travel document fee for 2 years

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Need help? Visit a USCIS office

We want your feedback, citizenship.

• Sign In Create Account
• Create Account
• Find a doctor
• Find an English or citizenship class
• Learn about the naturalization process
• Learn about citizenship rights and responsibilities
• Schedule an appointment

USCIS I-131A Application for Travel Document Fee

Dhs privacy notice.

AUTHORITIES: Sections 1103, 1158, 1182, 1203, and 1204 of Title 8 of the U.S. Code authorize USCIS to collect the information requested on this form and the associated evidence.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information is to authorize an electronic credit card or Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment in Pay.gov, which is owned and operated by the Department of Treasury, for the filing fees associated with the separate submission of I-131A.

DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to make a payment towards the associated benefit request fee may delay or prevent USCIS from accepting your benefit request form.

ROUTINE USES: This information may be used by and disclosed to USCIS personnel and contractors or other agents who need the information to assist in activities related to processing your filing fees. Additionally, USCIS may disclose the information to other federal, state, and local authorized organizations in accordance with approved routine uses, as described in the associated published system of records notice [TREASURY/FMS.017 - Collections Records - Treasury/Financial Management Service, which can be found at http://www.treasury.gov/privacy , and DHS-USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System, available at www.dhs.gov/privacy ]. The information may also be made available as appropriate for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.

Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Disclosure Notice

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 curently valid OMB control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at .167 hour or 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions and completing and submitting the authorization. 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 Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140 Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009

Do not mail your Application for Travel Document Fee payment to this address.

OMB No. 1615-0135 Expires: 08/31/2018

Form I-131: The Advance Parole Travel Document Explained

If you have or are applying for a green card, DACA status, or certain humanitarian visas, and you want to travel outside the United States, you need to get a travel document from the U.S. government. You apply for this document by filing Form I-131: Application for Travel Document with USCIS. This allows you to get what’s called an Advance Parole document. Below is a guide on how to apply for Advance Parole step-by-step as well as tips for to plan for your temporary travel.

Written by Jonathan Petts .  Updated September 24, 2023

What Is Advance Parole?

An Advance Parole document allows current green card applicants to leave the United States for temporary travel and return without disrupting their green card (permanent resident card) application process. There are a few situations you can be in while applying for Advance Parole, such as: having a pending application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or being a DACA recipient. In this article, we are focusing on individuals applying for Advance Parole with a pending green card application . 

To apply for Advance Parole, you must file Form I-131: Application for Travel Document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Green card applicants looking to travel abroad for any reason must obtain Advance Parole before leaving the United States. If you leave the U.S. without the proper travel documents, USCIS will close your green card application.  

Why Do I Need Advance Parole?

You need Advance Parole if you have a pending green card (permanent resident card) application and want to take a trip outside the United States. If you leave the United States without Advance Parole and USCIS hasn’t approved your green card application, the agency will close your green card application case. 

If USCIS closes your green card application, you have to start the process over again, which is expensive and time-consuming. To avoid this, you need to complete Form I-131: Application for Travel Document and apply for Advance Parole before leaving the U.S.

You do not need to apply for Advance Parole if you are waiting for USCIS to process your Form I-485 and you are: 

A temporary worker under a valid H-1 visa (or their spouse or child)

An intra-company transferee under a valid L-1 visa (or their spouse or child)

The spouse or child of a U.S. citizen

The spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident

Who Is Eligible for Advance Parole?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis. You’re eligible to apply for Advance Parole if you fall within one of these categories:

You submitted an adjustment of status green card application using Form I-485

You applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)* 

You submitted an asylum application or you are an asylee

You currently have a pending application for temporary resident status under Section 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

USCIS granted you TPS, T nonimmigrant, or U nonimmigrant status 

USCIS or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) granted you humanitarian parole under Section 212 (d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

You received benefits through the Family Unity Program

You’re a DACA recipient

*On July 1, 2022 USCIS began issuing a new travel authorization document for people who receive TPS. This new form is called: Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States.

Who Is Not Eligible for Advance Parole?

You aren’t eligible for Advance Parole if one or more of the following applies to you:

You are residing in the United States without valid immigration status after entering unlawfully many times

You have a valid reentry permit or refugee document 

You are on a J visa or a visa with a foreign residence requirement

You are a beneficiary of a private immigration bill approved by Congress

You are currently in the middle of a removal proceeding (deportation)

You are an asylee or a refugee, but you’re not adjusting your status to a green card 

If you’ve been in the United States unlawfully, you may file for Advance Parole. However, even if granted, you still may be barred from reentry by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

If you’ve lived in the United States without status for any period of time, you should always consult an immigration lawyer before traveling abroad. If you can't afford a lawyer, you can contact a legal aid office for help.

How Do I Apply for Advance Parole? A Step-by-Step Guide

First, you will need to complete the official application form, called Form I-131: Application for Travel Document. When you have completed the form, you will have to gather the government filing fees and supporting documentation, and then finally submit them together with Form I-131 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Step 1: Complete Form I-131

Form I-131 is officially called the Application for Travel Document. This document is used for anyone applying for a Reentry Permit, a Refugee Travel Document, and Advance Parole. You cannot submit your travel permit request to the U.S. government without completing and signing this form. 

You can complete the form in two ways — either online by creating a MyUSCIS account or on paper by downloading, printing, and completing the most recent version of Form I-131 from the USCIS website. You will need your Alien Registration Number (A Number) to complete your application.

Step 2: Gather Fees & Supporting Documents for Form I-131

When you have completed Form I-131, it is time to gather the $575 filing fee and the required supporting documents. You must include these supporting documents with the Form I-131 application:

Your receipt notice from USCIS after filing Form I-485, if your green card is pending

Two passport-style photographs 

USCIS-issued document showing the validity of your current immigration status — this could be an approval/receipt notice ( Form I-797 )

A photocopy of a government-issued identification document (ID), which must include your name, date of birth, and a photo — examples of acceptable forms of ID include a passport, drivers license, and employment authorization document (EAD)

Marriage certificate (if applying for Advance Parole based on your spouse’s pending green card application)

Child’s birth certificate (if applying for Advance Parole for a child based on a pending child green card application)

Detailed evidence explaining your reasons for traveling — you can explain your reasons with a Declaration of Support Letter

If any of your supporting documents aren’t in English, USCIS requires the documents be accompanied by a certified English translation .

It’s also a good idea to include a cover letter for your application. This short letter explains what supporting documents are in your application and helps keep things organized.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can submit your completed Form I-131: Application for Travel Document and supporting documents to USCIS either online or by mail. To submit online, you must first create a MyUSCIS account . Then you can submit your petition through your account on the USCIS website.

If you choose to submit your USCIS forms by mail, you will have to send your application packet to a specific USCIS filing address. The address depends on where you live and what mail service you use to send your forms. For Advance Parole applicants who have a pending Form I-485 (green card) application, you’ll send your documents either to the USCIS lockbox in Chicago, Dallas, or Phoenix. The USCIS website lists these addresses .

If You’re Filing Form I-131 Overseas

If you’re filing Form I-131 overseas, you must first get permission from your local U.S. embassy or consulate. You’ll have to set up an appointment with your local U.S. embassy to make your request in person. The State Department has an up-to-date list of all U.S. embassies and consulates.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Advance Parole?

The filing fee for Form I-131 is $575. If you cannot afford this filing fee, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver by filing Form I-912 . You can also check out our tips for fundraising the fees .

You can pay using a money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card. All checks should be made payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” If you’re using a credit card, you must also file Form G-1450 : Authorization for Credit Card Transactions with your Form I-131 application. USCIS can only process your credit card payment using Form G-1450. 

How Long Does It Take To Get Advance Parole?

It’s currently taking USCIS 6 to 18 months to process Advance Parole applications. Processing times vary a lot by USCIS service center and may change over time. Your Form I-131 application can be delayed if you didn’t fill it out completely and correctly, mail it to the correct address, and ensure USCIS received it. 

The application processing time may take longer if the USCIS service center handling your case is experiencing significant processing backlogs. You can see USCIS’ current processing times on its webpage.

I Have an Emergency. Can I Get Advance Parole Quicker?

In some cases, USCIS will expedite applications. This can reduce the processing time to 30 days. To expedite your Advance Parole document application, you must demonstrate to USCIS that:

You’ve suffered a financial loss to your company or person

You’re experiencing an emergency

You have a valid humanitarian reason

You’re affiliated with a nonprofit organization requesting an expedited application for culture or social interests benefiting the United States

Your request is made by the Department of Defense or another U.S. government agency to promote the national interest

USCIS made an administrative error

You have another compelling interest determined by USCIS

USCIS grants emergency Advance Parole requests based on its officers’ discretion in emergencies. To do this, you will have to visit the nearest USCIS office with the following documents:

A completed Form I-131

Evidence supporting the emergency request

Two passport-style photos

Successful emergency Advance Parole requests are usually processed on the same day. 

What You Need To Know When Traveling With Advance Parole

Once you’ve successfully applied for Advance Parole, you cannot leave the United States until you’ve received your physical travel document. 

Typically, an Advance Parole document allows you temporary travel for up to one year abroad. However, USCIS reserves the right to revoke your Advance Parole document for any reason. If this happens, you cannot return to the United States without a valid U.S. visa or other documentation. 

You should also be mindful of scheduled fingerprinting ( biometric services ) and interview appointments. Although your travel permit may allow temporary travel for up to one year, you may miss many of these appointments without regularly returning to the U.S. 

The same goes for regularly receiving mailed communications (such as a notice of action ) from USCIS, which help you understand the status of your application. It’s best to make arrangements to receive mail while traveling abroad or update your mailing address with USCIS.

Reentry Into the U.S.

It is important to know that even if you have a valid Advance Parole document , there is no guarantee you can reenter the U.S. after traveling abroad. When arriving at a port of entry upon your return to the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will conduct an inspection and determine your admission back into the U.S. Unfortunately, DHS could deny your reentry. 

It is also possible for DHS to revoke your Advance Parole at any time, including while you are abroad. This can happen even if your Form I-131 application has been approved and you have the correct Advance Parole documents. With these risks, it is crucial to determine whether temporary travel outside of the United States is necessary.

Continue reading and learning!

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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

If you are a citizen of another country and have been living in the U.S., you may need special documents if you leave the U.S. and then return.

Travel documents for permanent and conditional permanent residents

If you are outside the u.s. for less than one year.

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been away from the U.S. for less than one year, you will only need to show your Green Card upon re-entry to the U.S.

If you are outside the U.S. for one year or longer

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been outside the U.S. for one year or longer, apply for a re-entry permit before you travel. 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 , whichever date comes first.

Travel documents for other foreign citizens living in the U.S.

If you are a foreign citizen re-entering the U.S., the documentation you need may depend on your immigration status:

• Advance parole - You may use advance parole to re-enter the U.S. without applying for a visa. It is commonly used for re-entry by people in the process of applying for permanent residence, applying for a status adjustment, or applying for asylum.
• Refugee travel document - You may be able to use this document to re-enter the U.S. if you have refugee or asylum status.

If you need help, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) .

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Immigration help for your business

• News & Reports
• Guides: Individual immigration

Re-Entry Permits, Explained

This travel document helps green card holders maintain u.s. residence during long trips abroad, in this guide.

• How Do You Use a Re-Entry Permit?
• Can You Extend a Re-Entry Permit?
• Related Information

Everything you need to know for your re-entry permit application

Green card holders are free to travel abroad, but if you spend more than a year at a time outside the United States you could be found to have abandoned your green card status. To avoid that, you can request a re-entry permit before taking a lengthy trip outside the United States.

What is a green card re-entry permit?

The re-entry permit is simply a travel document that allows green card holders to maintain their U.S. residence when traveling abroad for periods of up to 2 years. You can only apply for a re-entry permit from within the United States, so it’s important to make sure you understand the details before setting off on your travels.

Remember, you can also avoid travel headaches by seeking U.S. citizenship . As a citizen, you can travel for as long as you want without needing special documentation. If you’re interested in starting your immigration journey, Boundless can help. Answer our 5-minute questionnaire to get started.

Get a tailored visa plan for everything from forms to interview.

What is a re-entry permit.

A re-entry permit is a travel document that looks a bit like a U.S. passport. It’s issued to green card holders who want to maintain U.S. residence during a lengthy trip abroad.

The re-entry permit is important because while green card holders can travel freely, they must maintain continuous residence in the United States. If you travel abroad for more than a year, you’ll be assumed to have given up your residence, and your green card could be revoked.

The re-entry permit tells the U.S. government that you intend to return and continue living in the United States after your trip abroad. If you have a valid re-entry permit, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials won’t consider your period of absence from the United States as evidence that you’ve abandoned your U.S. residence.

Getting a re-entry permit ensures your time outside the United States won’t be counted against you, but you could still be found to have abandoned your residence on other grounds, such as if a CBP official believes you planned to relocate permanently to another country. To avoid that, you should maintain clear connections to the United States during any trips abroad, such as through family ties, tax filings, a U.S. mailing address, or a U.S. employer.

Who Needs a Re-Entry Permit?

The main reason to obtain a re-entry permit is to show that you intend to maintain your green card status when traveling abroad. If you’re a green card holder, you should apply for a re-entry permit if you plan on traveling outside the United States for more than a year but less than 2 years .

For trips of less than a year , your green card will remain valid without the need for a re-entry permit, although you should still take care to maintain clear ties to the United States (such as through your work, family connections, or home address) while traveling abroad.

For trips of more than 2 years , or if you didn’t apply for a re-entry permit before leaving the United States, you won’t be able to obtain a re-entry permit. Instead, you’ll need to apply for an SB-1 visa (also called a “returning resident visa”) at your nearest U.S. consulate or embassy before returning to the United States.

If you’ve applied for a green card but haven’t yet received one, you aren’t eligible for a re-entry permit. Instead you should apply for Advance Parole if you need to travel abroad, even if only for a short trip. Learn more here .

You can also use a re-entry permit as a travel document if you can’t obtain a passport from your home country. Many countries will let you use a re-entry permit like a passport, and will stamp it with their visas and entry and exit stamps. Make sure to check whether the countries you intend to visit accept U.S. re-entry permits as valid travel documents.

How Do You Get a Re-Entry Permit?

To apply for a re-entry permit, you must file Form I-131 (“Application for Travel Document”) . This form collects details about your planned trip, your foreign travel since becoming a green card holder, and whether you’ve been properly filing U.S. tax returns.

You must file form I-131 from within the United States, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends filing at least 60 days before you travel abroad. That’s because you’ll be called for a biometrics appointment at your local USCIS office, and your application is likely to be denied if you’ve already left the country and can’t attend the appointment.

You don’t have to remain in the United States until your re-entry permit is approved. Once you’ve filed Form I-131 and attended your biometrics appointment, you’re free to travel abroad. You can indicate on Form I-131 if you’d like USCIS to send your re-entry permit for collection at a U.S. consulate or embassy in the country to which you’re traveling.

The Re-Entry Permit Fee

The fee for filing Form I-131 is $575, and if you are between the ages of 14 and 79 you must also pay a biometric fee of $85.

How to check the status of your re-entry permit application

To check the status of your application, use the USCIS online case status checker . You’ll need the receipt number from the notice you received after filing your Form I-131.

If you’ll be picking up your re-entry permit from a U.S. embassy or consulate, you can contact them directly to check whether they’ve received your permit. Some embassies and consulates also have online tools where you can check whether your paperwork is ready for collection.

When you return to the United States after a long absence, you should carry your valid re-entry permit with you, as well as your green card and passport. The CBP official at the airport or other point of entry will inspect your papers, ask questions about your journey, and – providing everything is in order – readmit you to the United States.

The re-entry permit for green card holders tells the CBP official not to consider your absence from the United States as evidence that you’ve abandoned your U.S. residence. However, a re-entry permit doesn’t guarantee you the right to re-enter the United States. If a CBP official finds other reasons to suspect that you’ve abandoned your U.S. residence then you could face further questioning.

Green card holders are facing increasing scrutiny when they travel abroad, even with re-entry permits. Getting U.S. citizenship is often the best way to ensure you can travel and return to the United States without facing awkward questions. Boundless can help you avoid common pitfalls in the immigration process with unlimited support from our team of immigration experts. Learn more.

You can’t renew or extend a re-entry permit, so if your current permit is due to expire then you’ll need to return to the United States and apply for a new one. Remember that you must be physically present in the United States when you file Form I-131, and also for your biometrics appointment. You’ll also have to surrender your existing re-entry permit when you file for a new permit.

There’s no official limit on how many times you can apply for a re-entry permit. However, if you’ve spent more than 4 of the previous 5 years since gaining a green card outside the United States, you’ll only be issued a re-entry permit valid for a single year. (Exceptions to this rule are made for U.S. government employees, elite athletes, and in certain other cases.)

Bear in mind, too, that if you’re a conditional permanent resident , you can’t be issued a re-entry permit that’s valid for longer than the remaining period of your conditional green card. Spending significant time outside the United States could also complicate the process of upgrading to a full green card, especially if you’re living apart from your sponsoring spouse or relative.

Re-Entry Permit FAQs

Be sure to keep filing your tax returns as a U.S. resident during the whole period of your absence from the United States. Failing to do so could be taken as evidence that you’ve abandoned your U.S. residence, even if you’ve obtained a re-entry permit.

If you spend more than a year outside the United States, you won’t be considered continuously resident for the purposes of gaining U.S. citizenship . That means you’ll face a longer wait before you can apply for naturalization. In certain cases you can file Form N-470 (“Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes”) to avoid losing the time you’ve accrued towards citizenship eligibility.

Boundless guide

• Everything You Need to Know About Naturalization
• How Getting U.S. Citizenship Could Simplify Your Travel Plans
• The Complete Naturalization Timeline
• Understanding the Naturalization Application Process
• A Complete Guide to “Advance Parole”

No time for research? We provide an easy, guided application experience, with 4 anti-rejection checks and a lawyer review. Get started for free .

Article Contents

Apply for your visa with boundless., unlimited live support. lawyer review. money-back guarantee., which service.

Looks like you were working on a application just now. Applicants typically only require one service at a time.

You unlocked a $50 discount!

Congrats! Because your friend referred you, your application with Boundless is discounted. Start the application with Boundless within the next 14 days, and you'll save $50.

• Legal documents
• Lawyers Resource

Apply For A Travel Document

How to apply for a travel document (updated 2021).

If you are an immigrant who has received the right to live in the United States or an immigrant who has a pending matter regarding living in the United States, it may be possible to travel outside of the United States without losing your right to return to the United States and live in the United States.  However, to so travel abroad and still protect your legal rights in the United States, it may be necessary that you take a certain action.

This necessary action is that you apply for what is known as a “travel document” (also sometimes described as a “travel permit”) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”).

There are three types of travel documents that are issued by USCIS:

Reentry Permits

Refugee travel documents, advance parole documents.

• Reentry permits are used by green card holders (lawful permanent residents) who want to leave the United States and remain in a foreign country for one year or more.  In essence, a reentry permit can be a necessary traveling document for green cardholders.
• Without a re-entry permit, you could be considered to have abandoned your lawful permanent resident status if you leave the United States to travel abroad for one year or more.
• It is generally not necessary to obtain a reentry permit if you return to the United States from your foreign travel in less than one year.
• The reentry permit must be applied for while you are physically present in the United States.  USCIS recommends that you apply for a reentry permit no less than 60 days before traveling abroad.
• In addition, you must complete the required biometrics in connection with your reentry permit before you leave the United States.
• You do not have to be in the United States while your reentry permit application is pending with USCIS.
• Reentry permits are generally valid for two years.
• Refugee travel documents are used by refugees or asylees who want to leave the United States and travel outside the United States.  It should be highlighted that refugee travel documents should be used by refugees or asylees if there is any travel outside the United States; there is no time period of permitted travel outside of the United States as applies for green card holders before they need reentry permits (as described above, generally less than one year).
• Without refugee travel documents, you will be denied admission back into the United States when you return from abroad.
• Refugee travel documents should be applied for before you leave the United States (although it is possible that you will be allowed to obtain refugee travel documents from outside of the United States if allowed in the discretion of the USCIS Overseas District Director with jurisdiction over your foreign location).
• Refugee travel documents are generally valid for one year.
• Advance parole documents are used by persons who want to leave the United States before certain pending immigration matters regarding living in the United States have been resolved.

Two common uses of advance parole documents are:

• If you have filed a pending Form I-485, “Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status” (“Form I-485 Travel Permit”). You can apply for a Form I-485 Travel Permit if you seek to travel abroad for “urgent humanitarian reasons” or in furtherance of a “significant public benefit”, which can include a personal or family emergency or bona fide business reasons.  Form I-485 applicants who travel outside the United States without advance parole for Form I-485 can be deemed to have abandoned their Form I-485 (and related green card application ).
• If you are subject to deferred action as a childhood arrival under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (“DACA”) program. (“DACA Travel Permit”). You can apply for a DACA Travel Permit if you seek to travel abroad for educational purposes (including a semester abroad programs or academic research), employment purposes (including overseas interviews, conferences, or meetings with clients), or humanitarian purposes (including to obtain medical treatment, attend funeral services for a family member, or visit a sick relative).  DACA applicants who travel outside the United States without advance parole for DACA will lose DACA status.
• Advance parole documents generally must be both applied for and approved before you leave the United States (although in rare cases, the USCIS may issue an advance parole document to persons outside of the United States).
• Advance parole documents are generally valid for one year.

It is important to note that advance parole documents do not guarantee your admission back into the United States.  Instead, they simply permit you to travel to a United States port of entry and request admission back to the United States; the ultimate decision to admit you back into the United States will be made by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry.

Process|Form I-131

How can I get a travel document? Whether you are applying for a re-entry permit, a refugee travel document, or an advance parole document, you will make your application to USCIS on Form I-131, “Application for Travel Document” .

Form I-131 must be filed with certain documents, which will vary based on the specific type of travel document that you are seeking. How long it takes to get i-131 approved? usually take 3-6 months.

Among the documents that must be filed with Form I-131 when you apply for a reentry permit are:

• A copy of an official photo identity document; and
• Evidence that you have lawful permanent resident status (including a copy of the front and back of your green card).

Among the documents that must be filed with Form I-131 when you apply for a refugee travel document are:

• A copy of an official photo identity document;
• Proof of refugee or asylee status; and
• A statement explaining the reason for a “Yes” response to any question in Part 6 of Form I-131.

Among the documents that must be filed with Form I-131 when you apply for an advance parole document are:

• Two identical passport-style photographs of you taken within 30 days of filing the Form I-130; and
• A copy of any document showing your current status in the United States.

How long does it take to get a travel document? The travel document is usually approved by 3 to 5 months after submitting your application. You must submit in the country until after your fingerprint. (during Covid-19, may exempt fingerprints, if you had fingerprints in past 2 years)

In addition, the fee that you have to pay in connection with Form I-131 (“travel document fee”) will vary based on the specific type of travel document that you are seeking.

How much does a travel document cost? If you are applying for a reentry permit on the Form I-131, the travel document fee will be a filing fee of $575, plus, if you are from age 14 to age 79, a biometric services fee of $85, resulting in a total travel document fee, if applicable, of $660.

If you are applying for a refugee travel document on the Form I-131, the travel document fee alternatively will be (a) if you are age 13 or younger, a filing fee of $105, (b) if you are age 14 or 15, a filing fee of $105, plus a biometric services fee of $85, resulting in a total travel document fee of $190, (c) if you are from age 16 to age 79, a filing fee of $135, plus a biometric services fee of $85, resulting in a total travel document fee of $220,  or (d) if you are age 80 or older, a filing fee of $135.

If you are applying for an advance parole travel document on Form I-131, the travel document fee will be a filing fee of $575.

The Form I-131 instructions describe the Form I-130 requirements in detail.

While travel documents enable immigrants to leave the United States without losing their legal rights, it can be a complex process to properly apply for a travel document.  DYgreencard.com has extensive experience in obtaining travel documents and can guide you through all aspects of the travel document application process.  Whether you are seeking a reentry permit, a refugee travel document, or an advance parole travel document, when you apply for travel documents, please contact DYgreencard.com .

IMMIGRATION LAW BLOG

Stay up-to-date on the latest immigration law news, with the Cohen & Tucker team's insights behind the headlines

Application for Travel Document: Form I-131 Explained

How to apply for advance parole.

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.

• (888) 777-9102
• Learning Center

• How It Works
• All Packages & Pricing
• I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
• I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé
• I-130 Petition for Alien Relative
• I-131 Application for Travel Document
• I-485 Adjustment of Status Application
• I-751 Remove Conditions on Residence
• I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
• I-821D DACA Application Package
• I-864 Affidavit of Support
• N-400 Application for Naturalization
• N-565 Application to Replace Citizenship Document
• Citizenship Through Naturalization
• Citizenship Through Parents
• Apply For Citizenship (N-400)
• Apply for Certificate of Citizenship (N-600)
• Replace Citizenship Document (N-565)
• Apply for a Green Card
• Green Card Renewal
• Green Card Replacement
• Renew or Replace Green Card (I-90)
• Remove Conditions on Green Card (I-751)
• Green Card through Adjustment of Status
• Adjustment of Status Application (I-485)
• Affidavit of Support (I-864)
• Employment Authorization (I-765)
• Advance Parole Application (I-131)
• Adjustment of Status Fee
• Family-Based Immigration Explained
• Search the Learning Center
• Request Support
• Find an Immigration Attorney

Home » Guide to Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation

Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation

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

Certain permanent residents who are outside the United States and no longer have valid proof of permanent resident status may file Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation , to obtain temporary travel documentation for the purpose of boarding a transportation carrier and returning to the United States. It is appropriate to file Form I-131A if you are a lawful permanent resident or conditional resident and returning from temporary overseas travel of less than:

• One year and your Permanent Resident Card was lost, stolen or destroyed;
• Two years and your Reentry Permit was lost, stolen or destroyed; or
• One year and your Permanent Resident Card is expired ( in limited situations as described below ).

Additionally, other non-citizens who received an Advance Parole Document that is now lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged while traveling overseas temporarily may file Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation , to obtain temporary travel documentation for the purpose of boarding a transportation carrier and returning to the United States. It is appropriate to file Form I-131A if you are temporary outside the United States and have a lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged:

• Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document; or
• Form I766, Employment Authorization Card (EAD) with the travel endorsement.

Form I-131A is different than Form I-131, Application for Travel Document . Certain non-citizens may file the I-131 application to request various travel documents like a reentry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole document. The I-131A is strictly for use by permanent residents who require temporary documentation in order to return to the U.S.

Eligibility to Apply for Carrier Documentation

Who needs form i-131a.

U.S. law requires transportation carriers like airlines to make sure all passengers traveling to the United States are in possession of a valid passport and any required visa. If you are a lawful permanent resident or conditional resident who has traveled outside the United States, you may use your permanent resident card (green card) or a reentry permit in place of a visa. Likewise, certain foreign nationals may use an Advance Parole Travel Document in order to return to the United States. You will almost certainly experience difficulties when you attempt to return to the U.S. with a lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Permanent Resident Card, Reentry Permit, or Advance Parole. You will likely need to request a temporary travel document to reenter the United States.

Absences for One Year or More

Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation, is not a way for permanent residents to renew or replace a green card after abandoning permanent residence. A permanent resident who has been outside the United States for one year or more may not file Form I-131A. Typically, USCIS will presume that a green card holder abandoned their permanent resident status if that person is absent from the U.S. for one year or more. (A reentry permit is one way to avoid this dilemma.) Form I-131A is not a way to re-establish an immigration status. Certain individuals may qualify for a returning resident (SB-1) visa. Please contact an immigration attorney for additional assistance.

Expired Green Card Outside the United States

If you have an expired green card and are presently outside the United States, you likely do not need to file Form I-131A. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) policy permits a transportation carrier bound for the United States to board a permanent resident without special carrier documentation if the permanent resident traveler carries:

• An expired green card that was issued with a 10-year expiration date (and you have been outside of the U.S. for less than a year);
• An expired green card with a two-year expiration date and you also have Form I-797, Notice of Action, showing that you filed a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence , or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status , (and you have been outside of the U.S. for less than a year). The Notice of Action extends the validity of the card for a specified length of time, generally 24 months; or
• An expired green card and has official U.S. military or government travel orders (based on military service or U.S. government employment), regardless of time outside of the United States.

If you find yourself with an expired green card while traveling abroad, check with your airline or transportation carrier before you file Form I-131A. As described above, CBP policy allows them to board you. However, the transportation carrier or airline may still refuse to let you board even if you are in one of the categories above. In that case, you will need to file a Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation.

Child of Permanent Resident Born Abroad

If you have a child who was born outside the United States and is coming to the U.S. for the first time, you may need to request carrier documentation if:

• You are a lawful permanent resident or conditional resident;
• Your child is under two years old; and
• Your child is traveling with you to come to the United States for the first time.

Please check with your airline or transportation carrier first to ensure they will board your child in these circumstances without carrier documentation. If the airline or transportation carrier refuses to board your child without carrier documentation, you will need to pay for and submit Form I-131A for your child.

Form I-131A Instructions

How do i fill out i-131a.

CitizenPath's easy-to-use website helps you prepare the application quickly and accurately. Our online service provides step-by-step I-131A 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-131A 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 .
• 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 carrier documentation. Your alien registration number may be important for this application and making the online payment.

Parts 2 and 3

• For Reason for Application , select the reason you need to obtain carrier documentation. Remember, if you have your card and it expired, check with your airline first to determine if they will board you.
• For Processing Information , provide answers regarding your departure from the U.S. and intended travel back to the U.S. If you were ever in removal proceedings, ever abandoned permanent resident status, or had your status revoked, speak to an immigration attorney before filing the application.

Parts 4, 5, and 6

• For Applicant's Statement , sign your application with black ink. Provide an email and phone numbers where USCIS can reliably reach you.
• For Interpreter and Preparer , provide information if applicable. If you prepared your Form I-131A, it’s only necessary to sign as the applicant. If another person translated or prepared the application for you, be sure Parts 5 and 6 are filled in and signed appropriately.

This is an abbreviated list of Form I-131A instructions. Remember, the required supporting documents to submit with the application are an extremely important part of the application package. CitizenPath provides filing instructions customized to your situation. You’ll get detailed I-131A instructions that explain which supporting documents to gather and take to your in-person appointment.

Where to File I-131A

How to file form i-131a.

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

You must file the I-131A application in-person at a USCIS international field office or a U.S. embassy or consulate (that has a consular section). Before appearing in person, you must submit the filing fee through the USCIS online payment system . When you appear in-person to file Form I-131A, you must take evidence that you paid the fee, such as a copy of the payment confirmation page or a copy of the email payment receipt notice.

For people who want to make sure they are preparing the application correctly, CitizenPath offers an affordable service created by immigration attorneys. CitizenPath’s Carrier Documentation 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-131A Processing Time

How long does it take to get carrier documentation.

USCIS indicates that they have a processing goal of two weeks for Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation. However, the Form I-131A processing time may vary depending on the USCIS workload and the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where you filed.

The best way to get your Form I-131A approved quickly is to prepare the application accurately and get it filed correctly. Mistakes and omissions will cause delays in the process.

You may be able to expedite the Form I-131A processing time if you require urgent travel. USCIS may, at its discretion, expedite certain applications that have provided evidence of an urgent need to travel.

• When you file Form I-131A at a U.S. embassy or consulate, have of your application and supporting evidence in order. Missing information and documents is the biggest delay for applications.
• Provide evidence of your urgent travel requirements. In addition to printed tickets or e-tickets, bring evidence that you must be in the United States. Examples of events that may justify expedited processing include a sick relative or an important a business event.

What to Expect after the Appointment

What happens after filing i-131a.

As mentioned above, the processing time after your in-person appointment is generally two weeks or less. Many embassies or consulates are able to provide carrier documentation within 48 hours of the in-person appointment.

An approved Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation, results in a temporary document to board a transportation carrier and return to the United States. The travel document comes in the form of a boarding foil placed in the applicant’s passport or a transportation letter. The holder of the travel document may present the document to the carrier destined for the United States. Generally, a travel document is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. Plan your return accordingly.

How CitizenPath Helps You

Is there an inexpensive way to file the i-131a application.

CitizenPath's affordable, online service makes it easy to prepare Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation. Designed by immigration lawyers, the Carrier Documentation 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 >>

Form I-131A Questions and Answers

The government fee for Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation, is $575 at the time of writing this article. There is no biometric services fee. Check USCIS for the most current fees or use CitizenPath to get step-by-step filing instructions.

Pay the filing fee online using a credit or debit card or U.S. bank account through the USCIS online payment system . You cannot pay this fee with a check or money order. Also, no fee waiver is available for this form.

However, anyone can pay the fee from anywhere in the world. The person paying the fee must pay through the online payment system referenced above. It's extremely important that the person paying the fee enters the correct first and last names, date of birth, and A Number as they appear on the permanent resident's green card or reentry permit.

Unlike other USCIS forms, you must pay the Form I-131A fee prior to submitting Form I-131A and the supporting documentation. You must take evidence that you paid the fee when you appear in-person at a U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate to file Form I-131A. Examples of evidence include a copy of the payment confirmation page or a copy of the email payment receipt notice. If you receive an error message when paying the fee, you should contact USCIS with the error message for assistance. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

If you've determined that you need the file Form I-131A for the reasons cited above, you should file the application as soon as possible.

• Prepare Form I-131A Fill out the form. If you need assistance, prepare your form in about 15 minutes on CitizenPath.
• Schedule Your Appointment Generally, U.S. embassies and consulates prefer that you make an appointment for your business.
• Gather Supporting Documents You'll need to submit a few items with the application. CitizenPath's software will generate a list of supporting documents based on your answers in the application.
• Pay the I-131A Filing Fee Pay the fee through the USCIS online payment system . You'll need your receipt when you file.
• Attend Appointment Go to the U.S. embassy or consulate as scheduled and take the application, USCIS online payment receipt, and all supporting documents.

From here, you can pursue expedited processing .

When you return to the United States, you'll need to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card , in order to get the new card.

What Customers Say About CitizenPath

Immigration Form Guides Form I-90       Form I-129F       Form I-130       Form I-131       Form I-131A       Form I-134       Form I-485       Form I-751       Form I-765       Form I-821D       Form I-864       Form N-400       Form N-565       Form N-600

Sign Up to Receive Free Monthly Information for Your Immigration Journey

© Copyright 2013-2024, CitizenPath, LLC. All rights reserved. CitizenPath is a private company that provides self-directed immigration services at your direction. We are not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. The information provided in this site is not legal advice, but general information on issues commonly encountered in immigration. CitizenPath is not a law firm and is not a substitute for an attorney or law firm. Your access to and use of this site is subject to additional Terms of Use .

Refugee Travel Document Fee: Everything You Need to Know

As a refugee or asylee in the United States, you should strongly consider applying for a refugee travel document if you plan to travel outside of the U.S. Leaving the United States without a refugee travel document can result in an inability to reenter the country or can result in getting placed in removal proceedings.

In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know  about the refugee travel document fee. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected]

• Refugee Travel Document Fee Overview
• Form I-131 Filing Fee
• Biometrics Fee
• How to Pay the Refugee Travel Document Fee

1. Refugee Travel Document Fee Overview

Getting a refugee travel document is a 2-step process. You must first file a Form I-131 with USCIS and then you must attend a biometric services appointment. Each of these steps has a fee associated with it. I’ll explain each fee below.

2. Form I-131 Filing Fee ($105 or $135)

The Form I-131 is the Application for Travel Document. This is the form required to apply for a refugee travel document. USCIS charges a filing fee to review and process this form along with the entire refugee travel document application. The correct filing fee will depend on the age of the person applying for the refugee travel document.

• For people 16 years of age and older, the filing fee is $135
• For people under 16 years old, the filing fee is $105

3. Biometric Services Fee ($85)

In addition to filing the Form I-131, to get a refugee travel document, you must also attend a biometrics appointment. The biometrics appointment typically takes place at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). At this appointment your digital fingerprints will be taken.

The biometrics fee is $85 . This fee is only required for people who are 14 years of age up to 79 years of age.

4. How to Pay the Refugee Travel Document Fee

Here are some helpful pointers for how to pay the refugee travel document fee:

• Payment should be made by check or money order. Do not mail cash.
• The bank or financial institution must be located in the United Sates.
• The check or money order must be payable in U.S. currency.
• If you are required to pay the biometric services fee, this amount should be combined with the Form I-131 filing fee. Both fees should be paid with 1 check (not 2 separate checks). Example: if you are 25 years old, you are required to pay both the I-131 filing fee + the biometric services fee. The correct I-131 filing fee is $135 and the biometric services fee is $85. So you would issue 1 check in the amount of $220.
• Checks and money orders should be payable to S. Department of Homeland Security.

5. Conclusion

If you are in the U.S. with refugee or asylee status, and you plan to leave the country, you should strongly consider applying for a refugee travel document. Without a refugee travel document, you may be unable to reenter the country or may face removal proceedings.

The process of getting a refugee travel document can be complicated and stressful. If you need help with your refugee travel document, please feel free to email me at [email protected] . I’d be happy to help you.

• Refugee Travel Document Guide – Ashoori Law
• Form I-131 Instructions

Share this post...

Michael Ashoori, Esq.

U.s. immigration lawyer.

I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.

Since starting my law firm, I’ve helped hundreds of people from all over the world with their immigration needs. I’m very passionate, hard-working, and committed to my clients.

Got a question?  Send me an email.

CALL +1-818-741-1117

The Federal Register

The daily journal of the united states government, request access.

Due to aggressive automated scraping of FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov, programmatic access to these sites is limited to access to our extensive developer APIs.

If you are human user receiving this message, we can add your IP address to a set of IPs that can access FederalRegister.gov & eCFR.gov; complete the CAPTCHA (bot test) below and click "Request Access". This process will be necessary for each IP address you wish to access the site from, requests are valid for approximately one quarter (three months) after which the process may need to be repeated.

An official website of the United States government.

If you want to request a wider IP range, first request access for your current IP, and then use the "Site Feedback" button found in the lower left-hand side to make the request.

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Destinations
• United States

How To Obtain A Travel Document In The USA

Published: November 1, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Roxi Frazer

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide

Introduction

Obtaining a travel document in the United States is an essential step for individuals who need to travel internationally but may not have a valid U.S. passport. Whether you are a permanent resident, an asylee, a refugee, or a non-citizen national, a travel document can serve as a temporary substitute for a passport. It allows you to leave and reenter the United States, providing you with the necessary authorization to travel abroad.

Travel documents are issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a government agency responsible for immigration-related matters. These documents not only ensure your ability to travel but also serve as a form of identification and proof of your legal status in the United States.

In this article, we will explore the process of obtaining a travel document in the USA, the eligibility requirements, the types of travel documents available, and the necessary documentation and fees involved. Whether you are a green card holder planning a vacation or an asylee visiting family abroad, understanding the steps involved in obtaining a travel document is crucial.

Keep in mind that the information provided here is for general guidance purposes only. It is always recommended to consult the USCIS website or seek legal advice for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding travel documents.

Now, let’s dive into the eligibility requirements for obtaining a travel document in the United States.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for a travel document in the United States, you must meet certain criteria set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of travel document you are applying for. Generally, the following groups of individuals may be eligible for a travel document:

• Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders): If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you may be eligible for a travel document, also known as a reentry permit or a refugee travel document. These documents are typically valid for a period of 1 to 2 years and allow you to travel outside the United States while maintaining your permanent resident status.
• Refugees and Asylees: Individuals who have been granted refugee or asylum status in the United States may also be eligible for a travel document. Asylees can apply for a Refugee Travel Document, while refugees can obtain a Refugee Travel Document or an Advance Parole Document. These documents enable refugees and asylees to travel internationally and return to the United States without jeopardizing their immigration status.
• Non-Citizen Nationals: Non-citizen nationals, who are individuals born in American Samoa or Swains Island, can apply for a travel document known as a Certificate of Identity. This document allows them to travel internationally and serves as evidence of their nationality.
• Other Special Circumstances: In certain cases, individuals who do not fall into the aforementioned categories may still be eligible for a travel document. These circumstances may include individuals with pending adjustment of status applications, parolees, and others with valid humanitarian reasons for traveling internationally.

It’s important to note that meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee the approval of your travel document application. The USCIS will review your application and assess whether you have a valid reason for travel, the intention to return to the United States, and the necessary supporting documentation.

Next, we will explore the different types of travel documents available in the United States.

Types of Travel Documents

There are several types of travel documents available in the United States, each designed to meet the specific needs of different individuals. The type of travel document you will need depends on your immigration status and circumstances. Let’s explore the main types of travel documents:

• Reentry Permit: This travel document is primarily for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who plan to travel outside the United States for a temporary period. A reentry permit is valid for up to 2 years and serves as proof that you intend to retain your permanent resident status during your absence.
• Refugee Travel Document: For individuals who have been granted refugee or asylum status, a Refugee Travel Document allows them to travel internationally. It is valid for up to 1 year and is crucial for maintaining their refugee or asylum status and ensuring their ability to reenter the United States.
• Advance Parole Document: Individuals with pending adjustment of status applications, who are in the process of obtaining lawful permanent resident status, may be eligible for an Advance Parole Document. This document permits them to travel internationally without abandoning their adjustment of status application.
• Certificate of Identity: Non-citizen nationals born in American Samoa or Swains Island can obtain a Certificate of Identity for international travel. This document serves as proof of their nationality and allows them to travel abroad.
• Transportation Letter: In certain exceptional situations where a travel document cannot be issued, individuals may be eligible for a Transportation Letter. This letter is issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate and serves as temporary authorization to travel to the United States.

It’s important to select the appropriate travel document based on your immigration status and travel plans. Be sure to review the eligibility requirements and consult with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an immigration attorney to determine which travel document is suitable for your situation.

Next, we will delve into the process of applying for a travel document in the United States.

Applying for a Travel Document

When it comes to applying for a travel document in the United States, the process may vary depending on the type of document you need and your immigration status. However, here are the general steps involved in applying for a travel document:

• Complete the appropriate form: Begin by filling out the necessary application form for the travel document you are applying for. The specific form may differ based on your immigration status and the type of travel document you need. Ensure that you accurately provide all the required information to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.
• Gather supporting documents: Collect the supporting documentation required for your travel document application. This may include proof of your immigration status, evidence of your travel plans, identification documents, and any other relevant materials mentioned in the application form’s instructions. Make sure to include all the necessary documents to strengthen your application.
• Submit your application: Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the required documents, submit your application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Follow the instructions provided on their official website or the application form itself to determine the appropriate method of submission, such as mailing the application or submitting it online.
• Pay the required fees: Travel document applications typically involve fees. Ensure that you include the correct payment method and fee amount with your application. The USCIS website or the application form will provide the fee details and acceptable payment methods.
• Keep a copy of your application: It’s always a good idea to make copies of your completed application and all supporting documents before submitting them. This will serve as a reference and help you keep track of the documents you have submitted.
• Wait for the USCIS response: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the USCIS to process it. The processing time may vary depending on various factors, such as the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. You can check the USCIS website for estimated processing times or contact their customer service for updates on your application status.

Documentation and Requirements

When applying for a travel document in the United States, it’s crucial to provide the necessary documentation and meet specific requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The documentation and requirements may vary depending on the type of travel document you are applying for and your immigration status. Here are some common documents and requirements to consider:

• Application form: Fill out the appropriate application form accurately and completely. Make sure to select the correct form based on your immigration status and the type of travel document you are applying for.
• Supporting documentation: Gather relevant supporting documents, such as proof of your immigration status, evidence of your travel plans, identification documents, and any other documents specified by the USCIS. These documents will strengthen your application and establish your eligibility for a travel document.
• Photographs: Include recent passport-sized photographs that meet the USCIS specifications. The requirements may include specific dimensions, background color, and other guidelines. Ensure that your photographs comply with these requirements to avoid delays in your application process.
• Fee payment: Pay the required application fee using the accepted payment methods. The USCIS website or the application form will provide information about the fee amount and the acceptable payment options. Failure to include the correct fee may result in your application being rejected.
• Proof of travel: Depending on the type of travel document you are applying for, you may need to provide evidence of your travel plans. This can include flight itineraries, hotel reservations, or any other documentation that demonstrates your need to travel internationally.
• Evidence of intent to return: Submit documents that demonstrate your intention to return to the United States after your trip. This can include proof of employment or education in the country, ties to the community, or family responsibilities. The USCIS wants to ensure that you have a legitimate reason for travel and do not intend to abandon your immigration status.
• Valid identification: Provide valid identification documents, such as your passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued IDs. These documents will help establish your identity and ensure the accuracy of your application.

It is essential to review the specific documentation and requirements for the travel document you are applying for. Visit the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Next, we will discuss the processing time for travel document applications in the United States.

Processing Time

The processing time for travel document applications in the United States can vary depending on various factors, including the type of document, the volume of applications, and the complexity of your case. It is essential to note that the processing time provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is an estimate and may be subject to change. Here are some general guidelines regarding processing times:

• Reentry Permit: The average processing time for a reentry permit, which is used by green card holders, is typically within 3 to 5 months. However, it is advisable to submit your application well in advance of your planned travel to allow sufficient processing time.
• Refugee Travel Document: The processing time for a refugee travel document is usually around 3 to 4 months. It is important to apply early if you have travel plans, as the processing time may vary based on the USCIS workload.
• Advance Parole Document: The processing time for an advance parole document, which is often used by individuals with pending adjustment of status applications, is generally within 3 to 5 months. As with other travel documents, it is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.
• Certificate of Identity: Processing times for a Certificate of Identity for non-citizen nationals can vary. It is advisable to check the USCIS website or contact their customer service for the most accurate information regarding processing times for this particular travel document.
• Transportation Letter: The processing time for a transportation letter can differ depending on the specific circumstances and the office handling the request. It is best to consult the U.S. embassy or consulate for information regarding processing times for this temporary travel authorization document.

It is important to plan your travel and submit your application with sufficient time for processing. Delays in processing times can occur, so it is wise to apply well in advance and avoid last-minute arrangements.

If you have an urgent need to travel and cannot wait for the regular processing time, you may be eligible for expedited processing. We will discuss expedited processing in the next section.

Expedited Processing

In certain situations, you may have an urgent need to obtain your travel document quickly. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers expedited processing for travel document applications under specific circumstances. Here’s what you need to know about expedited processing:

Expedited processing is typically reserved for individuals who can demonstrate a compelling reason for expedited consideration, such as:

• Medical emergencies
• Upcoming life-threatening surgeries
• Humanitarian reasons
• Impending business travel with time constraints
• Other urgent situations

If you believe you have a valid reason for expedited processing, you need to follow these steps:

• Contact the USCIS: Start by reaching out to the USCIS directly through their customer service hotline or by visiting their website. Explain your situation and provide the necessary details to request expedited processing for your travel document application.
• Submit evidence of urgency: Along with your request, you will need to provide supporting documentation that proves the urgency of your situation. This may include medical records, doctor’s letters, travel itineraries, or any other relevant evidence that supports your expedited processing request.
• Follow USCIS instructions: The USCIS will review your request and determine whether your circumstances warrant expedited processing. If they deem your request valid, they will provide further instructions on the next steps to proceed with the process.

It’s important to note that not all expedite requests are granted. The USCIS has the discretion to approve or deny expedited processing based on the specific circumstances presented. If your request is denied, you will still undergo the standard processing time for your travel document application.

Remember, expedited processing is intended for exceptional circumstances, and it is important to provide clear and compelling evidence to support your request. It is always recommended to consult with an immigration attorney for guidance on the expedited processing request process.

Next, we will discuss the fees associated with obtaining a travel document in the United States.

Travel Document Fees

Obtaining a travel document in the United States involves payment of fees to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The fee amount depends on the type of travel document you are applying for. Here’s what you need to know about travel document fees:

Reentry Permit:

• The fee for a reentry permit application is currently $660.
• If you are under 16 years old and filing with a parent or guardian, the fee is $355.
• Fee waivers are not available for reentry permit applications.

Refugee Travel Document:

• The fee for a refugee travel document is currently $135.
• Fee waivers may be available for refugees who meet certain financial criteria. You can check the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney to determine the eligibility requirements for a fee waiver.

Advance Parole Document:

• The fee for an advance parole document is currently $575.
• If you have a pending Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) application, the fee is typically included in the overall adjustment of status application fee.

Certificate of Identity:

• The fee for a Certificate of Identity is currently $230.
• Fee waivers may not be available for Certificate of Identity applications.

Transportation Letter:

• The fee for a transportation letter may vary depending on the circumstances. It is best to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case for specific fee information.

It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it is advisable to check the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney to ensure you have the most up-to-date fee information before submitting your application.

Additionally, payment methods may vary depending on the application process. The USCIS typically accepts personal checks, money orders, or credit card payments. Be sure to review the USCIS website or the application instructions for the accepted payment methods for your specific travel document application.

Now that we have covered the fees associated with obtaining a travel document, let’s discuss the process of renewing or replacing a travel document in the United States.

Renewing or Replacing a Travel Document

If you already have a travel document that is about to expire or has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you may need to renew or replace it to ensure your ability to travel internationally. Here’s what you need to know about renewing or replacing a travel document in the United States:

• If you have a travel document that is nearing its expiration date, you may be eligible to renew it. The renewal process typically involves filing a new application form and providing updated documentation.
• It is essential to submit your renewal application well in advance of your travel plans to allow for sufficient processing time.
• Renewal fees may apply, and the amount depends on the type of travel document you are renewing.

Replacement:

• If your travel document has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to apply for a replacement.
• The replacement process typically requires filing a new application form and providing the necessary documentation to support your replacement request.
• Be sure to include a detailed explanation of why you need a replacement, such as a police report in the case of a stolen document.
• Replacement fees may apply, and the amount depends on the type of travel document you are replacing.

When renewing or replacing a travel document, it is crucial to carefully follow the instructions provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Ensure that you accurately complete the application form, gather the necessary documents, and include any required fees.

As with initial travel document applications, it’s always a good idea to consult the USCIS website or speak with an immigration attorney to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the renewal or replacement process.

Now that we have covered the process of obtaining, renewing, and replacing travel documents in the United States, let’s conclude our article.

Obtaining a travel document in the United States is a crucial step for individuals who need to travel internationally but may not have a valid U.S. passport. Whether you are a permanent resident, a refugee, an asylee, or a non-citizen national, a travel document allows you to leave and reenter the country while maintaining your legal status.

In this article, we explored the eligibility requirements, types of travel documents, application process, necessary documentation, processing times, fees, and the procedure for renewing or replacing a travel document. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and guidelines outlined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure a smooth application process.

Remember to carefully complete the application forms, gather all required supporting documents, and pay the appropriate fees to avoid delays or rejection of your application. Additionally, it is important to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for processing, especially if you have upcoming travel plans.

While this article provides a general overview, it is always recommended to consult the USCIS website or seek the guidance of an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding travel documents.

Travel documents not only grant you permission to travel internationally but also serve as a form of identification and proof of your legal status in the United States. Whether you are a green card holder embarking on a vacation or a refugee visiting family abroad, understanding the process of obtaining a travel document is essential.

Safe travels!

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Tourism & Visit

Study & Exchange

Other Visa Categories

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Share this page:

Returning Resident Visas

Overview - about returning resident visas, step 1 - qualifying for returning resident status, applying for a returning resident visa, required documentation, required fees, step 2 - immigrant visa application and documentation, if your application to determine returning resident status is not approved, about international travel and permanent residents.

A permanent resident (called lawful permanent resident or LPR) or conditional resident (CR) who has remained outside the United States for longer than one year, or beyond the validity period of a Re-entry Permit, will require a new immigrant visa to enter the United States and resume permanent residence. A provision exists under U.S. visa law for the issuance of a returning resident special immigrant visa to an LPR who remained outside the United States due to circumstances beyond his/her control. This webpage is about Returning Resident Visas. If you are an LPR unable to return to the United States within the travel validity period of the green card (1 year) or the validity of the Re-entry Permit (2 years), you may be eligible and can apply at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa.

If your application for returning resident status is approved, this eliminates the requirement that an immigrant visa petition be filed on your behalf with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will need to be interviewed for both your application for returning resident status, and usually later for the immigrant visa. An SB-1 applicant is required to establish eligibility for an immigrant visa and have a medical examination. Therefore, this involves paying both visa processing fees and medical fees.

Spouse or Child of a Member of the U.S. Armed Forces or Civilian Employee of the U.S. Government Stationed Abroad  - If you are the spouse or child of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or of a civilian employee of the U.S. government stationed abroad on official orders, you may use your Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, to enter the United States even if it has expired. Therefore, you would not need a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa, as long as you:

• Have not abandoned your LPR status; and
• Your spouse or parent is returning to the United States.

Under provisions of immigration law, to qualify for returning resident status, you will need to prove to the Consular Officer that you:

• Had the status of a lawful permanent resident at the time of departure from the United States;
• Departed from the United States with the intention of returning and have not abandoned this intention; and
• Are returning to the United States from a temporary visit abroad and, if the stay abroad was protracted, this was caused by reasons beyond your control and for which you were not responsible.

If you wish to apply for a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa, you should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in advance of your intended travel (at least three months in advance, if possible) to permit sufficient time for visa processing. As part of the visa application process, an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is required. Review country-specific instructions and information by reviewing the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate website  where you will apply.

When applying for a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa, you should submit the following forms and documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply:

• A completed Application to Determine Returning Resident Status, Form DS-117
• Your Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551
• Your Re-entry Permit, if available

You must also submit supporting documents that show the following:

• Dates of travel outside of the United States (Examples: airline tickets, passport stamps, etc.)
• Proof of your ties to the United States and your intention to return (Examples: tax returns, and evidence of economic, family, and social ties to the United States)
• Proof that your protracted stay outside of the United States was for reasons beyond your control (Examples: medical incapacitation, employment with a U.S. company, etc.)

A consular officer will review your application and supporting documents to determine whether you meet the criteria for Returning Resident (SB-1) status. If you do, you must be eligible for the immigrant visa in all other respects in order to be issued a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa.

The following are the required fees:

• Application to Determine Returning Resident Status, Form DS-117. Select  Fees  for current Department of State fees.

Additionally, if you are approved for Returning Resident (SB-1) status, the following fees will be required based on the immigrant visa processing explained below:

• Form DS-260 application processing fee
• Medical exam and vaccination fees

The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will provide you with specific instructions for the remainder of the processing for your Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa. While exact instructions may vary by embassy or consulate, these instructions will include:

Before your interview:

• Instructions for your medical examination, including a list of required vaccinations

Instructions for your interview, including the following documentation to bring:

• Preview a  sample  DS-260 (6.4MB).
• Original passport;
• Two photographs, meeting  Photograph Requirements
• A list of civil documents to bring to your immigrant visa interview, as requested by the embassy or consulate

Review country-specific instructions and further information by reviewing the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  website where you will apply.

If, after reviewing your Application to Determine Returning Resident Status, Form DS-117, and supporting documents, the consular officer determines that you do not meet the criteria for a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa on the grounds that you have abandoned or relinquished your residence in the United States, it may or may not be possible to obtain a nonimmigrant visa depending on whether you have established a residence abroad to which you will return. If you cannot submit convincing evidence of compelling ties abroad, you may have to apply for an immigrant visa on the same basis and under the same category by which you immigrated originally.

As a permanent resident, before you depart the United States for temporary travel abroad and then seek to return to the United States, you should review important information on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) websites. Learn about  Travel Documents , including Re-Entry Permits and  Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , on the USCIS website. For information for permanent residents returning to the United States from travel abroad, review the  CBP website .

Returning Legal Permanent Residents Who Obtained Such Status Based on Asylum Status - Asylum applicants, asylees, and lawful permanent residents who obtained such status based on their asylum status are subject to special rules with regard to traveling outside the United States. For more information on obtaining proper documentation before you depart the United States, see  Benefits and Responsibilities of Asylees  on the USCIS website.

More Information

A-Z Index Latest News What is a U.S. Visa? Diversity Visa Program Visa Waiver Program Fraud Warning Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Straight Facts on U.S. Visas

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Language selection

• Français fr

Pay your fees for a Canadian passport, a travel document or other services

Answer the questions below to get payment instructions.

You can’t pay online for many in-Canada passport services. Confirm your payment options before you pay online.

How to pay your fees

What are you applying for?

Where will your passport be mailed or picked-up?

Do you require urgent services like a temporary passport or an emergency travel document?

• Other passport administrative services outside of Canada

A travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity)

Travel documents for non-Canadians (certificates of identity and refugee travel documents) are only issued from within Canada.

Where is it mailed or picked-up?

• Other passport administrative services outside of Canada (observation or stamp)
• Travel document (refugee travel document or certificate of identity)

Page details

Best no annual fee travel credit cards of April 2024

Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.  

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.  

Travel rewards cards are a lot like gyms. The best ones may come with tons of added benefits (saunas, yoga class, etc.) but they also cost a lot, usually with a big financial commitment upfront. 

As a result, whether you’re considering a Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card (with its $95 annual fee) or a CrossFit membership, you probably have the same question on your mind: will I really use it enough to justify paying for it? 

While there aren’t any free gyms we know of, there thankfully are plenty of no-annual-fee travel rewards cards that require essentially zero commitment. And just like an ab roller or a Richard Simmons DVD, you can simply use them a few times, forget about them, and put them in a drawer until beach season. Or, you can stick with it and make them part of your daily routine—whatever works for you.

You’re also far more likely to see “instant results” with these cards, too. From 100,000-point welcome bonuses to rewards for paying rent, free travel insurance to 3X on gas, these cards offer way more than you’d expect for a fee of $0 per year. 

The best no-annual-fee travel cards for April 2024

Best overall: bilt mastercard, best for hotel rewards: ihg one rewards traveler credit card, best for airline rewards: united gateway℠ card, best for travel earnings: wells fargo autograph℠ card, best for flat-rate earnings: capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

The Bilt Mastercard allows you to earn points from paying rent and transfer them 1:1 to well over a dozen different travel partners including United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy. Toss in some surprisingly robust travel insurance and you have our unconventional—yet logical—choice for the best overall no-annual-fee travel card of 2024.

Bilt Mastercard®

Special feature.

Rewards Rates

• 1x Earn 1X points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
• 1x Earn 3X points on dining
• 2x Earn 2X points on travel
• 1x Earn 1X points on other purchases
• Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points.
• Uniquely earns points on rent
• Rent Day bonus every first of the month offers double points (excluding rent)
• Robust travel transfer partners
• Cash redemption rate is poor
• No traditional welcome bonus
• Travel perks: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
• See this page for details
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Why we like this card: As mentioned, the Bilt Mastercard’s most compelling feature is that it allows you to pay rent with a credit card—even if your landlord doesn’t take plastic—and avoid the transaction fee paying rent by credit card would typically incur. Then, as long as you complete five transactions each month, you’ll trigger 1X rewards on your rent payments. 

Note that rewards on rent are capped at 100,000 points per year.

In terms of earning potential, if you pay the median ~$2,000 rent in the U.S., you could earn approximately 24,000 points per year which can be used to book travel in Bilt’s portal at a value of 1.25 cents per point or transferred to any of Bilt’s airline or hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. In other words, you could likely earn a domestic flight with United or a weekend stay at Hyatt, all for simply paying rent on time.

The Bilt card also provides trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement, and primary rental car insurance (terms apply)—perks you wouldn’t typically find on a no-annual-fee credit card.

If you’re looking for a hotel rewards card that offers the most free nights for no annual fee, wait until you read about the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card. With a six-figure welcome bonus, up to 17X on stays and other compelling rewards, it’s currently the gold standard for no-fee hotel rewards.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Intro bonus.

• 17x Earn up to 17X points when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts 
• 3x Earn 3X points on dining, utilities, internet, cable, and phone services, select streaming services, and at gas stations
• 2x Earn 2X points on all other purchases
• Generous welcome bonus not typically seen in a $0 annual fee card
• Travel protections that are unusual for a no-annual-fee card
• Fourth night free on award bookings
• Limited redemption options outside of IHG
• IHG points are worth less than some other rewards currencies
• Silver status granted with the card has limited benefit
• Additional perks: Trip cancelation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection, ability to spend to Gold status
• Foreign transaction fee:None

Why we like this card: We like calling the IHG One Rewards Traveler card the “Liam Hemsworth” of travel rewards cards because it lives in the shadow of its big brother—the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card —but still delivers plenty of quality and substance in its own right (with no annual fee, to boot). 

For starters, you can get a welcome bonus of 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, potentially worth around $500 to $700 in IHG redemption. 

Plus, enjoy up to 17X points when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, instant Silver Elite status and a handy bonus where you redeem points for three consecutive nights and get the fourth night in your stay free. So, if you book a three-night stay using your welcome bonus, you’ll essentially be getting a complimentary four-night stay at a nice IHG property for no annual fee. The IHG One Rewards program could be very rewarding for the right traveler.

Check out our full review of the IHG One Rewards Traveler .

As a no-annual-fee airline card, the United Gateway℠ Card currently edges out its rival the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card by offering a more generous welcome bonus and travel insurance that the Delta card does not provide. If you fly occasionally and would like to earn miles, but aren’t willing to make the commitment of $95 or more for a mid-tier airline card with more perks, the Gateway is a strong choice. 

United Gateway℠ Card

• 2x 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus, in-flight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, baggage service charges and other United purchases.
• 2x 2 miles per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit.
• 1x 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
• Reward bonus categories outside of United Airlines
• Robust travel protections for a no-annual-fee card
• No baggage or expanded award availability benefits like with other United cards
• Subject to Chase 5/24 rule.
• United perks: 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
• Other perks: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Why we like this card: The United Gateway card offers 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting plus 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Considering a United Mile is worth roughly around 1.2 cents these days, effectively earning 2.4 cents back on everyday purchases is a solid value proposition. 

You’ll also get a welcome bonus of 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. And, you can save with a discount of 25% back on United in-flight and Club Premium drink purchases. 

New cardholders will enjoy a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, after 21.99%–28.99% variable applies.

If the United Gateway card has a small lead on the Delta Skymiles Blue Amex at this point, it soars ahead (pun intended) when you look at the included travel and shopping protections. Both cards offer secondary rental car insurance, but only the Gateway includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty protection. 

So, if you’re seeking a no-annual-fee card you can use to rack up miles—and you either tend to fly United most of the time or you’re at minimum not devoted to a competing airline—the United Gateway is the card to beat.

Check out our full review of the United Gateway Card for more info.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, see this page  

With a generous welcome bonus in exchange for an attainable spend amount, 3X on travel, and a fancy name, you’d think the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card would command an annual fee of at least $95. But it doesn’t, making it a superb candidate for general travel use.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Intro bonus.

• 3X 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans
• 1X 1X points on other purchases
• No annual fee
• 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (that's a $200 cash redemption value)
• Points transfer to partners
• Car rental insurance is secondary
• No travel insurance
• Transfer partners are limited
• Additional perks: Cell Phone Protection: Provides up to $600 in cell phone protection when you pay your monthly cell bill with your Wells Fargo Autograph card. Coverage is subject to a $25 deductible and limited to two claims every 12-month period.
• Foreign transaction fee: N/A

Why we like this card: The Wells Fargo Autograph offers unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans and even your landline bill too if you have one, plus 1X points on other purchases—all without charging an annual fee. And, to make traveling a little cheaper/less stressful, you’ll also get $600 worth of cell phone protection (minus a $25 deductible) as long as you pay your phone bill with this card and secondary rental car insurance. 

Cardholders can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to Wells Fargo’s first wave of transfer partners including Air France‑KLM Flying Blue, Avianca Lifemiles, British Airways Executive Club, AerClub, and Iberia Plus and 1:2 to Choice Privileges. 

But even if you aren’t a member of those loyalty programs, earning 3X on dining, travel, gas, and more is hard to pass up. You can redeem points at a value of 1 cent each to offset past purchases on your account, meaning you can wield the Autograph either as a no-annual-fee travel card or as a cash-back card effectively earning unlimited 3% back in a wide swath of useful categories. 

Check out our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph .

Sometimes, you just want a card that offers a little more than 1X on every purchase—without having to worry about what this quarter’s rotating rewards are, or whether a specific merchant qualifies as “groceries” for the purposes of your card’s rewards. If you value simplicity and the lack of an annual fee in your travel card, you’ll probably be a fan of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and its straightforward rewards program.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Reward Rates

• 5x Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 1.25x Earn 1.25x miles on every other purchase
• Flexible travel rewards
• No foreign transaction fee
• Maximizing Capital One Miles requires a learning curve
• Cash redemption value is limited
• The VentureOne offers travel accident insurance, rental car coverage, extended warranty protection, exclusive access to events through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment

Why we like this card: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards offers 1.25X miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases and 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. That’s pretty much all that you have to remember. You can also get a nice welcome bonus of 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, which is a solid payout for a very attainable spending target. 

Capital One Miles can be transferred to well over a dozen airline and hotel partners, most at a 1:1 rate. Partners include Air Canada’s Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Choice Privileges, Virgin Red, and Wyndham Rewards, among others. Other ways to book travel include redeeming miles through Capital One’s portal or making the purchase directly, paying with your card like normal, then using miles for a statement credit to cover the transaction. 

The Venture One also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months (after that, the variable APR will be 29.99%). There’s an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account during the first 15 months that your account is open , then 4% per transfer for any promotional APR offered after. 

Come to think of it, provided you have the excellent credit needed to apply, the VentureOne could make a great travel companion for a grad student given its simplicity, lengthy intro APR period and low spending threshold required to trigger the welcome bonus.

Check out our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards .

Frequently asked questions

Which card is best for international transactions without extra charges.

Zero foreign transaction fees is actually a common benefit among travel rewards cards, including many with no annual fee. For example, neither the Bilt Mastercard nor the United Gateway card charges a foreign currency conversion fee. 

What is the best travel credit card for a young person? 

If you’re still paying rent, the Bilt Mastercard is an excellent choice since it can generate points from rent payments which can then be transferred 1:1 to well over a dozen airline and hotel partners. If you’d prefer a card with a welcome bonus, which the Bilt card lacks, the IHG One Rewards Traveler card currently offers a massive welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee card—potentially worth hundreds of dollars toward a future IHG hotel stay. 

Is a travel card with an annual fee worth it?

Using a travel rewards card with an annual fee can be worth it as long as you’re extracting enough points and benefits to justify paying the fee each year. If you travel infrequently or just want one less fee to worry about, consider one of the no-annual-fee cards on our list above. But, the best perks and protections are typically available on cards with annual fees.

For example, the Capital One Venture X card offers a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel. If you use that every year, you’ve gone a long way toward offsetting the $395 annual fee. You also get 10,000 bonus miles, worth at least $100 toward travel, every year starting on your account anniversary.

Methodology

To bring you our top picks for the best travel rewards cards with no annual fee, the Fortune Recommends surveyed more than a dozen cards currently available from today’s top issuers. From there, we ranked each one based on the following core categories and weights:

• Welcome bonus (10%): Some cards—even those with no annual fee—offer welcome bonuses that you can earn once you make enough purchases within a certain time frame, such as spending $1,000 within three months of account opening.
• Travel earnings (25%): These are the point rewards you’d earn by making travel-related purchases (e.g. 3X on hotels, 2X on airfare).
• Car rental insurance (15%): Many, but not all travel-centric rewards cards include an auto rental collision damage waiver, which allows you to decline a portion of the rental company’s insurance and save potentially up to $30 per day. We gave extra consideration to if a card offers primary rental car insurance versus secondary, because primary kicks in immediately in a covered scenario—whereas secondary only applies after your own, personal insurance. 
• Travel insurance benefits (15%): Some travel rewards cards automatically apply trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost/delayed luggage reimbursement and even travel accident insurance on travel bookings made using the card.
• Gas earning (5%): Since road trips remain a common form of travel, whether or not a card offers points rewards at the pump factored into our rankings.
• Dining earning (10%): If a no-annual-fee travel rewards card offered 2X or more on restaurant purchases it favored well in this category.

The remaining 20% was based on the card’s main focus: hotel, airline or general travel rewards. 

• For general travel—points transferrable to partners (20%): Points are literally worth more if you can transfer them to certain partners, so a card’s ability to transfer rewards to airline and hotel partners factored into our rankings.
• For hotel rewards—free award night with booking (20%): Some hotel rewards cards offer a BOGO-like perk where if you redeem a certain number of nights with points you get an extra tacked on for free.
• For airline rewards—ability to spend towards status (20%): Most airline rewards cards allow you to earn miles, but not all of them count those miles towards your next loyalty status. If a card treated them as “qualifying miles,” it fared better in this category.

Lastly, just keep in mind that virtually every aspect of a travel rewards card—from the rewards to the welcome bonus and fee structure—is subject to change, which could impact how many miles or points you earn. 

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

Guide to travel rewards credit cards

Best travel credit cards of april 2024, luxury travel for less: your guide to free airport lounge passes, 10 credit card tips to help you avoid disaster when traveling abroad, how credit card travel insurance works—and what it doesn’t cover, insure your adventures: the ultimate guide to credit cards offering travel insurance, how credit card rental car insurance saves money on every rental, chase lga lounge review: luxury at laguardia, chase beefs up new york profile with a new jfk sapphire lounge—here's what you need to know, biggest-ever amex centurion lounge opens in atlanta — with outdoor terraces and bars for both whiskey and smoothies, amex centurion lounge atlanta: what to expect now that it’s open, how to use your credit card to save on travel as airline costs soar, do you have travel rewards saved up these are the best ways to use them, 5 ways your credit card can help you save on spring break travel costs, capital one lounge: what you need to know, how i travel with my wife for less than a date night, best credit cards for cheap airport lounge access in april 2024, best credit cards for airport lounge access in april 2024.