Travel Document Form I-131
Travel Document
Form I-131
Immigration Lawyer
Form I-131 How to Apply For a Travel Document 2020
Form I-131 Attorney Fairfax VA
If you are a non-US citizen looking to travel outside the country, you are likely aware that you will need special documentation to enable you to do so.
This article will take you through the Form I-131, a travel document required to allow you to travel and re-enter the U.S later on.
Let’s get started.
What is the Form I-131?
The Form I-131 is a travel document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to non-U.S. citizens before they travel abroad. This document allows for an issue-free return into the states.
Without this, you might be deemed inadmissible upon your return, have your pending residency applications denied, or both.
There are three forms of this travel document dependent on your current status in the U.S.
Form I-131 How to Apply For a Travel Document 2020
Form I-131 Attorney Alexandria VA
If you are a non-US citizen looking to travel outside the country, you are likely aware that you will need special documentation to enable you to do so.
This article will take you through the Form I-131, a travel document required to allow you to travel and re-enter the U.S later on.
Let’s get started.
What is the Form I-131?
The Form I-131 is a travel document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to non-U.S. citizens before they travel abroad. This document allows for an issue-free return into the states.
Without this, you might be deemed inadmissible upon your return, have your pending residency applications denied, or both.
There are three forms of this travel document dependent on your current status in the U.S.
Immigration Lawyer
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Advance Parole
While this document is usually among the easiest to complete, it has some underlying attachments.
On the face of it, it is supposed to allow you re-entry into the U.S. However, if you have some immigration issues, you might still be denied entry upon your return.
There are other conditions, as well. For example, if you had applied for an adjustment of status, then reentered the U.S. using a visa, instead of an advanced parole document, your petition can be considered as abandoned.
The same applies for when you leave the U.S. and reenter on a non-immigrant visa. H-1 and L-1 visas are, however, exempt from this rule.
Going by this, it’s clear why it’s advisable to have an immigration attorney help you through this process whenever you intend to travel abroad. Any oversights on your part and you could jeopardize your status.
Re-entry Permit
This is required if you have permanent residency in the U.S., but intend to spend a significant amount of time outside the U.S. before returning.
In this case, this form can be used to apply for a re-entry permit.
If you will be away from under a year, you can use your green card to reenter the U.S. If your stay away longer than this without a re-entry permit, then you will be deemed to have abandoned your green card.
This document is typically valid for two years following a successful application.
Refugee Travel Document
For refugees and asylum seekers seeking to travel abroad and return to the U.S., a refugee travel document is a necessity.
This document is also used in place of a passport and is usually granted for a period of one year.
The document must be applied for while you are within the U.S. and is valid for a year. You can travel outside the U.S. multiple times until the document expires.
If you leave without the I-131, you risk being barred from reentering the country and having your status application nullified by an immigration judge.
Reach us on our online contact page or call (703) 520-8888 to request a confidential consultation about your case with our Fairfax immigration attorney.
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How to Make an Application for Travel Document
The standing fee for this application is $575, though applicants without the ability to pay can file form 1-912 to request a waiver.
Applicants making this application at the same time they are submitting their green card applications can get the travel document without paying the I-131 fee.
Aside from the application fee, you will need:
- A completed travel application document
- A receipt notice for your adjustment of status
- Two passport photos
- Current address and phone number
- Biographical information (name, gender, date of birth, marital status and so on)
- Any documentation issued to you by USCIS that can give details on your status
Other documents that might be required include:
- Evidence showing
- A copy of your visa page that shows your initial admission into the U.S. or other evidence that you are in the country legally
- A copy of Form 1-797 if USCIS has deferred your case under DACA
USCIS then takes about 3-5 months to process the travel document. Thus, it’s best to make your application as soon as possible whenever you find cause to travel.
For a renewal, you will need to submit form I-131, with the current travel document, green card application receipt, and two passport photos.
Again, the processing time will be similar to that of a new application, making it prudent to make the application early.
Protect Your Future
Filling in the form I-131 might seem simple enough for an applicant. This is not always the case. All three applications are known to unearth issues that are often used as grounds to deny applicants readmission into the country.
Simply put, getting this travel document does not guarantee re-entry.
Additional Requirement: Good Immigration History
The numerous advantages of becoming a U.S. citizen include:
- Voting rights: Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, offering a voice in the democratic process and decisions that affect the nation’s future.
- Passports and travel: U.S. citizens can apply for a U.S. passport, allowing for easier travel and assistance from the U.S. government abroad.
- Family reunification: Citizens can sponsor relatives for green cards, including parents, spouses, and children, with a faster processing time than for non-citizens.
- Federal employment: U.S. citizenship is a requirement for many federal government jobs, providing access to a wide range of employment opportunities.
- Protection from deportation: Citizens are not subject to removal proceedings, except in cases involving fraud in the naturalization process.
- Federal benefits: Citizenship opens the door to various governmental assistance programs, including Social Security benefits and federal college assistance.
Your best bet is to engage an immigration attorney like Shawn Mughal, who has helped hundreds of clients in Fairfax VA navigate this process. Protect your future in America; contact Mughal Law firm today.
Common Cost Schedule for Citizenship Application
The citizenship application process involves several fees, which are subject to change but generally include:
- N-400 application fee: Approximately $640 (Check the USCIS website for the most current fee schedule).
- Biometrics fee: Approximately $85 for fingerprinting and photo services.
- Optional legal representation fees: This can vary based on the complexity of the case and the level of service required. Mughal Law Firm firm offers competitive rates and comprehensive services for each stage of the application process.
Preparing for the Naturalization Interview & Test
The naturalization interview and test are crucial components of the citizenship process.
Our firm provides extensive preparation assistance, including:
- Interview preparation: Guidance on what to expect during the interview, reviewing your application, and preparing for questions about your background, application, and character.
- Civics test preparation: Study materials and practice tests to prepare for the U.S. history and government questions.
- English test preparation: Resources to help improve your reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English, tailored to the examination’s requirements.
- Mock interviews: These are conducted by experienced attorneys to simulate the interview environment, helping clients become comfortable with the process and improving their confidence.
Navigating the path to U.S. citizenship is a complex and often challenging process. With our representation, you can rest assured that you are well-prepared and supported throughout the process. We aim to make the dream of U.S. citizenship a reality for each individual we serve, providing peace of mind and a foundation for a prosperous future in the U.S.
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