I-131A Instructions Table of Changes

TABLE OF CHANGES – INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions for Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation)

OMB Number: 1615-0135

05/13/2020

Reason for Revision: Biometrics Rule

Project Phase: NPRM

Legend for Proposed Text:

• Black font = Current text

• Red font = Changes

Expires 02/28/2021

Edition Date 2/13/2019

Current Page Number and Section	Current Text	Proposed Text
Pages 2-4, General Instructions	[page 2] … Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the What Evidence Should You Submit section of these Instructions. [new] Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during processing of an application, petition, or request. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original. …	[page 2] … Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the What Evidence Should You Submit section of these Instructions. Biometrics Services Appointment. Every individual who is an applicant, petitioner, derivative, beneficiary, or sponsor of an immigration benefit request or other request submitted to USCIS is required to submit biometrics unless USCIS waives or exempts the requirement.  You will be notified of the time and place of your appointment if you must appear and you will be provided requirements for rescheduling if necessary. If you fail to submit any biometrics as required, USCIS may deny your application, petition, or request. DHS may store the biometrics submitted by an individual and use or reuse biometrics to conduct background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), verify identity, produce documents, determine eligibility for immigration and naturalization benefits, or to perform any other functions necessary for administering and enforcing immigration and naturalization laws, and any other law within DHS authority.   If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that: You provided or authorized all information in the application; You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing. Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during processing of an application, petition, or request. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original. …
Page 4, What Evidence Should You Submit?	[page 4] … 4. You must submit one color passport-style photograph of yourself taken within 30 days of filing this application. The photo must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched. …	[page 4] … 4. You must submit one color passport-style photograph of yourself taken recently. The photo must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched. …
Page 5, Processing Information	[page 5] … Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for an interview based on your application. At the time of any interview or other appearance at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate, we may require that you provide your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature to verify your identity and/or update background and security checks. …	[page 5] … Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for an interview based on your application. At the time of any interview or other appearance at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate, we may require that you provide your biometrics to verify your identity and/or update background and security checks. …
Page 6, DHS Privacy Notice	[Page 6] DHS Privacy Notice AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under the Immigration and Nationality Act sections 1103, 1158, 1182, 1203, and 1204. PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to apply for Carrier Documentation with either USCIS or the Department of State within one year of your departure from the United States, which will allow you to board a vessel or aircraft, travel to the United States, and present yourself at a U.S. port-of-entry for inspection as a returning lawful permanent resident. DHS uses the information to determine your eligibility for the requested travel document. 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 request. 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 of Records, DHS/USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System, and STATE-39 Visa Records] and the published privacy impact assessments [DHS/USCIS/PIA-016a Computer Linked Application Information Management System and Associated Systems, DHS/USCIS/PIA-051 Case and Activity Management for International Operations, and DOS Non-Immigrant Visa System PIA] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy or www.state.gov/privacy. DHS may also share this information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.	[Page 6] DHS Privacy Notice AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under the Immigration and Nationality Act sections 1103, 1158, 1182, 1203 and 1204. PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to apply for Carrier Documentation with either USCIS or the Department of State within one year of your departure from the United States, which will allow you to board a vessel or aircraft, travel to the United States, and present yourself at a U.S. port-of-entry for inspection as a returning lawful permanent resident. DHS will use 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. 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/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, DHS/USCIS-007 Benefits Information System, DHS/USCIS-018 Immigration Biometric and Background Check, and STATE-39 Visa Records] and the published privacy impact assessments [DHS/USCIS/PIA-016(a) Computer Linked Application Information Management System and Associated Systems, DHS/USCIS/PIA-051 Case and Activity Management for International Operations, and DOS Non-Immigrant Visa System] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy or https://www.state.gov/privacy. DHS may also share this information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.
Page 7, Paperwork Reduction Act	[Page 7] Paperwork Reduction Act An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 55 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20529-2140; OMB No. 1615-0135. Do not mail your completed Form I-131A to this address.	[Page 7] Paperwork Reduction Act An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 55 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. The estimated burden for biometrics collection is 3 hours and 40 minutes. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20529-2140; OMB No. 1615-0135. Do not mail your completed Form I-131A to this address.

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