# Form I-131

URL: https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/immigration-forms/form-i-131
Category: Travel and Immigration Forms
Attributes: Monthly top‑searched

Form I-131 is a document filed by green card applicants, refugees, and parolees who wish to travel outside the U.S. without being denied re-entry or having to restart their immigration application upon return.

You can find a fillable Form I-131 on our website, along with the information on how to complete it correctly. All you need to do is click on the document, open it in our PDF editor, and type the information directly into the empty slots. Once you finalise it, submit it to the USCIS for review.

## Versions

- 2025 — [download PDF](https://cdn.sanity.io/files/i16te7yp/production/fde0c0936c7c3273c1fda797f0bb783a812cd4bf.pdf)

## How to Fill Out Form I-131

Step 1: Open Form I-131 in our PDF editor.

Step 2: Select the application type and fill out the information in Part 1 according to the Form I-131 instructions.

Step 3: Enter your personal details in Part 2.

Step 4: Complete your biographic information (ethnicity, race, height, eye colour, etc.).

Step 5: Fill out the details about your travel.

Step 6: Sign the document and submit it to the USCIS.

## Facts

### What Is Form I-131 Used For?

Form I-131 is used by refugees, parolees, and foreign nationals living in the U.S. who wish to travel outside the country and return legally. Without this document, their re-entry may be denied, and their applications for permanent residence abandoned.

### Who Should Use Form I-131?

Form I-131 should be used by individuals residing in the U.S. who are in the process of applying for a green card, on parole, or living as refugees, and want to travel abroad. Completing this document allows them to leave the country and return without affecting their status.

### When Is the Form I-131 Due?

There is no specific due date for Form I-131, but it should be filed and approved before you leave the U.S. Since the processing time is quite long (sometimes over a year), you should submit the document as soon as possible to avoid issues.

### What Happens If Form I-131 Is Not Submitted?

If Form I-131 isn’t submitted and you still leave the country, your re-entry might be denied upon return. Furthermore, any pending applications (e.g., green card) will automatically be cancelled, and you’ll need to restart the process when you get back.

### How and Where Do I File Form I-131?

You should file Form I-131 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), either online via the official e-filing platform or by mail. Certain types of applications can only be submitted by mail; for instance, re-entry permits, refugee travel documents, and some types of parole documents. Check the official USCIS website for more information.

## Related forms

- [Form I-485](https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/immigration-forms/form-i-485)
- [Form I-765](https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/immigration-forms/I-765-form)
- [Form I-130](https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/immigration-forms/i-130-form)
- [Form AR-11](https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/immigration-forms/ar-11-form)
- [Passport Renewal Form](https://pdf.net/pdf-forms/immigration-forms/passport-renewal-form)