USCIS Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A)

1. What is the purpose of Form I-131A?


Form I-131A is used by U.S. lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to apply for a Travel Document, which allows them to travel outside the United States and return without applying for a new immigrant visa.

2. What is the application process for Form I-131A?


The application process for Form I-131A is fairly straightforward. First, you must complete the I-131A form and pay the requisite fee. Then submit the form either by mail or online to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. After submitting the form, you will receive a receipt notice with a receipt number. The USCIS will then review your application and make a decision on whether to grant your request or not. If approved, you will receive a travel document in the form of a Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571). You will need to bring this travel document with you when you travel internationally.

3. What documents are required to apply for Form I-131A?


To apply for Form I-131A, applicants must provide the following documents:

1. A valid passport or other travel document
2. Evidence of a validly issued Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
3. Evidence of the qualifying event (marriage to a US citizen, death or divorce of a US citizen spouse, or termination of conditional residence status)
4. Two passport-style photographs
5. A check or money order for the appropriate fee

4. How long does it take to receive a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A)?


The processing time for Form I-131A, Refugee and Asylee Travel Document, can vary depending on the specific situation. Generally, the processing time is 8 to 10 weeks.

5. What is the fee for filing Form I-131A?


The fee for filing Form I-131A is $575.

6. Can a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) be used to travel outside the United States?


Yes, a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) is used to travel outside the United States for a limited period of time.

7. How long is a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) valid?


The Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) is valid for 12 months.

8. Can a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) be renewed?


Yes, a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) can be renewed. To renew the document, applicants must submit a new Form I-131A with the applicable filing fee and must include documentation that shows their continued refugee or asylee status.

9. How do I renew my Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A)?


You can renew your Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) by filing a new I-131A application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To do this, you will need to submit Form I-131A, the filing fee, evidence of your current immigration status and any other required documents. You should also include evidence of travel history and an explanation of why you need to travel outside the United States. USCIS may also ask for additional documents and information.

10. Where should I file my application for a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A)?


Your completed application for a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) should be filed with your local office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

11. Is a biometric service appointment required when filing Form I-131A?


Yes, a biometric service appointment is required when filing Form I-131A.

12. What evidence must be provided to prove eligibility for a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A)?


In order to prove eligibility for a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document, applicants must provide evidence of their refugee or asylee status in the United States, such as a copy of their Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571), their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record from USCIS, or their Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551). Applicants must also submit a copy of their passport or national identity document (if they have one). If the applicant is under the age of 16, they must also provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate.

13. Can a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) be used to obtain a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad?


Yes, a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) can be used to obtain a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

14. Can someone else pick up my Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) from USCIS?


Yes, someone else may pick up your Travel Document (Form I-131A) from USCIS. If you authorize someone else to pick up your document, they will need to present a valid government-issued ID and an original signed and dated letter of authorization from you that includes the following information:

• Your full name,
• Your Alien Registration Number (if known),
• Your date of birth,
• The receipt number for the Form I-131A filing, and
• A photocopy of your valid government-issued identification.

15. Is there an expedited processing option available for Form I-131A?


Yes. Form I-131A includes an option for expedited processing. To request expedited processing, you must include a statement explaining why the request is needed. USCIS will review requests on a case-by-case basis.

16. What happens if my application for a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) is denied?


If your application for a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) is denied, you will receive an explanation of the reasons for the denial and instructions about how to appeal the decision. You can also file a motion to reopen or reconsider your application if you believe that the decision was incorrect.

17. Can someone else sign my application for a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A)?


No, you must sign your own application for a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A).

18. When should I expect to receive my Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A)?


You should expect to receive your Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) four to six weeks after you submit your application.

19. How do I check the status of my application for a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A)?


You can check the status of your application for a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. You can also visit the USCIS website to create an online account and check the status of your application.

20. Are there any special considerations for minors applying for a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A)?


Yes, any minor (under the age of 18) applying for a Refugee and Asylee Travel Document (Form I-131A) must have an adult representative sign the form on their behalf. The adult representative must also provide evidence of their relationship to the minor, such as a birth certificate or other legal document.