I-131 Explained: A Guide for Green Card Holders

I-131 Form: A Comprehensive Guide for Green Card Holders

If you’re a green card holder and need to travel outside the U.S. for an extended period, one thing you need to understand is Form I-131. Whether it’s a long family visit, a job transfer, or an emergency, traveling without the right documents can have serious consequences, including putting your permanent resident status at risk.

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the I-131 application for travel document, especially for green card holders who want to keep their status safe while they’re abroad.

What Is Form I-131?

At its core, Form I-131 is used to request a travel document. That document depends on your immigration status and travel needs. For green card holders, it’s usually for a reentry permit, which protects your status if you’re outside the U.S. for more than 12 months.

You may have heard terms like:

• Travel document green card holder
• re-entry permit form
• I-131 re-entry permit

All of these refer to the type of document that allows lawful permanent residents to reenter the country after long trips abroad, and it all begins with the form I-131 application for travel documents.

Why Do Green Card Holders Need It?

Green cardholders are expected to live in the U.S. permanently. If you travel abroad for more than 6 months, immigration officers may start to question your intent to live in the U.S. full-time. At the 12-month mark, you might not even be allowed back in unless you have a valid re-entry permit application.

That’s where the re-entry permit application comes in. By applying for a travel document form I-131, you’re telling the U.S. government:

“I need to be away for a while, but I’m not abandoning my green card.”

It gives you peace of mind and keeps your U.S. residency secure.

What Types of Travel Documents Can You Get with I-131?

Here’s what green card holders might apply for:

1. Reentry Permit – For permanent residents planning to be outside the U.S. for 1 year or more.

2. Refugee Travel Document – For those who received asylum or refugee status and need to travel.

3. Advance Parole – Not usually for green card holders, but for those applying for one.

There’s also something called I-131 humanitarian parole, used in exceptional cases like emergencies, but that’s rare for permanent residents.

So if you’re a green card holder, you’re probably looking to file for a re-entry permit form through the I-131 application for travel document.

How to Apply for a Reentry Permit

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Complete the Form

Download the Form I-131 application for travel documents from the USCIS website. Make sure to follow the Form I-131 instructions exactly. Small errors can lead to delays or denials.

You’ll need to provide:

• Personal information
• Immigration status
• Date of intended departure I-131
• Travel history

2. Prepare Supporting Documents

Your I-131 supporting documents might include:

• Copy of your green card (front and back)
• Passport-style photos
• Copy of any previous travel documents (if applicable)

3. Pay the Filing Fee

So, how much for a travel document? As of now:

• The Form I-131 filing fee is $630
• Biometrics: $85 (if you’re between 14 and 79 years old)

That’s a total of $715 for most applicants. So if you’re wondering about the I-131 application for travel document fees, this is your expected cost (fees subject to change).

4. Mail Your Application

One of the most asked questions is where to send the form I-131, or USCIS mailing address for I-131.

The correct mailing address depends on your reason for applying and where you live. Always check the latest details on the USCIS website or ask an immigration attorney to make sure you send it to the right location.

(Also, if you’re asking where to send the I-131 application, the same advice applies.)

How Long Does It Take?

We get this all the time: “How long does it take to apply for a reentry permit?”

The full process can take 2 to 5 months. That’s the typical reentry permit processing time. In some cases, people get approved faster, which is why you might hear about the I-131 90-day timeline, but that’s not guaranteed.

So if you’re planning to travel soon, apply early.

Biometrics: Don’t Miss It

After filing, you’ll get a notice for a biometrics appointment. It’s required, and you must be in the U.S. when it happens. If you leave before your biometrics are done, your application could be denied.

Also, don’t forget to list your date of intended departure I-131 accurately. USCIS uses this to decide how urgent your case is.

Can You File Online?

Many ask, Can I apply for I-131 online?

For most travel document applications, no — it still needs to be filed by paper. Always use the official USCIS forms and mailing instructions.

Special Cases: Refugee Travel and More

Some green card holders who came to the U.S. as refugees or asylees may need a refugee travel document form instead. The process is similar but serves a different purpose, mainly for returning to the U.S. after international travel when you’ve been granted asylum or refugee status.

For these cases:

• Refugee travel document processing time is also around 2–5 months.
• Filing is also done with Form I-131.

If that’s your situation, talk to an attorney who knows how to apply for a refugee travel document properly.

How Long Can You Stay Abroad?

If you’re wondering how long you can travel with Form I-131, here’s the short answer:

• A reentry permit lets you stay abroad for up to 2 years.
• It cannot be extended. If you need more time, you’ll have to reapply.

This is especially helpful for those with temporary overseas work, long-term family care needs, or dual residency plans.

Final Thoughts

The I-131 re entry permit processing time may feel slow, but it’s worth it. Traveling without the right paperwork could lead to questions at the airport — or worse, being denied reentry.

Whether you need help filing, have questions about timelines, or just want someone to double-check everything, we’re here to make it easy and stress-free.

Don’t risk your status over travel plans.

Whether you need a reentry permit, a refugee travel document, or just clear answers about Form I-131, our immigration attorneys at Passage Immigration Law are here to help. We guide you through every step with care, speed, and clarity.

Get peace of mind before you fly. Schedule your consultation now.

DISCLAIMER: This article offers general legal information, not legal advice. Do not rely upon this information without seeking legal counsel. If you need legal advice, you may contact us directly to speak with an attorney. We disclaim all liability with respect to actions taken based on any information presented. Every case is different, and outcomes will vary depending on the unique facts and legal issues of your case.