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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.

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Canadian travel documents for non ‑ Canadians in Canada

Refugee travel documents are issued to residents of Canada who are protected persons, including Convention refugees and persons in need of protection.

Certificates of identity are issued to permanent residents of Canada who are not protected persons and are stateless or cannot obtain a national passport or travel document from any other source.

These documents are only issued in Canada .

Get up to 3 certified copies of a page in your travel document. Pay a $45 fee for each page you need a copy of.

How to pay your fees

Before you pay.

If you don’t use one of the methods listed below, we will return your application to you without processing it. Once we start processing, we can’t refund your fees .

Apply and pay in person Currently unavailable

You can pay using any of the following:

• credit card or prepaid card (Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®)
• in Canadian funds
• with the exact amount
• made payable to the “Receiver General for Canada”

We don’t accept cash or personal cheques.

Apply by mail and pay online

To pay your fees online you will need all of the following:

• PDF reader software
• a credit or debit card
• a valid email address

When you finish, you must

• print a receipt of your payment
• include it with your application

Pay my fees online

Apply by mail and pay by credit card or prepaid card

Fill out the payment section on your application form with either:

• a credit card (Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®)
• an embossed prepaid card (Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®) (card has raised letters or numbers)

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards for online applications only.

The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

• MasterCard ® ,
• American Express ® , and

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier.

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

We only accept Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. The logos on the front of your card will show you which type of card you have.

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt, but it does not need to match your application.

• be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online , and
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website.

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards for online applications only. The logos on the front of your card will show you which type of card you have.

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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

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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.

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Pay your fees online

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The process for your refund depends on how you paid.

Learn how to request a refund .

Not all applications require online payment. Check the payment options for your application before you continue.

Some fees that you can pay here include fees for

• a new paper immigration or citizenship application
• most online permanent residence applications
• some online citizenship applications
• some passport and travel document services outside Canada and the United States
• adding a family member to an Express Entry application that you already submitted
• the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF)
• additional fees for an application you already submitted (online or on paper)

For most online applications, you must pay when you submit your application. Don’t pay here .

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If you applied using the Permanent Residence Portal , you need to pay here.

When you finish paying

• save a copy of your payment receipt
• upload it under the Fee Payment section of your application in the portal

If you applied for permanent residence through Express Entry using IRCC secure account , you can’t pay here. You need to pay through the online application.

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You can’t pay directly within the online application (e-app).

Follow the steps on this page to pay.

• upload the receipt to your online application following the instructions in the e-app .

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Don’t pay using the steps on this page.

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• if you’re applying from inside Canada for Canadian passports, expedited passport services and certain passport services with extra fees
• For these countries, follow the instructions for paying fees in the United States .

Before you pay online for passport or travel documents, confirm your payment options .

Follow these steps to pay your fees.

Step 1: Check if you’re eligible

You can’t check if you’re eligible for the program you’re paying for when you pay your fees.

Don’t pay the wrong citizenship or immigration fees . Before you pay, check your application guide to:

• make sure you’re eligible
• know what fees you need to pay

If you pay the wrong fees or fees are missing, we may return your application.

Step 2: Get your payment card ready

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt, but it does not need to match your application.

You can pay with a credit card, prepaid card or a debit card.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ®

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep the card for at least 18 months after you pay. This will make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

Debit cards

We only accept Debit MasterCard ® or Visa ® Debit cards.

Step 3: Pay your fees

You have 2 options to choose your fees. With both options, you’ll be able to review your choices before you pay.

Option 1: We help you choose your fees

With this option, answer a few questions about your application type and we’ll tell you which fees you need to pay.

We won’t check if you’re eligible for the program you’re paying for. If you’re not sure you’re eligible, check your application guide .

Option 2: Choose your fees from a list

With this option, you select your application type to see the list of related fees. Then you enter how many of each fee you want to pay for.

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On the next page, you can choose the fee you want to pay using the "Quantity" column before continuing to our payment partner to complete your payment.

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• If you’re applying on paper, print the receipt and include it with your application.
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Is making an online payment secure?

My internet connection failed in the middle of my transaction, what do I do?

I paid the fees but the status isn’t showing as “Paid.” Do I need to repay?

Will I get an online receipt or confirmation e-mail when I make my payment online, so that I know the payment was successfully completed?

No, fees must be paid to NVC using the online using CEAC. Do NOT attempt to make payments by mail. If you cannot pay online, please send a screenshot to NVC by using the Public Inquiry Form for assistance.

No, all payments must be made in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank.

No, NVC cannot accept personal checks or credit card payments.

Please send a screenshot to NVC by using the  Public Inquiry Form for assistance. Do NOT attempt to make payments by mail.

There is only one AOS fee charged per case.

Yes, anyone with the login information can log into CEAC and pay the AOS fee.

Yes, the AOS and IV fees can both be paid online. However, the online payment system will require you to pay them separately, so there will be two transactions from your bank account.

You must pay the Affidavit of Support fee for each case unless you are petitioning for your spouse and/or child(ren) and submit your Affidavit of Support for each case to the NVC at the same time.

The following categories of immigrants are required to pay the AOS fee:

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under age 21, and parents of U.S. citizens age 21 and older)
• Family-based preference immigrants (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, spouses and unmarried sons and daughters of permanent resident aliens, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens age 21 and older)

Whos is not required to pay the AOS fee?

If you are not required to submit an Affidavit of Support form, you do not need to pay an AOS fee. For a list of scenarios that do not need to submit an Affidavit of Support form and do not need to pay an AOS fee, please visit https://nvc.state.gov/aos . The most common exemptions are for applicants with 40 quarters of creditable employment under the SSA and for applicants who will immediately gain U.S. citizenship upon entry to the U.S. under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.

Note: Failure to pay an AOS fee when required will delay your case.

No, when the Form I-130 petition and subsequent Affidavit of Support (AOS) form is filed outside the United States, a fee is not charged.

Each applicant intending to immigrate to the United States must pay the IV fee.

You will need the following information from the fee letter that you received from NVC:

• Case Number
• Invoice Identification Number

You will also need your bank's routing number and your checking (or savings) account number. For checking accounts this information is available at the bottom of one of your checks.

Affidavit of Support Fee payments will appear as NVC AOS FEE. Immigrant Visa Fee payments will appear as NVC IV FEE. If you are not sure what a particular payment is, contact your financial institution. They can help identify the payment history.

All online AOS and IV payments are processed by the Department of Treasury through the Immigrant Visa Invoice Payment Center.

Yes, the Department of State uses 128-bit SSL encryption to protect your transaction information while you are logged into the Immigrant Visa Invoice Payment Center. No routing or account number information is stored on the Department of State’s servers.

If the problem occurred before you entered your payment information, you can close your browser, log back in, and try again. If you submitted your payment information and then experienced a problem, contact the National Visa Center before trying again by using the Public Inquiry Form .

Once you submit your bank account information, there will be a delay while the bank processes your payment request. This typically takes two to three business days. During that time, your status will show as “In Process.” Once the bank confirms your payment, your status will change to “Paid.” You will then be able to open and complete the Form DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application.

The Department of State will not automatically send you notification that your payment was successfully completed; however, you can print or e-mail a receipt in CEAC once you make your payment.

Who's Involved

National Visa Center: After petition approval, the National Visa Center (NVC) handles processing for certain kinds of documents, sending them onward to U.S. Embassies & Consulates. When and how to Contact NVC .

More Information

A-Z Index NVC Customer Service Pledge

External Link

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These US Airlines Have Raised Their Checked Baggages Fees

By Hannah Towey

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There's a bit of bad news for all the overpackers out there: one by one, most major US airlines have quietly increased their checked baggage fees in 2024.

The nearly industry-wide price hike began in January when Alaska Airlines raised the cost of checking a first bag to $35 and a second bag to $45. Over the next month, JetBlue , American , and United followed suit, each raising their checked baggage fees by an average of $5 to $10.

And on March 5, Delta increased its checked bag fees by $5 for most US originating domestic and short-haul international routes, bringing the cost of checking a first and second bag to $35 and $45, respectively. The fee increase does not apply to tickets purchased before March 5 or checked bags between US/Canada and Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The only exception remains Southwest, which has famously never charged for checked luggage. “Our two bags fly free policy is here to stay," a spokesperson for the airline tells Traveler.

These are the current baggage fees for each major US airline in 2024:

• Alaska Airlines: First checked bag $35; second checked bag $45
• American Airlines: First checked bag $35-$40; second checked bag $45
• Delta Air Lines: First checked bag $35; second checked bag $45
• Hawaiian Airlines: First checked bag $25-30; second checked bag $35-40
• JetBlue Airways: First checked bag $35-$45; second checked bag $50-60
• United Airlines: First checked bag $35-$40; second checked bag $45-50
• Southwest Airlines: Each passenger gets two checked bags for free

So why, after years of charging $30 across the board, are airlines making it more expensive to check bags? JetBlue , for its part, says raising baggage fees is one step the company is taking in order to return to profitability and cover the cost of transporting bags amid inflationary pressures such as higher fuel and labor costs. The New York City-based carrier implemented the highest increase of the bunch, charging up to $45 for a first checked bag and $60 for a second.

“By adjusting fees for added services that only certain customers use, we can keep base fares low and ensure customer favorites like seatback TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi remain free for everyone,” JetBlue tells Traveler.

Alaska Airlines, which last raised its bag fees in December 2018, also cites rising operating costs as a driving force behind the fee increase. “Alaska Airlines is committed to providing exceptional service to our guests. As we navigate rising operating costs–including high fuel prices–we occasionally need to adjust our fee structure to maintain a high level of excellence in the service we provide,” the carrier says.

While there are staunch believers among the Traveler team that all you need is carry-on luggage, the good news is that if you must check a bag, there are a few sure-fire tactics to get around baggage fees.

Invest in luggage that makes packing light easy

The surest way to avoid checked bag fees is to not check a bag at all. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and Hawaiian Airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item) regardless of your cabin class; meanwhile, JetBlue and United restrict basic economy ticket holders to one personal item.

Invest in carry-on luggage that makes packing light a breeze—and don't underestimate what you can fit in your personal item , either. From hardshell rollers to lightweight garment bags, check out our favorite carry-on bags , tried and tested by Traveler editors.

Plan ahead to avoid extra fees

Prepaying online for a checked bag in advance of your flight—and making sure you follow all the airline's weight and size restrictions—can save you from paying extra at the airport .

Along with increasing the base cost of checking a bag in recent months, United and JetBlue also implemented new policies that charge passengers $5 to $10 extra for any bags checked within 24 hours of departure.

In a statement shared with Traveler, United said that while the airline is raising checked bag fees in North America for the first time in four years, United Chase credit card holders, MileagePlus Premier members, active military members, and customers traveling in premium cabins can still check a bag for free. Customers in most markets can receive a $5 discount if they prepay for their bags online at least 24 hours before their flight, they added.

Check your credit card benefits

The right credit card can save you from a myriad of travel fees, including fees associated with checked bags. Most airline-branded credit cards allow passengers to check at least one bag for free , as long as they're flying with the airline and purchased the ticket with the card.

Some of the best travel credit cards have no annual fee or low annual fees that are waived during the first year, meaning they essentially pay for themselves. From general travel rewards cards to airline-specific credit cards great for loyal fliers, these are the 8 favorite credit cards that Traveler editors use every day.

Airline status and cabin class

It may not come easy–or cheap—but frequent flyer status or a premium cabin class will often grant you “free” checked bags as well. For each airline's baggage policies by cabin, check their websites. Pro tip: always compare the fare difference between cabins like basic economy and premium economy —if it's equal or slightly more than the baggage fees you'd need to pay in the lower cabin, you might as well upgrade and enjoy the other perks, too.

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USCIS Immigrant Fee

If you are immigrating to the United States as a lawful permanent resident, you must  pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online unless you meet 1 of the exemptions below.

We use this fee to process your immigrant visa packet and produce your Permanent Resident Card (commonly known as a Green Card).

Learn more about paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee by selecting a category from the list below.

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We strongly encourage you to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee  after  you pick up your immigrant visa from the Department of State and  before  you depart for the United States.

If you cannot pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee, a family member, friend, employer, attorney, or accredited representative can pay for you. If someone pays the fee for you, they will need your Alien Number (A-Number) and Department of State (DOS) Case ID.

You may also pay the fee after you arrive in the United States. If you choose this option, we will send you a notice requesting payment with instructions on paying your fee. You will not receive your Green Card until you have paid the USCIS Immigrant Fee.

The following groups do not have to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee:

• Children who enter the United States under the orphan or Hague adoption programs;
• Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants;
• Other Afghan nationals (through Sept. 30, 2023);
• Returning lawful permanent residents (SB-1s); and
• K nonimmigrants.

You must pay the fee online.  The U.S. embassy or consulate will give you your:

• A-Number (the letter “A” followed by 8 or 9 numbers);
• DOS Case ID (3 letters followed by 9 or 10 numbers);
• Instructions for paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee;
• Immigrant Data Summary; and
• Sealed immigrant visa packet.

If you are a Diversity Visa immigrant, your DOS Case ID will have 4 numbers followed by 2 letters and 5 more numbers (for example: 0000AB01234).

Payment Methods

To pay a fee, you can use a:

• Credit card
• Debit card with a MasterCard or Visa logo
• If you pay with a pre-paid debit card, you may use only 1 card. The card must have enough money on it to pay for you and any family members.
• To pay with a U.S. bank account, you must provide a U.S. checking account number and routing number for your U.S. bank.

If you have a problem paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee, see our Need Help page .

Failure to Pay

If you do not pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee within the time listed in the notice, you will not receive your Green Card. If you do not pay the fee, it will not affect your status as a lawful permanent resident. However, you will only have evidence of your lawful permanent status for 1 year from the date of your admission, as shown by the temporary I-551 stamp CBP placed in your passport when you entered the United States.

To track the status of your Green Card, please go to the Case Status Online page.

We will only mail your Green Card to the U.S. mailing address you give to the Department of State during your immigrant visa interview or to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer when you are admitted to the United States. If you plan on living at a different U.S. address immediately after you enter the United States, please give that address to the CBP officer to ensure you receive your Green Card.

If you do not receive your Green Card within 90 days of paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee or entering the United States (if you paid the fee before you arrived) please submit our  online help form  to request assistance. You can also submit an inquiry online using our e-request tool .

Please make sure that USCIS and the post office have your correct mailing address.

• We will mail your Green Card to the most recent U.S. mailing address that we have on file. This could be the address you provided to the DOS at the time of your immigrant visa interview or to the CBP officer when you are admitted to the United States.
• If you plan on living at a different U.S. address immediately after you enter the United States, please give that address to the CBP officer or update your address (after taking the identity verification quiz and creating your USCIS online account) to ensure that your card arrives at your new home.
• If you move after you arrive in the United States, please update your address with USCIS through your USCIS online account . Also, we recommend that you update your address online with the U.S. Postal Service  or by visiting your local U.S. post office.  Please visit our page on How To Change Your Address for additional information.  

This fee is not related to the immigrant visa application fees collected by DOS. Go to the  Our Fees  page to see what the current USCIS Immigrant Fee is.

For more information, read the  How Do I Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee (PDF, 162.07 KB)  applicant guide.

You can find step-by-step instructions in the  Immigrant Fee Payment Guide .

If you have any questions about paying the fee, or if you accidentally paid twice or otherwise feel you paid the USCIS Immigrant Fee in error, you can submit an online help form .