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Home » Guide to Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

Form i-131 overview for:, form i-131 explained, what is form i-131 used for.

Certain non-citizens can file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , to obtain various travel documentation. The application has different uses depending on the non-citizen's immigration status in the United States. When filing, applicants may request the following types of travel documents from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

Reentry Permit

Refugee travel document, advance parole travel document, humanitarian parole.

Form I-131 is different than Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation). Permanent residents use Form I-131A to obtain travel authorization after losing a green card or reentry permit while traveling outside the United States.

Eligibility to Apply for a Travel Document

Who needs form i-131.

Eligibility to file Form I-131 is dependent on the travel document type. Each travel document has specific criteria. In some cases, immigration status may also affect filing requirements. CitizenPath's Travel Document Package is an online service created by immigration attorneys. It's an affordable way to confirm eligibility and prepare the application correctly.

Permanent residents who anticipate an absence from the United States or one year or more should generally apply for a Reentry Permit. A green card is typically sufficient to reenter the U.S. after trips of less than one year. However, there is a presumption that you've abandoned your permanent residence when the absence is one year or more. A Reentry Permit helps mitigate this problem. With the exception of having to obtain a returning resident visa abroad, a reentry permit does not exempt you from compliance with any of the requirements of U.S. immigration laws. In other words, it is still important that you haven't taken actions that suggest you've abandoned your green card. Learn more about Reentry Permits >>

Reentry Permit cover

Individuals with asylum or refugee status generally must have a Refugee Travel Document to return to the United States after temporary travel abroad. In most cases, a refugee or asylee may use the Refugee Travel Document for travel in place of a passport. This is helpful because many lack a passport from their home country. In fact, the Refugee Travel Document is similar in appearance to a U.S. passport. Permanent residents, who obtained such status as an asylee or refugee, may also need a Refugee Travel Document in place of a passport. Learn more about Refugee Travel Documents >>

Refugee Travel Document

Advance Parole

Non-citizens who are in the United States (typically waiting for a more permanent immigration status) may be able to request Advance Parole. If eligible, Advance Parole is necessary to return to the United States after temporary travel abroad.

Although there are other eligible status, individuals with a pending Form I-485 (adjustment of status applicants) and recipients of Temporary Protected Status, use Advance Parole for brief trips. Generally, if you have applied for adjustment to that of a permanent resident, USCIS will deem your application abandoned if you leave the United States without first obtaining Advance Parole. When issued in combination with an Employment Authorization Card, Advance Parole is issued directly on the card (as pictured). Learn more about Advance Parole >>

Advance Parole on EAD

I-131 Online Filing Options

Can form i-131 be filed online.

At this time, there is no way to submit Form I-131 to USCIS electronically, but you can prepare the form with an online service to make sure you prepare it correctly.

USCIS has not introduced online filing for this form. Regardless, e-file doesn't necessarily mean you get quick processing. If you are interested a quick approval, focus on submitting a well-prepared application package. It’s the difference between saving a couple of days with online filing versus saving several weeks with smooth processing. What’s more, USCIS is not your advocate. They are not looking out for your best interests. If you include information that damages your immigration future, USCIS isn’t going to correct you.

For people who want to make sure they are preparing the application correctly, CitizenPath offers an affordable service created by immigration attorneys. CitizenPath’s Travel Document Package will make the application easy and give you alerts if there’s a problem. You’ll also receive detailed filing instructions so you know exactly which supporting documents to submit with your application. CitizenPath even provides a money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve your application for a travel document.

Form I-131 Instructions

How do i fill out i-131.

CitizenPath's easy-to-use website helps you prepare the application quickly and accurately. Our online service provides step-by-step I-131 instructions to make it easy. We even give you a money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve your application.

If you prefer to fill out the Form I-131 PDF, you can download instructions from USCIS or follow this summary of directions.

General Guidance

  • Type or print answers in black ink only. 
  • Enter “N/A” if an answer is not applicable and "NONE" if your answer is zero.
  • Foreign language documents must be accompanied by a full English certified translation .
  • Submit your application with the current USCIS filing fee . Use a personal check, money order, cashier’s check or use Form G-1450 to pay by credit card.
  • Submit photocopies for all supporting documents unless an original document is specifically required.
  • For Information About You , answer the general questions about name, address and birth. Carefully indicate how you were admitted to the United States or your current status that makes you eligible for a travel document.

Parts 2, 3, and 4

  • For Application Type , select which type of travel document you are requesting. Your choices are very limited based on your immigration status. In rare situations, such as humanitarian parole, you may provide information about yourself in the remainder of the section.
  • For Processing Information , supply answers regarding your intended travel, removal proceedings, and previous travel documents. Disposition is an explanation of what happened to the previously issued travel document. Speak to an immigration attorney before traveling outside the United States if you are in removal proceedings or have accrued any time in an unlawful presence. If you are requesting a Reentry Permit or Refugee Travel Document, you may provide address information if you wish that it be delivered abroad instead of your U.S. address.
  • For Information About Your Proposed Travel , describe the purpose of the trip and which countries you intend to visit. Generally, there are no restrictions for permanent residents requesting a Reentry Permit for temporary travel. However, individuals who have (or have had) asylum or refugee status should avoid traveling back to their country of claimed persecution. Speak to an attorney first. Likewise, some Advance Parole applicants -- such as DACA -- are limited to specific reasons for travel.

Parts 5, 6, and 7

  • For If Applying for a Re-entry Permit , complete the section only if you are requesting a Reentry Permit. Your past time outside the United States may affect the term of your new travel document. Speak to an attorney if you ever considered yourself a "nonresident" during your time as a green card holder.
  • For If Applying for a Refugee Travel Document , complete the section only if you are requesting a Refugee Travel Document. Again, any asylee or refugee generally should not travel to their country of claimed persecution. If you must travel to that country, speak to an immigration attorney first.
  • For If Applying for Advance Parole , complete the section only if you are requesting an Advance Parole Travel Document. Indicate if the document should be valid for a single use or multiple trips. Again, in limited circumstances, you may provide information about an overseas U.S. embassy or DHS office if the person intended to receive the document is abroad.

Parts 8 and 9

  • For Applicant's Statement , sign your application with black ink. A surprising number of I-131 rejections are the result of applicants forgetting to sign or signing in the wrong place. Provide an email and U.S. phone numbers where USCIS can reliably reach you. USCIS will rarely call applicants, but they will use email.
  • For Preparer , provide information if applicable. If you prepared your Form I-131, it’s only necessary to sign as the “applicant.” If another person prepared the application for you, be sure Part 9 is filled in and signed appropriately.

This is an abbreviated list of Form I-131 instructions. We highly recommend that you download USCIS instructions or use CitizenPath’s service to prepare the application. CitizenPath provides filing instructions customized to your situation. You’ll get detailed I-131 instructions that explain which supporting documents to submit, how to organize, and where to mail.

Filing Addresses for the Application

Where to file form i-131.

USCIS accepts the I-131 application via mail only. They do not want applicants to submit the form in-person at USCIS offices. USCIS has numerous filing addresses. The address depends on various factors such as the basis of eligibility, travel document type, and U.S. state of residence. For the most up-to-date address, refer to your CitizenPath filing instructions or use the USCIS I-131 direct filing addresses .

Although USCIS receives your application package at these locations, they will process them somewhere else. If you have an interview (rare), it will be at a USCIS field office near the home address you provide.

Form I-131 Processing Time

How long does it take to get a travel document.

USCIS is reporting I-131 processing times in excess of one year at their service centers. Check USCIS processing times for the latest estimates. The best way to ensure a smooth process and quick processing time is to prepare a complete and problem-free application. For this reason, CitizenPath customers generally experience the best processing times for USCIS travel documents.

Expedited processing of a travel document is available in certain situations. For a detailed description of plausible reasons and how to communicate your urgent need, see our article on expedited processing for travel documents .

Reporting for processing times only includes forms that were successfully filed. If an individual does not correctly prepare a form or otherwise does not satisfy eligibility requirements, USCIS will reject or deny these requests. For the most recent year, USCIS reported the following national statistics:

USCIS Rejections in 2023

MODERATE RISK

USCIS Denials in 2023

How citizenpath helps you, is there an inexpensive way to file the i-131 application.

CitizenPath's affordable, online service makes it easy to prepare Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Designed by immigration lawyers, the Travel Document Package helps you eliminate the common errors that create delays, rejections and even denials. That's because the service alerts you when your answer to a question may be a problem. You'll also get customized filing instructions based on your situation. It's a powerful, do-it-yourself tool that puts you in control. And we've got your back -- CitizenPath provides live customer support and provides a money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve your application. Get started >>

Travel Document Package to prepare Form I-131

Form I-131 Questions and Answers

The USCIS filing fee to submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, can vary significantly based on the type of travel document, age, and eligibility category. Use our pricing tool to determine your filing fee .

Generally, adjustment of status applicants may file I-131 "concurrently" with Form I-485 . Concurrently means that you can submit them together. This is the best way to get quick processing.

You may also file Form I-131 after filing Form I-485, but you'll need to wait until you receive the I-485 receipt notice. You'll need the receipt number so that USCIS can link the cases.

Generally, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, from inside the United States. The granting of an Advance Parole Document for individuals outside the United States is an extraordinary measure used sparingly to allow an otherwise inadmissible non-citizen to travel to the United States and to seek parole into the United States for a temporary period of time due to urgent humanitarian reasons or for significant public benefit. Seek the advice of an immigration attorney if you are outside the United States and feel the need to file Form I-131.

You should apply for a Refugee Travel Document or Reentry Permit before you leave the United States. However, the travel document may be sent to a U.S. embassy, U.S. consulate, or DHS office abroad for you to pick up, if you make such a request when you file your application. Departure from the United States before a decision is made on the application usually does not affect the application decision. However, if biometrics collection is required and the applicant departs the United States before biometrics are collected, the application may be denied.

Permanent residents who are outside the United States for less than one year and lost a green card, may be able to file Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation), to obtain temporary document to return to the U.S.

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Application for Travel Document: Form I-131 Explained

How to apply for advance parole.

travel form uscis

If you’re waiting to be issued a green card or you have an active case with immigration, USCIS doesn’t want you to leave the country without advance permission. 

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, allows people with pending cases to obtain permission to travel outside of the country temporarily. This is what you should know about how, when, and why to use form I-131.

What Is Form I-131?

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document is used to apply for an advance parole document. Advance parole allows people who are not permanent residents or U.S. citizens to leave and re-enter the United States under specific circumstances for a limited amount of time. 

The word “parole” is often associated with a criminal being let out of prison before they’ve completed their term. In immigration, the term “parole” means something different . You aren’t in trouble, and you certainly aren’t regarded as a criminal. The term as used by immigration means that you’ve received special permission to travel while your application is pending and you are “paroled” into the U.S. to continue the application process. 

If you are not yet a permanent resident or a citizen, you may need an approved Form I-131 before you can depart the country without jeopardizing your immigration status or ongoing applications with USCIS. 

Leaving the country without obtaining a travel document could be interpreted as abandoning your USCIS case. A travel document shows intent to return to the United States.

Who Needs Form I-131?

If you have a pending application with USCIS for asylum or adjustment of status, you aren’t allowed to leave the country. This would result in your application being deemed abandoned. 

If you encounter a situation where you need to briefly leave the country (like to complete the sale of your old home, visit a sick family member, or attend the wedding of a loved one), you need permission from USCIS to travel. 

A travel document will give you permission to come and go before you become a permanent resident or asylee of the United States. Once you receive permanent resident status, you’ll no longer need a travel document for trips outside of the United States shorter than 12 months. If you become a citizen, you won’t need a travel document for any trips outside of the United States, regardless of their duration. 

Form I-131 can also be used to apply for a re-entry permit, which can allow permanent residents to remain outside the United States for a year or more.

How Do You Use Form I-131 for a Re-Entry Permit?

USCIS wants you to file Form I-131 before you leave the country. If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the United States, they want you to travel for less than one year at a time. If you’re a permanent resident who stayed outside of the United States for one year or more without a travel document, you may need to take a few extra steps before you return. 

If you’ve been gone for more than twelve months, you’ll likely be taken aside at the airport for secondary inspection by the Department of Homeland Security . Immigration officials can claim that you attempted to abandon your permanent resident status and attempt to have it revoked, which will lead to a lengthy legal battle. You may be placed into removal proceedings and ultimately returned to your country of origin if you cannot establish you did not intend to abandon your residence.

If you had a legitimate reason for staying outside of the United States for a year or more, you can apply for a returning resident visa. Consular officials will consider situations like serious illness or injury to you or a family member to be a pressing circumstance. They no longer consider COVID-related claims. 

After viewing your case, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate may issue you a returning resident visa. A returning resident visa will allow you to enter the United States with minimal risk to your resident status. 

The best course of action if you need to remain outside the U.S. for a year or more is to apply for a re-entry permit before departing the U.S. This shows your that you do not intend to abandon your lawful permanent residence.

What Happens If You Leave the United States Without an Approved Form I-131 Travel Document?

If you leave the United States without completing Form I-131 and receiving a travel document while you have a case pending with USCIS, they will deny your case. If you leave the United States while your case is still pending, USCIS considers your departure as abandonment of your case. 

Can You Leave the United States Before You Receive Your Travel Document?

You’re technically allowed to leave the United States before you receive your travel document if your Form I-131 has been reviewed and approved. However, it is always best to have the actual advance parole document on hand before leaving the country. 

Can You Get an Emergency Travel Document With Form I-131?

USCIS is willing to consider emergency processing of many documents on a case-by-case basis. If you’re dealing with an urgent situation, like the death or severe illness of a family member overseas, you can request an emergency appointment with USCIS regarding your travel paperwork. 

You’ll need to arrive at your appointment with your passport and passport photos, completed I-131 travel document forms, and proof of an emergency. You can have your family member’s doctor write an official letter declaring the situation to be an emergency and present that letter as evidence. 

USCIS may be able to issue you an emergency travel document that will allow you to return home right away. They won’t charge you an expedited processing fee for a legitimate emergency. 

Is It Safe To Travel With a Pending Immigration Case?

USCIS would prefer that you didn’t leave the country while your immigration case is pending, even if your application for a travel document was approved. If you miss vital communication with USCIS, like an interview appointment or a request for more information, your immigration case can be denied. 

If you intend to travel while your immigration case is still in progress, it’s vital to check the USCIS website for updates on your case frequently . Ask someone you trust to check your mail for you every day and inform you of correspondences relating to your immigration case. If the phone number you have on file with USCIS can’t be used to reach you while you’re away, update your contact information before you leave. Be prepared to return if USCIS needs you to come back.

When Should You Complete and File Form I-131 to Request Advance Parole?

It’s important to apply for a travel document a few months before you’ll need it. You aren’t allowed to leave the country on advance parole until you’ve been approved and received your travel document. If you leave without an approved travel document, you may not be able to re-enter the United States. 

USCIS estimates the wait time for a travel document to be approximately 90 days, but USCIS perpetually manages a large backlog of cases. It often takes them a while longer to process documents that aren’t considered to be emergency cases. It may take them up to 150 days to issue you a travel document, so you should plan accordingly. You should apply for a travel document even if there’s a chance that your green card may be approved by the time you need to leave the country. 

Life can be unpredictable. You have no way of knowing if an emergency may pull you back home before you’ve received your green card. If you have any strong ties to a country other than the United States, you can file form I-131 at the same time you file the forms for your green card. It’s better to have a travel document and not need it than it is to need a travel document and not have it. You’ll be able to leave at a moment’s notice if you have a valid travel document.

How Long Does a Travel Document Last?

Travel documents may be issued for up to five years from the issue date. You need to return to the United States before the expiration date on your advance parole docuement. You’re allowed to return to the United States and leave again as long as you return before your travel document expires.

If you believe you’ll need to stay outside the United States for longer than the validity, you must return and request another travel document. Your green card will likely be issued before your travel document expires. If that’s the case, return to the United States temporarily to retrieve your official green card. Once you have your green card, you’re free to travel outside of the United States for a maximum of one continuous year. 

If you intend to apply for citizenship , keep in mind that the residency requirement states that you must live primarily in the United States for at least five continuous years before applying or three continuous years if you received your green card through marriage. 

Traveling too frequently or spending too much time outside of the United States may interfere with your ability to apply for citizenship. It’s okay to visit your family back home for a few weeks every year, but be mindful of lengthy visits.

Can You File for a Travel Document Extension?

There is no process for extending a travel document that already exists. If you have a travel document that’s about to expire and need more time, you must return to the United States and file a new Form I-131. Processing times and fees aren’t different if you’re filing for a new travel document. 

The process will work the same exact way as it did the first time, and the waiting period will depend on USCIS’s current caseload. You’ll want to plan accordingly if you think you’ll need to be out of the country after your travel document’s expiration date. Because the waiting period can be several months long, it’s better to cautiously return to the United States and reapply for a travel document before your current travel document expires. 

Can Filing a Form I-131 Prevent You From Being Detained When You Return?

CBP may detain people with pending immigration cases when they re-enter the country, as well as lawful permanent residents who have been outside of the United States for a long period of time. 

Filing Form I-131 won’t prevent you from being pulled aside when you arrive in the United States. Border protection officers want to verify your travel documents and your pending case with immigration before allowing you to pass. It may be an intimidating situation, but there’s typically no reason to worry. If you’ve attended every immigration appointment and responded every time they contacted you, you’ll typically be allowed to re-enter the United States.

If you missed important calls, letters, or appointments while you were gone, you may not be allowed to re-enter. You’re expected to manage your side of your immigration case even if you’re traveling with a valid travel document. Always be mindful of important dates and letters USCIS may send. Ask a trusted person to check your mail in the United States while you’re away.

Do You Need Legal Assistance With Form I-131?

Knowing how and when to file Form I-131 and understanding the rules around traveling with an active green card application is crucial for immigrants who need to leave the United States. The experienced team of immigration attorneys at Cohen, Tucker + Ades may be able to help you navigate the situation.

Contact us for a consultation to review the details of your immigration case. We’ll be able to advise you of your options.

The Use of Parole Under Immigration Law | American Immigration Council

What is Secondary Inspection? | Study in the States | U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Emergency Travel | USCIS

How to check your immigration case status | USAGov

Not sure which option is right for you? Request a confidential consultation today.

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  • United States – USCIS Fees Increase Effective April 1

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Jump to:  New Filing Fees Effective April 1, 2024 |  Increased H-1B Cap Registration Fee Beginning FY26 |  Changes in Premium Processing Adjudication |  Substantial Increase for EB-5 Petitions

On January 31, 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a final rule on the Federal Register announcing the new fee schedule the USCIS will implement for all fee-based petitions postmarked April 1, 2024, or later. 1  USCIS states 2 the new fees were necessary to improve processing times and explains that the 2016 fee schedule no longer covers the operational costs needed to timely adjudicate immigration petitions.  

WHY THIS MATTERS

Employers will face significant fee increases on common visa application types, including the Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker , used to sponsor H-1B specialty-occupation workers and L-1 intracompany transferees.  This will raise their costs tied to workers who are hired under a visa status where the application/petition fees have gone up.  In some cases, the fees have been more than doubled.  With the increase taking effect on April 1, 2024, employers and petitioners will be subject to the new filing fee for the upcoming FY2025 H-1B cap cycle.  

Employers are tasked to allocate the necessary funds in their budgets if they are considering filing Form I-129 when hiring foreign nationals or extending foreign nationals’ status, and Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers , when considering retaining foreign talent through the permanent-residency sponsorship process. 

New Filing Fees Effective April 1, 2024

Non-immigrant petitions.

USCIS is increasing the H-1B and H-1B1 petition filing fee to $780 from the current amount of $460 for employers with more than 25 full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.  The $460 filing fee will remain the same for employers with 25 or less full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.

USCIS is increasing the H-2B named beneficiaries petition filing fee to $1,080 from the current amount of $460 for employers with more than 25 full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.  The $540 filing fee will remain the same for employers with 25 or less full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.  USCIS is increasing the H-2B unnamed beneficiaries petition filing fee to $580 from the current amount of $460 for employers with more than 25 full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.  The $460 filing fee will remain the same for employers with 25 or less full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.

USCIS is increasing the L-1 petition filing fee to $1,385 from the current amount of $460 for employers with more than 25 full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.  The filing fee will increase to $695 for employers with 25 or less full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.

USCIS is increasing the O petition filing fee to $1,055 from the current amount of $460 for employers with more than 25 full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.  The filing fee will increase to $530 for employers with 25 or less full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.

USCIS is increasing the E, H-3, P, Q, R, and TN petition filing fee to $1,015 from the current amount of $460 for employers with more than 25 full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.  The filing fee will increase to $510 for employers with 25 or less full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.

Immigrant Petitions

USCIS is increasing the filing fee for Form I-140 from $700 to $715 .

USCIS is increasing the filing fee for Form I-526 ( Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor ) and Form I-526 E ( Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor ) from $3,675 to $11,160 .

USCIS is increasing the filing fee for Form I-485 ( Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status ) for adult applicants from $1,140 to $1,440 , an amount that include the biometrics fee that was previously submitted separately.  The fee for Form I-485 for applicants under 14 applying concurrently with their parent will be increased from $750 to $950 .

USCIS is increasing the filing fee for Form I-131 ( Application for Travel Document ) from $575 to $630 .  There is no fee for a travel document for applicants who filed Form I-485 on or after July 30, 2007, and before April 1, 2024, and paid the Form I-485 fee, while the I-485 remains pending.

USCIS is decreasing the filing fee for Form I-90 ( Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card ) for online filings to $415 from its current amount of $455.  However, it is increasing the filing fee to $465 for applications made in paper .

Form I-539 ( Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status ) – USCIS is increasing the filing fee to $420 for applications filed online and to $470 for applications filed in paper , from the current amount of $370.

Form I-765 ( Application for Employment Authorization ) – USCIS is increasing the filing fee to $470 for applications filed online and to $520 for applications filed in paper , from the current amount of $410.  There is no fee for an Employment Authorization Document for applicants who filed USCIS Form I-485 on or after July 30, 2007, and before April 1, 2024, and paid the Form I-485 fee, while the I-485 remains pending.

Citizenship – USCIS is increasing the filing fee for Form N-400 ( Application for Naturalization ) from $640 to $710 for applications made online and to $760 for applications made in paper.

Creation of the Asylum Program Fee – Filers of Forms I-129 and I-140 will be required to include an Asylum Program Fee of $600 with petitions filed on April 1, 2024 and beyond.  The fee will be $300 for employers filing those forms with 25 or less full-time employees in an equivalent position in the United States.  There will be no asylum program fee for filers of Form I-129 and I-140 that are non-profit/charitable organizations.

Biometrics Fee – The previously separate biometrics fee has now been worked into the form filing fee.

Increased H-1B Cap Registration Fee Beginning FY26

The H-1B registration fee will rise to $215 per registrant.  While the FY2025 registration fee will not be affected for this year’s cap, employers should consider the steep price increase for FY2026 that is expected to begin in March 2025. 

Changes in Premium Processing Adjudication

The USCIS announced that it will change its adjudication period from calendar days to business days.  The premium processing fee is also set to increase effective February 26, 2024, to $2,805 for Form I-129 and Form I-140.  The premium processing fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , for eligible applicants will rise to $1,965 and the premium processing fee for Form I-765 will escalate to $1,685. 

Substantial Increase for EB-5 Petitions

The USCIS through its announcement, is increasing filing fees for certain EB-5 immigrant petitions.  Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor , and Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor , will increase to $11,160.  Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status , will rise to $9,525. 

KPMG INSIGHTS

Employers that rely heavily on premium processing for expeditious adjudications from the service should be mindful that the change in adjudication periods to business days may delay a response from the USCIS for up to a week’s time.

Employers are encouraged to work closely with immigration counsel to account for the new timeframes when filing petitions for foreign nationals. 

KPMG Law LLP in Canada is tracking this matter closely.  We will endeavor to keep readers of GMS Flash Alert posted on any important developments as and when they occur.

1  See Federal Register , “ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements ” (January 1, 2024).

2  Id.

* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labor law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Canada.

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Re-Parole Process for Certain Ukrainian Citizens and Their Immediate Family Members

ALERT: Medical Attestation Requirements under Uniting for Ukraine

If you are a parolee under Uniting for Ukraine , you must complete your medical attestation requirements as a condition of your parole. The attestation needs to be completed in your USCIS online account .  

Effective Feb. 27, 2024, we will accept and consider, on a case-by-case basis, applications for certain Ukrainians and their immediate family members paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members may apply for re-parole by submitting Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , along with supporting documentation and the proper filing fee or fee waiver request . You can submit Form I-131 online or on paper by mail.  

To be eligible for re-parole under this process, you must demonstrate the following: 

That you are a Ukrainian citizen or immediate family member who was paroled into the United States on or after Feb. 11, 2022;

That there are continued urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit for a new period of parole, as well as any additional factors;

That you warrant a favorable exercise of discretion;

That you are physically present in the United States;

That you have complied with the conditions of the initial parole; and

That you clear biographic and biometric background checks.

You can find your date of parole on your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record .

File Online. Create a USCIS Online Account if you do not already have one. Information about how to do so is available on our How to Create a USCIS Online Account webpage. (See also How to Create a USCIS Online Account in Ukrainian and How to Create a USCIS Online Account in Russian .) This will allow you to receive notifications related to the status of your filing. Even if you file by paper, you can add paper-filed cases to your account. As an applicant, click on “My Account” and then “Add a paper-filed case” in the drop-down menu. Enter your receipt number, and you can see your case status and history.

Reminder: Uniting for Ukraine parolees are required to attest to completion of all requirements including in their USCIS online account as a condition of their parole:

An attestation that you have completed vaccine requirements or are eligible for an exception to vaccine requirements for measles, polio, and the first dose of an FDA-approved or -authorized COVID-19 vaccine or a WHO-Emergency use listed (EUL) COVID-19 vaccine.

An attestation that you received a medical screening for tuberculosis, including an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test, within 90 days

To apply for re-parole online under this process, you must submit the following:

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (completed and signed);

Select the option “I am outside the United States, and I am applying for an Advance Parole Document,” even though you are inside the United States and are applying for re-parole;

Select “Yes” to the question about applying for re-parole; and

If you are helping a minor file for re-parole, list the minor as the applicant; and

Submit required documentation and filing fee. Note: You cannot request a fee waiver if you are applying online. 

To apply for re-parole by paper, you must submit the following:

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (completed and signed); 

Select item 1.e. in Part 2 to indicate that “I am outside of the United States, and I am applying for Advance Parole Document,” even though you are inside the United States and are applying for re-parole; and

Handwrite “Ukraine RE-PAROLE” at the top of the form; and

Submit required documentation and filing fee or fee waiver request.

Whether you are applying for re-parole online or by mail on paper, you will need to provide documentation to confirm your initial period of parole and identity, including your photo, name, and date of birth. Examples include:

Form I-94; 

A copy of your USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Include copies of the front and back. It may be helpful to refer to your EAD when you are creating a USCIS online account to ensure consistency in your application;

A copy of both sides of your government-issued driver’s license or ID; and

A copy of the identity (biographical) page of your passport, with English translation and copies of all admission and parole stamps in your passport for entries into the United States.  Please note that children may be included in a parent’s Ukrainian passport; in such cases, the children’s information will not be on the identity page. 

If you submit any document containing foreign language to USCIS, you also must include a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, as well as the translator’s certification that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English. 

There is a filing fee to apply for re-parole under this process. Before you file, check for the most up-to-date filing fee by visiting the Form I-131 page.

If you are granted re-parole, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as evidence of employment authorization for the duration of your new period of parole. To do so, submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , to USCIS. You may file Form I-765 either online or on paper, but we encourage you to apply through your USCIS online account. Do not file Form I-765 before you receive a Form I-131 re-parole approval notice. If you file Form I-765 before we grant re-parole, we may deny your Form I-765, and we will not refund any associated fees.

When you submit Form I-765 for a renewal EAD, you must include either the filing fee or a completed Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver . If you are submitting a fee waiver request with Form I-765, you must file on paper by mail. You cannot apply online if you are submitting a fee waiver request. Parolees are encouraged to file Form I-765 as soon as we approve their re-parole application. 

Those parolees who are granted re-parole and whose most recent data of entry was on or before Sept. 30, 2023, will be able to show a new, unexpired Form I-94 with “UHP” class of admission and most recent date of entry of Sept. 30, 2023, or earlier as acceptable evidence of identity and employment authorization for a period of up to 90 days from the date of hire (or for reverification, when employment authorization expires). Within 90 days, the employee must present an unexpired EAD or unrestricted Social Security card and a List B identity document such as a state-issued driver’s license or identification card to meet the Form I-9 requirements.

You will need a Social Security number for employment, to collect Social Security benefits, and to receive other government services. If you did not complete Form I-765 and did not answer “Yes” to both Item Number 14 and Item Number 15 allowing USCIS to disclose your personal information on Form I-765, you will need to apply for a Social Security number and card using the instructions at the Social Security Administration’s  Request Social Security number for the first time  webpage. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Re-Parole Process for Certain Ukrainian Citizens and Their Immediate Family Members  

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U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico

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Event:   Spring Break Travel

Location:   Mexico

Travel Smart – Be Informed:  Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break.  While the vast majority travel safely, visitors should consider the following when planning their vacation or traveling in Mexico:

  • Crime:  Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations.  See the  Mexico Travel Advisory  for specific information for each Mexican state.  U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.
  • Drugs:  Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence.  U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
  • Unregulated Alcohol:  Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.
  • Pharmaceuticals:  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
  • Sexual Assault:  U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault.  Perpetrators may target inebriated or isolated individuals or may employ drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.
  • Drowning:  Some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides.  Beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
  • Medical Emergencies:  An illness or accident could result in the need to seek medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico.  Private hospital prices can be higher than those in the United States.  Many facilities require payment (sometimes only in cash) either before providing treatment or before discharging a patient.
  • Guns and Ammunition:  All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico.  Firearms and other weapons violations may result in lengthy jail time.
  • Arrests:  Drunk and disorderly behavior, public urination, and open alcohol containers in vehicles are illegal in Mexico.  If you break Mexican law, you can be arrested.
  • Immigration:  Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in steep fines and detention.

Actions to Take:

  • Read the  Mexico Travel Advisory  and  Country Information Page  for details on travel throughout Mexico, including entry requirements.
  • Enroll in the State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  to receive up-to-date information on safety conditions in Mexico and to help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.
  • Call 911 in an emergency.  Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.
  • Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage in Mexico, or purchase travel insurance that covers you in Mexico.  Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation.  Confirm costs of medical treatment in advance, when possible.
  • Avoid strong currents and do not swim after drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions.
  • Drink responsibly and always watch your drink.  If you begin to feel ill, seek medical attention immediately.  Report cases of suspected unregulated or contaminated alcohol to the Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) by  filing a report online  at the COFEPRIS website, call the COFEPRIS call center at +52 01-8—033-5050, or visit a COFEPRIS office.
  • Know your drinking companions and stay in a group of friends who have your safety in mind when you are in clubs and bars, walking in dimly lit areas, or in a taxi at night.  Obey Mexican law and remember Mexican laws may differ from U.S. laws.
  • Regularly monitor your credit or debit card accounts to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions.  Limit the amount of cash you carry in public, exercise caution when withdrawing cash, and avoid ATMs in isolated or unlit areas.
  • Be aware of your safety and protect your personal possessions when using public transportation.  Use radio taxis or those from “sitio” taxi stands.  Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another relatively safe alternative to taxis.
  • Keep friends and family at home informed of your travel plans, especially if traveling alone.
  • Consider downloading the “Guest Assist” application on your smart phone if traveling to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, or other areas in the state of Quintana Roo.  The Mexican government provides information on emergency services and assistance for tourists via the app and their  website .
  • Keep your passport and entry permit (FMM), if applicable, in a safe place.  Confirm the date you must depart Mexico.
  • See our  advice for cruise passengers , particularly those with underlying health conditions.
  • Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.

Assistance:

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U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico

From Mexico:  (55) 8526 2561

From the United States:  +1-844-528-6611

Department of State – Consular Affairs:  +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444

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An immigrant visa is a document issued by a U.S. consular officer abroad that allows you to travel to the United States and apply for admission as a legal permanent resident (LPR). An immigration inspector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security makes the final decision as to whether or not to admit you as an LPR. Once you are admitted as an LPR, you generally have the right to live and work in the United States permanently. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security will mail your permanent resident card (often called a “green card”) to your new address in the United States, usually within three months of your entry into the United States. Please see 9 FAM 502.1-3 for a list of classification symbols and a brief description of each.

Getting an immigrant visa usually means that you will be able to live and work in the United States for as long as you want. A nonimmigrant visa, on the other hand, is generally for short-term visitors to the United States. You cannot stay in the United States permanently on a nonimmigrant visa, and you generally cannot work. A nonimmigrant visa is sometimes informally called a “tourist visa” but can be issued for reasons other than tourism, such as medical treatment, business or study. Please see our nonimmigrant visa page for more information.

There are three basic methods for obtaining an immigrant visa: 1.through a family relationship with a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident 2.through employment 3.through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (the visa lottery) Most applicants in Mexico obtain their immigrant visas via family relationships. The first step in obtaining a family-based immigrant visa is for your relative (the petitioner) to file a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) by mail with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security. Once your relative has filed a petition for you, you may check its status by accessing the USCIS Case Status Search Page. You may obtain an immigrant visa through employment rather than through a family member. More information on obtaining an immigrant visa through employment rather than through a family member is available on USCIS’s Green Card through a Job page. Please see the Fiscal Year 2016 Diversity Visa Entry Instructions. Note that the registration period for 2015 has closed. You may check this page for the Fiscal Year 2016 Diversity Visa Entry instructions in approximately September 2014.

Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security approves an immigrant visa petition, USCIS sends the approved petition to the Department of State’s National Visa Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) retains the approved petition until the case is ready for adjudication by a consular officer abroad. Petitions may remain at NVC for several months or for many years depending on the visa category and country of birth of the visa applicant. When a beneficiary’s (the beneficiary is the person on whose behalf the petition was filed) priority date appears about to become current, NVC sends the petitioner a bill for processing Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act) and sends the beneficiary a Form DS-261 (Choice of Address and Agent). Once the Form I-864 processing fee is paid, NVC sends the Form I-864 and related instructions to the petitioner. Once NVC receives the completed Form DS-261 from the applicant, NVC mails a bill for the immigrant visa fee to the agent designated on the Form DS-261. Once the immigrant visa fee is paid, NVC sends the Instruction Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants to the agent. You or your agent must follow the directions in the Instruction Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants exactly. Failure to do so could result in a delay in your case and could even cause you to lose your chance to live and work in the United States. Once NVC completes its administrative processing of your case, the case file is sent to the Immigrant Visa Unit of the U.S. Consulate General, Ciudad Juarez. NVC will notify you by mail when this occurs.

The priority date, in the case of a family-based immigrant visa petition, is the date your petition was filed (not the date it was approved). Family-based immigrant visas are divided into two broad groups, immediate relative cases and preference cases. An immediate relative family-based petition is filed by a U.S. citizen on behalf of a spouse, parent, or child. A preference family-based petition is filed by a U.S. citizen on behalf of a son, daughter, or sibling; or by a legal permanent resident on behalf of a spouse, son or daughter, or child. Because the law does not limit the number of immediate relative visas, the priority date is normally irrelevant in such cases (please see the 9 FAM 502.1-1(d)(1) for the notable exception, related to the Child Status Protection Act). Workload permitting, the Immigrant Visa Unit may begin processing the approved petition upon receipt from the Department of State’s National Visa Center or the Department of Homeland Security. The priority date in a preference case, however, matters greatly. The law limits the number of preference visas available. All categories of family-based preference visas are currently “oversubscribed” (i.e., there are more people who want visas than there are visa numbers available). Your priority date, along with your visa category and nationality, determines whether a visa number is available or whether you must wait. Once your priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed in the most recent Visa Bulle

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From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561

From the United States: 1-844-528-6611

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Visas for Canadian and Mexican USMCA Professional Workers

Domestic Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas for Certain Applicants

Generally, a noncitizen who wishes to travel to the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) created special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Click United States-Mexico-Cnada Agreement to visit the Office of the United States Trade Representative website to learn more.

The nonimmigrant USMCA Professional (TN) visa allows eligible citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the United States as USMCA professionals in prearranged professional level business activities for U.S. or foreign employers. Permanent residents of Canada and Mexico are not able to apply for TN visas to work as USMCA professionals. Select  TN USMCA Professionals  on the USCIS website to learn more about TN nonimmigrant status.

Eligibility for USMCA Professional (TN) Nonimmigrant Status

Canadians and Mexicans may be eligible to work in the United States as NAFTA professionals under the following conditions:

  • Applicant is a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
  • Profession is on the  USMCA list ;
  • Position in the United States requires a USMCA professional;
  • Applicant will work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for an employer (see  Required Documentation ). Self-employment is not permitted;
  • Applicant has the apropriate qualifications for the profession, including education requirements or experience.

With some exceptions, each profession requires a baccalaureate (bachelor's) degree as an entry-level requirement. If a baccalaureate is required, experience cannot be substituted for that degree. In some professions, an alternative to a bachelor's degree may be acceptable. For some professions, experience is required in addition to the degree. For a complete list of professions with minimum education requirements and alternative credentials, see  Appendix 1603.D.1  of USMCA Chapter 16.

Note : Requirements for Canadians and Mexicans are different, as explained below.

Requirements for Canadian Citizens

A visa is not required for a Canadian citizen entering the United States as a USMCA Professional, although a visa can be issued to a qualified Canadian TN visa applicant upon application at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

A Canadian citizen can apply for TN nonimmigrant status at a U.S. port-of-entry. Learn about these requirements on the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)  and  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)  websites. More information about receiving TN status without applying for a visa is also available on the  U.S. Embassy Ottawa  website.

When is a USMCA Professional (TN) visa required for a Canadian citizen?  A Canadian who lives outside Canada with a non-Canadian spouse and/or child(ren), and who plans to enter the United States as a USMCA professional with their family member(s), will need a TN visa in order for the family member(s) to be eligible to apply for derivative TD nonimmigrant visa(s).

Requirements for Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens require TN visas to request admission to the United States as USMCA professionals.

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the  U.S. embassy or consulate website .

Complete the Online Visa Application

  • Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application,  Form DS-160  –  Learn more  about completing the  DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview
  • Photo  –You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the  Photograph Requirements . (A photo is not required if you are applying in Mexico.)

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to demostrate you qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live. 

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply.

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Prepare for your interview.

  • Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:  

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

  • Review the instructions available on the website of the  embassy or consulate  where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

  • Passport  valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by  country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application,  Form DS-160  confirmation page
  • Application fee payment receipt,  if you are required to pay before your interview
  • Photo  – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the  photo upload fails , you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the  Photograph Requirements . (A photo is not required if you are applying in Mexico.) 
  • Your purpose of entry;
  • A detailed description of your anticipated business activities or job responsibilities;
  • Your anticipated length of stay in the United States;
  • Your educational qualifications or appropriate credentials demonstrating professional status;
  • Evidence of your compliance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations and/or state laws; and
  • Arrangements for your pay.
  • Documentation proving that you meet the minimum education and/or work experience requirements  set forth in Appendix 1603.d.1 of NAFTA chapter 16 – Evidence of education may include degrees, diplomas, certificates, professional licenses, and /or membership in professional organizations. To demonstrate your experience, present letters from former employers. If you were self-employed, provide your business records.

Additional Documentation May Be Required

A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a TN visa. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of your intent to depart the United States after employment as a USMCA professional.

Licensure  - Proof of licensure to practice a given profession in the United States is not required to receive a TN visa, but you should consider presenting such proof along with your job offer letter and other documentation in support of your TN visa application. Upon arriving in the United States, state or non-Federal authorities may require you to present proof of licensure to practice a given profession.

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

Attend Your Visa Interview

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further  administrative processing . You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application.

When the visa is approved, you will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the  visa processing time , to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

Additional Information

  • Review  TN NAFTA Professionals  information on the USCIS website for information about employment and studying while in the United States in TD nonimmigrant status.
  • Canadian citizen spouses and children  do not need visas, but should review the  CBP  website for the port of entry requirements.
  • Spouse and children who are not Canadian citizens  must apply for TD nonimmigrant visas.
  • Mexican citizen spouse and children  must apply for TD nonimmigrant visas.
  • Spouse or children seeking to join a TN USMCA Professional in the United States  must show a valid Form I-94 from the principal TN visa holder to show that the principal TN visa holder is maintaining TN visa status.
  • We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
  • Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review  Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials, and waivers.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review  How to Apply , above).

I was refused a visa, under section 214(b). May I reapply?

You may reapply if you believe you have additional evidence of your qualifications for a student (F or M) visa, or you believe  your circumstances have changed. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Further Questions

  • Case-Specific Questions  - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
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IMAGES

  1. Uscis Form G 884 Fillable Form

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  2. USCIS Form I-131A

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  3. USCIS Form I-131 Download Fillable PDF or Fill Online Application for Travel Document

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  4. USCIS BEGINS PRODUCING NEW SECURITY

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  5. Re-Entry Permits for Green Card Holders, Explained

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  6. USCIS Form I-131

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VIDEO

  1. DON'T Make This Mistake With Your USCIS Application

  2. I-131, Application for Travel Document

  3. Can I Apply for U.S. Visit Visa While Waiting for Immigration (I-130 Petition)?

  4. USCIS NEWS: USCIS Visa Availability Form I-526 Petition

  5. USCIS #immigration

  6. USCIS Updates

COMMENTS

  1. Application for Travel Document

    I-131, Application for Travel Document. ALERT: On Jan. 30, 2024, USCIS announced a final rule, published in the Federal Register, that adjusts the fees required for most immigration applications and petitions. The new fees will be effective April 1, 2024. Applications and petitions postmarked on or after April 1, 2024, must include the new fees ...

  2. PDF Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

    2. Application Type. a. I am a permanent resident or conditional resident of the United States, and I am applying for a reentry permit. b. I now hold U.S. refugee or asylee status, and I am applying for a Refugee Travel Document. c. I am a permanent resident as a direct result of refugee or asylee status, and I am applying for a Refugee Travel ...

  3. PDF Form I-131, Instructions for Application for Travel Document

    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). 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.

  4. Visit the U.S.

    If you wish to stay beyond the time indicated on the Form I-94, you may apply for an extension by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS. If You Lose Form I-94. You may apply for a replacement Form I-94 by filing a Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record.

  5. International Travel as a Permanent Resident

    If you plan on being absent from the United States for longer than a year, it is advisable to first apply for a reentry permit on Form I-131.Obtaining a reentry permit prior to leaving the United States allows a permanent or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission into the United States during the permit's validity without the need to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S ...

  6. Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, Information for Completing USCIS

    A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer attaches Form I-94 to the nonimmigrant visitor's passport upon entry to the U.S. The visitor must exit the U.S. on or before the departure date stamped on the Form I-94. This is the "Admit Until Date" on the electronic Form I-94. The Form I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number or ...

  7. Forms Available to File Online

    Beginning June 26, 2023, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, when filed together with Form I-539. File Online. N-336 | Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA ...

  8. Application for Carrier Documentation

    Pay Online. Use this form if you are: A lawful permanent resident (LPR), including an LPR with conditions, and wish to apply for a travel document (carrier documentation) that allows you to board an airline or other transportation carrier without the airline or transportation carrier being penalized; or. Not an LPR or a conditional LPR, but you ...

  9. Form I-131 Guide (Application for Travel Document)

    Certain non-citizens can file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, to obtain various travel documentation.The application has different uses depending on the non-citizen's immigration status in the United States. When filing, applicants may request the following types of travel documents from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

  10. Travel documents for foreign citizens returning to the U.S

    Use Form I-131 - Application for Travel Document. For permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. For conditional permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years after the date of issue. Or it is valid up until the date you must apply for removal of the conditions on your status ...

  11. Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant

    Use this form if you want to apply for advance permission to temporarily enter the United States and you are an: Inadmissible nonimmigrant and already have the appropriate documents; or. Applicant for T or U nonimmigrant status. If you are seeking admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) under INA section 217, you cannot file this form.

  12. Application for Travel Document: Form I-131 Explained

    October 19, 2023. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. If you're waiting to be issued a green card or you have an active case with immigration, USCIS doesn't want you to leave the country without advance permission. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, allows people with pending cases to obtain permission to travel outside ...

  13. DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

    The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé (e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal ...

  14. PDF How do I get a refugee travel document?

    States for USCIS to approve your Form I-131 and issue a Refugee Travel Document if your biometrics (photograph, fingerprints) have been obtained. You can indicate on your Form I-131 that you want USCIS to send your Refugee Travel Document to a U.S. Embassy or consulate, or a DHS office overseas, so you can pick it up from one of those facilities.

  15. PDF CBP One™ Allows Travelers (Air) to request Advance Travel ...

    Scan Your Passport. Select "Scan Passport" and scan the information page of your passport. where you can either create or login to your existing account. 2. Advance Travel Authorization. Select "Advance Travel Authorization", then select "Request Advance Travel Authorization.". First time users will be prompted to create a profile.

  16. Home

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is releasing end of fiscal year (FY) 2023 data that illustrates the agency's progress in meeting its strategic priorities. ... Filing a form online is easier and faster than paper filing. It gives you a simple and personalized way to track your case online. You can also access other USCIS ...

  17. I94

    I-94 is a place for U.S. visitors to find travel records. Visiting the U.S. & Arriving Via a Land Border or Selected Ferry? A Form I-94 is needed by all visitors except: U.S. Citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens visiting or in transit. Travelers will be issued an I-94 during the admission process at the port of entry.

  18. US

    The fee for Form I-485 for applicants under 14 applying concurrently with their parent will be increased from $750 to $950. USCIS is increasing the filing fee for Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) from $575 to $630. There is no fee for a travel document for applicants who filed Form I-485 on or after July 30, 2007, and before April 1 ...

  19. Forms

    Non-USCIS Forms. Certain forms relating to visas, passports, and travel are available only from other government agencies. Form fees, eligibility requirements, fee waiver eligibility, required documents and mailing addresses vary depending on the form you are filing and why you are filing. Use this section to find and.

  20. Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans

    This documentation may include proof of U.S. citizenship, a Green Card, or an Advance Parole Document (Application for Travel Document, Form I-131). ... If you request an SSN in Part 2 (Items 13.a-17.b) of your Form I-765, and we approve your Form I-765, USCIS will electronically transmit that data to the Social Security Administration (SSA ...

  21. FY 2025 H-1B Registration Period and myUSCIS Organizational Account

    The passport or travel document provided must be the one the beneficiary, if or when abroad, intends to use to enter the United States if issued an H-1B visa. ... During these sessions, individuals can ask questions about the organizational accounts and online filing of Form I-129 for H-1B petitions. USCIS encourages all individuals involved in ...

  22. PDF 2024 Final Fee Rule

    • Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, for applicants who filed Form I-485 with a fee after 4/1/2024 and their I-485 is still pending • Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals • Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service • Form N-400, Naturalization Application, when filed with a ...

  23. PDF Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers

    Form I-140 Edition 04/01/24. Page 1 of 7. Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers . Department of Homeland Security . U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. For USCIS Use Only. USCIS Form I-140 . OMB No. 1615-0015 Expires 02/28/2026 START HERE - Type or print in black ink. 203(b)(1)(A) Alien of Extraordinary Ability. Certification. 203(b)(1)(B ...

  24. Forms

    Important Note: The National Visa Center (NVC) cannot accept Form I-134 for immigrant visa processing. The NVC only accepts the appropriate I-864 form(s) listed above. If you are looking for all other forms that begin with "I" (such as I-130, I-539, etc), these forms come from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the ...

  25. Re-Parole Process for Certain Ukrainian Citizens and Their ...

    Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (completed and signed); ... To do so, submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS. You may file Form I-765 either online or on paper, but we encourage you to apply through your USCIS online account. Do not file Form I-765 before you receive a Form I-131 re-parole approval notice.

  26. Message for U.S. Citizens: Spring Break Travel

    Travel Smart - Be Informed: Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break. While the vast majority travel safely, visitors should consider the following when planning their vacation or traveling in Mexico: ... Contact Form. U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico. From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561. From the United States: +1 ...

  27. Visa Appointment Wait Times

    Update: Biometric Changes for Re-entry Permits and Refugee Travel Documents. With All the Talk about Illegal Immigration, a Look at the Legal Kind. Latvia, Estonia Sign Deals with US on Visa-Free Travel. Fact Sheet: Changes to the FY2009 H-1B Program . USCIS Announces Interim Rule on H-1B Visas. USCIS Releases Preliminary Number of FY 2009 H-1B ...

  28. Visas for Canadian and Mexican USMCA Professional Workers

    Select TN USMCA Professionals on the USCIS website to learn more about TN nonimmigrant status. ALL / ALL / Eligibility for USMCA Professional (TN) Nonimmigrant Status ... Form DS-160 - Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your ...