TABLE OF CHANGES – INSTRUCTIONS
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
OMB Number: 1615-0013
07/21/2020
Reason for Revision: Fee Rule. Project Phase: Post G-1056
Legend for Proposed Text:
Expires 04/30/2022 Edition Date 4/24/2019 |
Current Page Number and Section |
Current Text |
Proposed Text |
Pages 2-8,
Who May File Form I-131? |
[Page 3]
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(2) You are a lawful permanent resident as a direct result of your refugee or asylee status in the United States, you may be permitted to file Form I-131 and apply for a Refugee Travel Document. The USCIS Overseas District Director with jurisdiction over your location makes this decision in his or her discretion.
Your application must be filed within 1 year of your last departure from the United States and should include an explanation of why you failed to apply for a Refugee Travel Document before you departed from the United States. …
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[Page 3]
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(2) You are a lawful permanent resident as a direct result of your refugee or asylee status in the United States, you may be permitted to file Form I-131 and apply for a Refugee Travel Document.
Your application must be filed within 1 year of your last departure from the United States and should include an explanation of why you failed to apply for a Refugee Travel Document before you departed from the United States. … |
Pages 8-9, General Instructions |
[Page 8]
General Instructions
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How To Fill Out Form I-131
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2. If extra space is needed to complete any item, attach a separate sheet and type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any), at the top of each sheet of paper; indicate the Part and Item Numbers to which your answer refers; and date and sign each sheet.
3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If an item is not applicable or the answer is none, print or type N/A.
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[Page 8]
General Instructions
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Translations. Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
Delivery Information. If your application is approved, your ensuing secure identity document (for example: Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document, Travel Document) may be delivered using the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery (SCRD) service. If SCRD is used for delivery, you will be required to sign for delivery of your document. You must provide identification as requested by USPS. If you are not able to sign for your document, you may designate an agent to sign on your behalf. To do this you must complete the US Postal Service Form 3801 and submit it to your local Post Office. Alternatively, if you would like your attorney or accredited representative to receive the document, please ensure that a Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, has been filed with USCIS.
If you are receiving a Refugee Travel Document while still abroad, you will have to arrange for pickup of the document with the USCIS office, Embassy, or Consulate that serves your location abroad.
How To Fill Out Form I-131
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2. If extra space is needed to complete any item, attach a separate sheet and type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) at the top of each sheet of paper; indicate the Part and Item Numbers to which your answer refers; and date and sign each sheet.
3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If an item is not applicable or the answer is none, print or type N/A.
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Pages 8-12,
General Requirements |
[Page 11]
General Requirements
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3. Biometrics Services Requirement
a. All applicants for a Refugee Travel Document or a Reentry Permit must complete biometrics at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) or, if applying for a Refugee Travel Document while outside of the United States at an overseas USCIS facility. If you are between ages 14 through 79 and you are applying for a Refugee Travel Document or a Reentry Permit, you must also be fingerprinted as part of USCIS biometrics services requirement. After you have filed this application, USCIS will notify you in writing of the time and location for your biometrics services appointment. Failure to appear to be fingerprinted or for other biometrics services may result in a denial of your application.
b. All applicants for Reentry Permits and/or Refugee Travel Documents between the ages of 14 through 79 are required to pay the additional $85 biometrics services fee. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section of these Instructions.)
c. An individual outside the United States who is seeking an Advance Parole Document for humanitarian reasons or for significant public benefit, including under one of the Family Reunification Parole policies, and who is between ages 14 through 79, must be fingerprinted as part of the USCIS biometrics services requirement. Depending on the individual’s location, USCIS or the Department of State will advise the location for the biometrics services appointment.
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[Page 11]
General Requirements
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3. Biometrics Services Requirement
a. All applicants for a Refugee Travel Document or a Reentry Permit must complete biometrics at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) or, if applying for a Refugee Travel Document while outside of the United States at an authorized overseas collection site, such as a U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate or USCIS facility. If you are between ages 14 through 79 and you are applying for a Refugee Travel Document or a Reentry Permit, you must also be fingerprinted as part of USCIS biometrics services requirement. After you have filed this application, USCIS will notify you in writing of the time and location for your biometrics services appointment. Failure to appear to be fingerprinted or for other biometrics services may result in a denial of your application.
b. An individual outside the United States who is seeking an Advance Parole Document for humanitarian reasons or for significant public benefit, including under one of the Family Reunification Parole policies, and who is between ages 14 through 79, must be fingerprinted as part of the USCIS biometrics services requirement. Depending on the individual’s location, USCIS or the Department of State will advise the location for the biometrics services appointment. c. An individual outside the United States who is seeking an Advance Parole Document for humanitarian reasons or for significant public benefit, including under one of the Family Reunification Parole policies, and who is between ages 14 through 79, must be fingerprinted as part of the USCIS biometrics services requirement. Depending on the individual’s location, USCIS or the Department of State will advise the location for the biometrics services appointment.
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Pages 12-13,
What Is the Filing Fee? |
[Page 12]
What Is the Filing Fee?
Reentry Permit: The filing fee for a Reentry Permit is $575. A biometric services fee of $85 is required for applicants ages 14 through 79.
Refugee Travel Document: The filing fee for a Refugee Travel Document for an applicant age 16 or older is $135. The fee for a child younger than 16 is $105. A biometrics services fee of $85 is required for applicants ages 14 through 79.
Advance Parole Document for Individuals Who Are Currently in the United States (including individuals whose cases were deferred pursuant to DACA): The filing fee for an Advance Parole Document for an individual who is currently in the United States is $575. A biometrics services fee is not required.
Advance Parole Document for Individuals Outside the United States, Including Under Family Reunification Parole Policies: The filing fee for an Advance Parole Document for an individual who is outside the United States is $575. The biometrics services fee is not required. The filing fee may be waived based upon a demonstrated ability to pay. Applicants should file Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, when filing Form I-131 to ensure such requests are supported in accordance with 8 CFR 103.7(c).
NOTE: If you filed Form I-485 on or after July 30, 2007, and you paid the Form I-485 application fee required, then no fee is required to file a request for an Advance Parole Document or Refugee Travel Document on Form I-131 if your Form I-485 is still pending, if:
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1. You now hold U.S. refugee or asylee status, and are applying for a Refugee Travel Document (see Part 2. Application Type, Item Number 1.b. of Form I-131); or
2. You are applying for an Advance Parole Document to allow you to return to the United States after temporary foreign travel (see Part 2. Application Type, Item Number 1.d. of Form I-131).
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Under these circumstances, you may file Form I-131 together with your Form I-485, or you may submit Form I-131 at a later date. If you file Form I-131 separately, you must also submit a copy of your Form I-797, Notice of Action, receipt as evidence that you filed and paid the fee for Form I-485 required on or after July 30, 2007.
Replacement Travel Document: If you are filing to replace a travel document that was lost, stolen, mutilated, or contains erroneous information, such as a misspelled name, a filing fee is required.
NOTE: If you are requesting a replacement Advance Parole Document as an adjustment applicant filed under the fee structure implemented July 30, 2007, then the full filing fee will be required; however, no biometrics services fee is required.
Incorrect Card: No fee is required if you are filing to correct a USCIS error on your travel document. If USCIS did not cause the error, you must pay the application fees.
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your checks or money orders for the Form I-131 filing fee and biometric services fee:
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You will not receive your original check back. We will destroy your original check, but will keep a copy of it. If USCIS cannot process the EFT for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy in place of your original check. If your check is returned as unpayable, USCIS will re-submit the payment to the financial institution one time. If the check is returned as unpayable a second time, we will reject your application and charge you a returned check fee.
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How To Check If the Fees Are Correct Form I-131’s filing fee and biometric services fees are current as of the edition date in the lower left corner of this page. However, because USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify that the fees are correct by following one of the steps below.
1. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov, select “FORMS,” and check the appropriate fee; or
2. Call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask for fee information. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Fee Waiver
You may be eligible for a fee waiver under 8 CFR 103.7(c). If you believe you are eligible for a fee waiver, complete Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver (or a written request), and submit it and any required evidence of your inability to pay the filing fee with this application. You can review the fee waiver guidance at www.uscis.gov/feewaiver.
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[Page 12]
What Is the Filing Fee?
Reentry Permit: The filing fee for a Reentry Permit is $590.
Refugee Travel Document: The filing fee for a Refugee Travel Document for an applicant age 16 or older is $145. The fee for a child younger than 16 is $115.
Advance Parole Document for Individuals Who Are Currently in the United States (including individuals whose cases were deferred pursuant to DACA): The filing fee for an Advance Parole Document for an individual who is currently in the United States is $590.
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NOTE: If you filed Form I-485 on or after July 30, 2007 but before [Insert Implementation Date], and you paid the Form I-485 application fee required, then no fee is required to file Form I-131 if your Form I-485 is still pending, if:
1. You now hold U.S. refugee or asylee status, and are applying for a Refugee Travel Document (see Part 2. Application Type, Item Number 1.b. of Form I-131); or
2. You are applying for an Advance Parole Document to allow you to return to the United States after temporary foreign travel (see Part 2. Application Type, Item Number 1.d. of Form I-131).
You must also submit a copy of your Form I-797, Notice of Action, receipt as evidence that you filed and paid the required fee for Form I-485 on or after July 30, 2007 but before [Insert Implementation Date].
NOTE: There is no filing fee for Form I-131 if you filed Form I-485 and you have Special Immigrant Status (based on an approved Form I-360) as an Afghan or Iraqi interpreter, or Iraqi National employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government or Afghan National employed by the U.S. Government or the International Security Assistance Forces (“ISAF”), and your form I-485 is still pending.
Advance Parole Document for Individuals Outside the United States, Including Under Family Reunification Parole Policies: The filing fee for an Advance Parole Document for an individual who is outside the United States is $590.
Replacement Travel Document: If you are filing to replace a travel document that was lost, stolen, mutilated, or contains erroneous information, such as a misspelled name, a filing fee is required.
NOTE: If you are requesting a replacement Advance Parole Document while within the United States as an adjustment applicant filed on or after July 30, 2007, but before [Insert Implementation Date], and you paid the required Form I-485 application fee, then no filing fee will be required. If you lost your Advance Parole Document after departing the United States, you will need to file Form I-131A to request a travel document while abroad.
Incorrect Card: No fee is required if you are filing to correct a USCIS error on your travel document. If USCIS did not cause the error, you must pay the application fees.
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your check or money order for the Form I-131 filing fee:
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You will not receive your original check back. We will destroy your original check, but will keep a copy of it. If USCIS cannot process the EFT for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy in place of your original check. If your check is returned as unpayable, USCIS may reject your application.
Payments by Credit Card
If you are filing your application at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you can pay your filing fee using a credit card. Please see Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, at www.uscis.gov/g-1450 for more information.
When Filing at a Field Office
Cash, a cashier’s check or money order cannot be used to pay for the filing fee at a field office. The only payment option accepted at a field office is payment through www.pay.gov via a credit card, debit card or with a personal check.
When Filing from Abroad If you are filing for a Refugee Travel Document from abroad, you must arrange for payment with the USCIS office or Embassy or Consulate that serves your location abroad. How To Check If the Fees Are Correct Form I-131’s filing fee is current as of the edition date in the lower left corner of this page. However, because USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify that the fees are correct by following one of the steps below.
1. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov, select “FORMS,” and check the appropriate fee; or
2. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask for fee information. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Fee Waiver
Some forms may be eligible for fee waivers as provided in 8 CFR 106.3. For information on fee waivers, see Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver at www.uscis.gov/i-912. |
[Page 14]
Where to File? |
[Page 14]
Where to File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-131 or call our USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the most current information about where to file this benefit request. For TTY (hearing impaired) call: 1-800-767-1833.
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[Page 14]
Where to File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-131 or call our USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the most current information about where to file this benefit request. For TTY (hearing impaired) call: 1-800-767-1833.
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Page 14,
Address Changes |
[Page 14]
Address Changes
If you have changed your address, you must inform USCIS of your new address. For information on filing a change of address go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (hearing impaired) call: 1-800-767-1833.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the USCIS Lockbox facilities do not process change of address requests.
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[Page 14]
Address Changes
If you have changed your address, you must inform USCIS of your new address. For information on filing a change of address go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (hearing impaired) call: 1-800-767-1833.
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Page 14,
Processing Information |
[Page 14]
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At the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, U.S. Embassy, or U.S. Consulate, USCIS may require you to provide biometrics information (for example, photographs, fingerprints) to verify your identity and update your background information. … |
[Page 14]
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At the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, U.S. Embassy, or U.S. Consulate, USCIS may require you to provide biometrics information to verify your identity and update your background information.
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Page 15, USCIS Privacy Act Statement |
[Page 15]
DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under the Immigration and Nationality Act sections 103, 208(c)(1)(C), 211, 212(d)(5)(A), 215 and 8 CFR sections 211.1(a)(3-4), 212.5, and 223.1-223.3.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to apply for a Reentry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, or Advance Parole Document, to include urgent humanitarian reasons or in furtherance of a significant public benefit. DHS uses the information you provide to grant or deny the immigration benefit you are seeking.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information, including your Social Security number (if applicable), and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in denial of your application.
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ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application and any additional requested evidence with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS-001 - Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System and DHS/USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System] and the published privacy impact assessments [DHS/USCIS/PIA-003(b) Integrated Digitization Document Management Program, DHS/USCIS/PIA-016a Computer Linked Application Information Management System and Associated Systems, and DHS/USCIS/PIA-051 Case and Activity Management for International Operations] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share this information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.
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[Page 15]
USCIS Privacy Act Statement
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under 8 USC sections 1103, 1181, 1182(d)(5), 1185, 1158, 1225, and 1229b(b)(4); 6 USC section 202(4); and 8 CFR sections 211.1(a), 212.5, 223.1-223.3, and 235.1-235.5.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to apply for a Reentry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, or Advance Parole Document. DHS will use the information you provide to grant or deny the immigration benefit sought.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information, and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in a rejection or denial of your application.
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System and DHS/USCIS-001 - Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records and DHS/USCIS-015 Electronic Immigration System - 2 Account and Case Management System of Records] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share the information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.
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| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | Mulvihill, Timothy R |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2021-01-13 |