I-131 Travel Authorization in Murrieta: Advance Parole and Travel Documents
Travel safely while your green card application is pending
Quick Answer
Form I-131 allows immigrants in Murrieta to obtain advance parole, re-entry permits, and refugee travel documents to travel internationally while maintaining their immigration status.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For immigrants in Murrieta who need to travel while their green card is pending or who hold special immigration statuses, Form I-131 provides the travel authorization you need. SoCal Immigration Services helps families navigate the various travel document options.
Understanding Form I-131
• Advance Parole: For travel while green card application is pending
• Re-Entry Permit: For green card holders who will be abroad extended periods
• Refugee Travel Document: For refugees and asylees to travel internationally
Types of Travel Documents
| Document Type | For Whom | Valid For |
|---|---|---|
| Advance Parole | Pending I-485 applicants, TPS holders, DACA | 1-2 years |
| Re-Entry Permit | Green card holders, conditional residents | 2 years |
| Refugee Travel Document | Refugees, asylees | 1 year |
| Parole-in-Place Document | Military family members | 1 year |
Advance Parole
- •Must be approved BEFORE you leave the United States
- •Does not guarantee re-entry - CBP makes final decision
- •Certain visa status holders may trigger bars if they leave
- •Typically valid for 1-2 years from date of issuance
- •Can be combined with EAD on combo card (I-765/I-131)
Who Should NOT Use Advance Parole
• Entered the U.S. without inspection (EWI)
• Have accrued unlawful presence and are subject to 3/10-year bars
• Have certain criminal history
• Have prior deportation or removal orders
• Are in removal proceedings
Consult with an immigration professional before traveling if any of these apply to you.
Re-Entry Permit
• For trips lasting more than 1 year
• Shows intent to maintain permanent residence
• Must apply while physically in the U.S.
• Must attend biometrics appointment in U.S.
• Valid for up to 2 years from date of issuance
• Cannot be renewed - must apply for new permit
Refugee Travel Document
• Cannot use passport from home country
• Allows travel to most countries except home country
• Traveling to home country may jeopardize status
• Must apply while physically in U.S.
• Valid for 1 year from issuance
• Can be renewed by filing new I-131
I-131 Filing Process
- 1Determine Document Type
Identify which travel document you need based on your status
- 2Complete Form I-131
Fill out all sections accurately with current information
- 3Gather Evidence
Collect proof of status, photos, and supporting documents
- 4Pay Filing Fee
$630 for most applications (fee waiver available)
- 5Submit Application
Mail to appropriate USCIS lockbox
- 6Attend Biometrics
Complete fingerprints at USCIS Application Support Center
- 7Receive Document
Travel document mailed to you upon approval
I-131 Filing Fees
| Application Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Advance Parole (standalone) | $630 | Or free with I-485 |
| With I-485 (combo card) | $0 | Filed concurrently |
| Re-Entry Permit | $630 | Required for LPRs |
| Refugee Travel Document | $135 | Reduced fee for refugees |
| Biometrics | $85 | If required |
Processing Times
• Advance Parole (with I-485): 8-14 months
• Standalone Advance Parole: 4-8 months
• Re-Entry Permit: 10-15 months
• Refugee Travel Document: 4-8 months
Times vary by service center. Emergency advance parole may be available for urgent situations.
Emergency Travel
• You may request emergency advance parole
• Must show compelling reason (death, serious illness, emergency business)
• Contact USCIS through InfoPass appointment
• Be prepared to show evidence of emergency
• Not guaranteed - USCIS has discretion
Returning to the U.S.
- •Present travel document and any valid visa
- •Have copies of pending applications
- •Be prepared to answer questions about your trip
- •CBP has final authority to admit or deny entry
- •Keep receipts and evidence of activities abroad
- •Have contact information for immigration support
Murrieta Travel Document Services
- •Determine correct travel document for your situation
- •I-131 application preparation and filing
- •Combo card (I-765/I-131) applications
- •Emergency travel document requests
- •Re-entry permit applications for extended travel
- •Arabic and English speaking staff
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I travel while my I-131 is pending?
A: No, you must wait for your travel document to be approved and in hand before traveling. Leaving without advance parole can result in abandonment of your pending applications.
Q:How long is advance parole valid?
A: Advance parole is typically valid for 1-2 years from the date of issuance, or until a decision is made on your underlying application, whichever comes first.
Q:What's the difference between advance parole and re-entry permit?
A: Advance parole is for people with pending applications. Re-entry permits are for green card holders planning to be abroad for more than 1 year. Green card holders don't need advance parole for short trips.
Q:Can refugees travel to their home country?
A: Refugees and asylees should NOT travel to their home country. Doing so may be seen as evidence that you no longer need protection and could result in loss of status.
Q:What if my advance parole expires while I'm abroad?
A: If your advance parole expires while abroad, you may not be able to re-enter the U.S. and could be considered to have abandoned your pending applications. Plan travel carefully.
Q:Do I need advance parole if I have a valid visa?
A: It depends on your visa type. Some visa holders (like H-1B with valid visa) can travel without advance parole while I-485 is pending. Others risk triggering bars. Consult us before traveling.
Need Travel Document Help in Murrieta?
Don't risk your immigration status by traveling without proper authorization. Let our team help you obtain the right travel document for your situation.
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