Application for Carrier Documentation

Instructions for Application for
Carrier Documentation
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
Form I-131A

OMB No. 1615-0135
Expires 02/28/2021

What Is the Purpose of Form I-131A?
United States laws impose penalties on carriers (airlines, ships, etc.) that bring to the United States foreign nationals
who are not in possession of a valid passport and any required visa. If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or
conditional permanent resident (conditional LPR) of the United States traveling overseas temporarily, you ordinarily
may use your valid Permanent Resident Card (commonly called a Green Card) or a Reentry Permit (in place of a visa) as
documentation of your eligibility to return to the United States. If you do not have a valid, unexpired Permanent Resident
Card or Reentry Permit (for example, your card or permit was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged), you may experience
difficulties when you attempt to return to the United States.

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If you are not an LPR or a conditional LPR, but you received a Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or
Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), with travel endorsement, and your document was lost, stolen,
destroyed, or damaged while you are traveling overseas temporarily, you also may experience difficulties when you
attempt to board your carrier and return to the United States.
This application allows foreign nationals in these situations to apply for Carrier Documentation (Transportation Letter
or Boarding Foil). If the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that you remain an LPR or conditional
LPR, or had previously received an Advance Parole Document on a Form I-512 or Form I-512L or travel endorsement on
an Employment Authorization Document that is still valid, DHS may, as a matter of discretion on a case-by-case basis,
provide a Carrier Documentation. The Carrier Documentation may be a foil placed in your passport or a boarding letter.
If DHS provides Carrier Documentation, you may present the documentation to a carrier destined for the United States.
Generally, Carrier Documentation is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
NOTE: If your Advance Parole Document is a Boarding Foil issued by the Department of State and you are outside of
the United States, you should immediately report to the Department of State Consular Office where that foil was issued if
your travel document containing that foil was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged. You should not submit this application
to replace a Boarding Foil.
Warnings

1. Carrier Documentation only allows you to demonstrate to the commercial carrier that you are not required to provide
a visa or comparable document at the time that you apply for admission or otherwise seek lawful entry into the United
States at a U.S. Port-of-Entry (POE); it does not guarantee that you will be allowed into the United States. U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will perform all the required inspection procedures, including determining
admissibility or ability to enter, upon your arrival at a POE.
2. DHS may revoke or terminate your Carrier Documentation at any time, with or without notice. That revocation or
termination could have implications for your travel.
Replacing or Renewing Your Permanent Resident Card
If you no longer have your Permanent Resident Card, or it has expired, you must apply for a new Permanent Resident
Card. Receiving Carrier Documentation does not take the place of obtaining a new Permanent Resident Card. To apply
for a replacement of your Permanent Resident Card, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident
Card, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-90 for more
information.

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Replacing Your Form I-512/I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766, EAD With Travel Endorsement
If you no longer have your Form I-512/I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766, Employment Authorization
Document, with travel endorsement and you choose to replace it after you return to the United States, you must file Form
I-131 and/or Form I-765 with USCIS. Receiving Carrier Documentation to facilitate travel back to the United States does
not take the place of obtaining a new Form I-512/I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766, EAD with travel
endorsement. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-765 and www.uscis.gov/I-131 for more information.

Who May File Form I-131A?

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You may file Form I-131A to apply for Carrier Documentation if:

1. You have been lawfully admitted to the United States as a LPR or conditional LPR;

2. You have not lost LPR or conditional LPR status by abandoning that status or by removal from the United States;
3. You have traveled abroad temporarily, and without any intent of abandoning your LPR or conditional LPR status;
4. You wish to return to the United States using a valid Permanent Resident Card after an absence of less than 1 year or
using a valid Reentry Permit after an absence of less than 2 years; and
5. You are not in possession of a valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card or Reentry Permit (for example, your card
or permit was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged) or other document authorizing you to apply for admission to, or
otherwise seek lawful entry into, the United States.
You also may file Form I-131A if:

1. You received Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766, Employment Authorization
Document (with travel endorsement);
2. The Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (with
travel endorsement), has not been revoked;
3. You wish to return to the United States after a temporary absence before your Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance
Parole Document, or Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (with travel endorsement), expires; and
4. You are not in possession of a valid, unexpired Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766,
Employment Authorization Document (with travel endorsement), because it was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged.
Who is NOT eligible to receive Carrier Documentation?
DHS retains the discretion to determine, on a case-by-case basis, to whom it is appropriate to provide Carrier
Documentation. Some of the reasons that DHS may decline to provide you with Carrier Documentation are:
1. You are physically present in the United States;
2. You are no longer a valid LPR or conditional LPR of the United States; or
3. You were issued Carrier Documentation and it is still valid, unless the prior documentation was returned to DHS or
was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged;
4. Your Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document
(with travel endorsement), has expired, will expire, or is revoked, before you return to the United States; or
5. Your Advance Parole Document is a Boarding Foil issued by the Department of State and you are outside of the
United States. If your travel document containing that foil was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged, you should
immediately report to the Department of State Consular Office where that foil was issued.

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Expired Permanent Resident Card
If you have an expired Permanent Resident Card (with a 10-year validity period) or Conditional Permanent Resident
Card (with a 2-year validity period) and valid Form I-797, Notice of Action, for either Form I-751, Petition to Remove
Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition By Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, showing you timely filed Form
I-751 or I-829 (filed by or before the expiration date shown on the existing Conditional Permanent Resident Card).
You may use these documents to board a carrier to the United States, and you do not need to file Form I-131A.
You should contact your carrier to confirm they will let you board with these documents; however, if they will not, you
should file Form I-131A.

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Returning Resident Visa

As an alternative to Form I-131A, it may be appropriate for you to obtain a returning resident (SB-1) visa as
documentation of your LPR or conditional LPR status. You may contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate (or visit
its website), to obtain information about seeking a returning resident (SB-1) immigrant visa. If you apply for and receive
an SB-1 visa, you do not need to file Form I-131A.

General Instructions

We provide free forms through the USCIS website. To view, print, or complete our forms, you should use the latest
version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not have internet
access, you may call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail a form to you. The USCIS
Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-131A or go to www.travel.state.gov for information on contacting the Visa
Section or Consular Section in your nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for the most current information about where
to file this application.
Signature. Each application must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will not
accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent
person. If the request is not signed or if the requisite signature on the request is not valid, USCIS will reject the request.
See 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A). If USCIS accepts a request for adjudication and determines that it has a deficient signature,
USCIS will deny the request.
Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original handwritten signature
valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten ink
signature.
Filing Fee. You must include the appropriate filing fee with your application. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section of
these Instructions.)
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documents listed in the What Evidence
Should You Submit section of these Instructions.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide biometrics
(fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct
background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on your application or petition. After USCIS receives your application and
ensures it is complete, we will inform you if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. If an appointment is
necessary, the notice will provide you the location of your local or designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC)
and the date and time of your appointment or, if you are currently overseas, instruct you to contact a U.S. Embassy, U.S.
Consulate, or USCIS office outside the United States to set up an appointment.
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If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that:
1. You provided or authorized all information in the application;
2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and
3. 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. We may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during
processing of an application or petition. If we request an original document from you, we will return it to you when we
are done.

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NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, we may destroy your original
documents.
Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and
that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must also include the
translator’s signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information.
How to Complete Form I-131A

1. Type or print legibly in black ink.

2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 7. Additional
Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
(if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer
refers; and sign and date each sheet.
3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been
married and the question asks “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A,” unless otherwise
directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many
children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None,” unless
otherwise directed.
4. Part 4. Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Select the appropriate box to
indicate whether you read this application yourself or whether you had an interpreter assist you. If someone assisted
you in completing the application, select the box indicating that you used a preparer. You must also sign and date
your application and provide your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if any), and email address (if
any). Every application MUST contain the signature of the applicant (or parent or legal guardian, if applicable). A
stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
5. Part 5. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. If you used anyone as an interpreter
to read the Instructions and questions on this application to you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter
must complete this section; provide his or her name, the name and address of his or her business or organization (if
any), daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if any), and email address (if any). The interpreter must
sign and date the application.

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6. Part 6. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other
Than the Applicant. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your application, if
other than you, the applicant. If the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, that person should
complete both Part 5. and Part 6. If the person who completed this application is associated with a business or
organization, that person should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who
helped you complete this application MUST sign and date the application. A stamped or typewritten name in place
of a signature is not acceptable. If the person who helped you prepare your application is an attorney or accredited
representative, he or she may also need to submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney
or Accredited Representative, or Form G-28I, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney In Matters Outside the
Geographical Confines of the United States, along with your application.

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7. Part 7. Additional Information. If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this
application, use the space provided in Part 7. Additional Information. If you need more space than what is provided
in Part 7., you may make copies of Part 7. to complete and file with your application, or attach a separate sheet of
paper. Type or print your name and A-Number (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part
Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.
We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application for your records.

What Evidence Should You Submit?

You must submit all evidence requested in these Instructions with your application. If you fail to submit required
evidence, we may reject or deny your application for failure to submit requested evidence or supporting documents in
accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.
Your application must include:
•

A copy of all pages of your original passport, including the biographic page. If we approve your application, you will
need to present your original passport at the time you receive your Boarding Foil or transportation letter;

•

If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR), evidence of your LPR or conditional LPR status (if available) (for
example, a copy of your Permanent Resident Card(Form I-551), your immigrant visa, or the CBP admission stamp
in your passport). If you are not a lawful permanent resident, but have an Advance Parole Document, evidence of
your advance parole document, if available (for example, a copy of your Form I-512/Form I-512L Advance Parole
Document, or a copy of your Employment Authorization Document with travel endorsement);

•

A copy of your tickets, itinerary, or any other evidence indicating your last date of departure from the United States
and your intended date of return travel to the United States (for example, e-tickets, boarding passes); and

•

One color passport-style photograph of yourself taken recently. The photo must be printed on thin paper with a glossy
finish, and be unmounted and unretouched.
The color passport-style photo must be 2 by 2 inches. The photo must be in color with full face, frontal view, on a
white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from top of your hair to bottom of your
chin, and eye height should measure between 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from the top of your eyes to the bottom of the
photo. Your head must be bare unless you are wearing headwear as required by a religious denomination of which
you are a member. Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and A-Number (if any) on the back of the photo.

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What Is the Filing Fee?
The filing fee for Form I-131A is $575. You must pay the fee through our online filing system at www.uscis.gov, by
selecting “FORMS,” and navigating to Form I-131A. You may pay the fee with a credit card, debit card, or U.S. bank
account.
Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation, is a different form from Form I-131, Application for Travel
Document. If you are submitting Form I-131, you cannot pay the fee online.
The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action we take on this application.

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How To Check If the Fees Are Correct

The listed fee of $575 for the Form I-131A is correct as of the edition date of this form located in the lower left corner
of this page. However, because USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify that the fees are correct by visiting the
USCIS website at www.uscis.gov, select “FORMS,” and check the appropriate fee.

Where to File?

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate, or visit its website for instructions on how to file. Before appearing
at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file your Form I-131A, you must submit your filing fee through the USCIS online
filing system on the USCIS website (see the What Is the Filing Fee section above). You must bring evidence of payment
with you when you appear in person at your nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file Form I-131A. Contact the
nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file Form I-131A.

Address Change

An applicant who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of his or her new address within 10 days of moving from his
or her previous residence. For information on filing a change of address, go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/
addresschange or reach out to the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter for help. The USCIS Contact
Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not
process change of address requests.

Processing Information
We will reject any Form I-131A that is not signed or accompanied by proof of having paid the filing fee online. You may
correct the deficiency and resubmit Form I-131A. We do not consider your Form I-131A as properly filed until a U.S.
Embassy or U.S. Consulate accepts it.
Initial Processing. Once we accept your application, we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill out
this application, we may reject or deny your application.
Requests for More Information. We may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your
application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If we request an original
document from you, we will return it to you when we are done.

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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.
Decision. The U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate where you filed will notify you that the decision has been made by
contacting you using the information you provided on Form I-131A. The decision on Form I-131A is discretionary and
you cannot appeal it.

USCIS Forms and Information

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To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit our USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can
obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-131A or
contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for the most current information about where to file this application.
If you would like to ask for information in person, please visit www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/internationalimmigration-offices for contact information regarding the USCIS office in the country where you are located. If there is
no USCIS office in the country where you are located, please visit the website of the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in
your area to find the appropriate contact and appointment information.
Please visit us at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to get basic information about immigration services and ask questions
about a pending case. Through our digital self-help tools and live assistance, the USCIS Contact Center provides a
pathway for you to get consistent, accurate information and answers to immigration case questions.

Penalties

If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-131A, we
will deny your Form I-131A and may deny any other immigration benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties
provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

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 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/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 NonImmigrant Visa System] 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.

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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.

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