losing your place in line.
The process takes several months from start to finish. You will need to fill out the correct form, gather documents, pay a fee, and wait for USCIS to make a decision. The timeline varies depending on your local USCIS office and how busy they are.
Key Takeaways
- Advance Parole Documents are for people with pending green card or work visa cases; Refugee Travel Documents are for refugees and asylees who need to travel abroad.
- You must file Form I-131 (process for Travel Document) with USCIS, along with proof of your immigration status and a government-issued ID.
- The filing fee is $575 for most applicants, though some people with low income may request a fee reduction or waiver.
- Processing time ranges from two to six months depending on your USCIS office location and current workload.
- You can check your case status online using your receipt number, which USCIS sends after they receive your process.
Determine Which Type of Travel Document You Need
The form you file depends on your immigration situation. If you have a pending green card case (through family sponsorship, employment, or diversity visa), or a pending work visa case, you need an Advance Parole Document. This document is filed on Form I-131 and lets you travel outside the U.S. without abandoning your case.
If you are a refugee or asylee, you need a Refugee Travel Document, also filed on Form I-131 but with different supporting documents. Refugees and asylees cannot use a regular passport to travel because their status is tied to the U.S. government, not to their country of origin.
If you are unsure which category you fall into, check your most recent USCIS notice or I-797 receipt notice. It will state your case type and current status. You can also call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to confirm before you file.
Gather Required Documents Before Filing
You will need to submit Form I-131 along with supporting documents that prove your immigration status. For an Advance Parole Document, gather a copy of your I-797 receipt notice (the notice USCIS sent when they received your green card or visa case), a government-issued photo ID, and a copy of your passport. You will also need to explain why you need to travel — this can be a brief letter stating the reason (family emergency, business, medical treatment, etc.).
For a Refugee Travel Document, you need your I-797 notice, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your refugee or asylee status (such as your I-94 arrival record or asylum approval notice). You do not need a passport for this type.
Make copies of everything before you submit. Keep the originals for your records. If any document is not in English, you must include a certified English translation along with the original.
Complete Form I-131 and Calculate the Fee
read Form I-131 from the USCIS website (uscis.gov) or request a paper copy by calling 1-800-375-5283. The form has multiple parts; fill out only the sections that explore to your situation. Part 1 asks for your personal information. Part 2 asks which type of document you need — mark "Advance Parole" or "Refugee Travel Document" depending on your case.
The filing fee is $575 for most applicants. If your household income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, you can request a fee reduction to $287 or a complete waiver. To request a reduction or waiver, fill out Form I-912 (Request for Fee Reduction or Waiver) and submit it with your I-131. Include recent tax returns, pay stubs, or a letter explaining your financial situation.
Do not submit cash. Pay by check or money order made out to "USCIS". Write your name and date of birth on the back of the check. If you are filing online through USCIS online services, you can pay by credit or debit card.
Choose How to Submit Your process
You can file Form I-131 by mail or online, depending on your situation. To file by mail, send your completed form, supporting documents, and fee to the USCIS Service Center that handles your case. The address depends on where you live; check the USCIS website or call 1-800-375-5283 to find the correct mailing address for your state.
Some applicants can file online through USCIS online services if they have a USCIS account and their case type is may be able to access. Log in to your account on uscis.gov, select "File a Form", and follow the prompts. Online filing is faster because USCIS receives it when ready and you get a receipt number right away.
Whether you file by mail or online, keep your receipt number. USCIS will send you a receipt notice (I-797) with this number. Use it to check your case status on the USCIS website under "Check Your Case Status".
Track Your Case and Receive Your Document
After USCIS receives your process, they will send you a receipt notice with a case number. Go to uscis.gov and click "Check Your Case Status" to enter your receipt number and see where your case stands. The status page updates as your case moves through the system.
Processing time varies widely. Most cases take two to six months, but some USCIS offices take longer depending on how many cases they are handling. You can see the current processing time for your local office on the USCIS website under "Processing Times".
Once USCIS approves your case, they will mail your travel document to the address you provided on the form. The document is valid for one or two years depending on your immigration status. When you travel, carry your travel document, your passport, and your approval notice. You will need all three to board a flight and re-enter the U.S.
What to Do If Your process Is Denied or Delayed
If USCIS denies your process, they will send you a notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include missing documents, an incomplete form, or a case type that does not may have access to for a travel document. You can file a new process if you fix the problem, or you can request that USCIS reconsider the decision by filing Form I-290B (Notice of Appeal or Motion) within 30 days of the denial notice.
If your case is delayed beyond the normal processing time, you can contact USCIS by phone at 1-800-375-5283 or through your online account. Have your receipt number ready. USCIS may ask you to send additional documents or clarify information on your form.
If you need to travel urgently before your document arrives, you can request an expedited decision by writing a letter to USCIS explaining the emergency (serious illness, death in the family, etc.). Include your receipt number and mail it to the same address where you filed your process. USCIS does not always grant expedited requests, but it is worth trying if your situation is urgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel while my I-131 process is pending?
No. If you leave the U.S. before USCIS approves your travel document, your process will be denied and your immigration case may be cancelled. Wait until you receive your approved travel document before you book any travel.
How long is a travel document valid?
Advance Parole Documents are usually valid for one year. Refugee Travel Documents are valid for two years. The expiration date is printed on the document. You cannot travel after it expires.
What if I lose my travel document while I am abroad?
Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate when ready. They can issue a replacement document so you can return to the U.S. Bring your passport and any proof of your status (such as your approval notice). The replacement process takes several days to a few weeks depending on the embassy's workload.
Do I need a visa stamp in my passport if I have a travel document?
No. Your travel document is your permission to re-enter the U.S. You do not need a visa stamp. When you return, show your travel document and passport to the border officer.
Can I file for a travel document if my green card case was denied?
No. A travel document is only for people with pending immigration cases. If your case was denied, you cannot file for one. You would need to explore other options, such as leaving the U.S. voluntarily or consulting an immigration attorney about your next steps.