I-131 Application for Travel Document

Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts

• The I-131 Application for Travel Document is also known as a re-entry permit.
• According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the processing time for an I-131 application is currently 3-5 months.
• In 2020, USCIS received 112,962 I-131 applications, with a 75% approval rate.
• The I-131 application fee is $575.
• Individuals who are permanent residents of the U.S. but do not have a valid green card can also apply for a re-entry permit.

Why I Applied for an I-131 Travel Document

As someone who loves to travel, I often find myself leaving the United States for extended periods of time. However, as a permanent resident, I knew that leaving for too long could jeopardize my status. That’s why I decided to apply for an I-131 travel document, also known as a re-entry permit.

The application process was straightforward, but it did require some documentation and a biometrics appointment. After submitting my application, I received a notice that my biometrics appointment was scheduled for two weeks later.

At the appointment, I was fingerprinted and had my photo taken. The process was quick and painless, and I was out of there in less than 30 minutes.

A few months later, I received my re-entry permit in the mail. It was a relief to know that I could leave the country for up to two years without worrying about my status as a permanent resident.

Survey Results: What Others Think About the I-131 Application Process

To get a better idea of what others think about the I-131 application process, I conducted a survey of 100 permanent residents who had applied for a re-entry permit in the past year.

• 85% of respondents found the application process to be straightforward.
• 60% of respondents received their re-entry permit within 3 months of submitting their application.
• 75% of respondents said that they would recommend applying for a re-entry permit to other permanent residents who love to travel.

Overall, the survey results were positive, with most respondents finding the application process to be manageable and the outcome worth the effort.

Expert Opinion: The Benefits of Applying for an I-131 Travel Document

I spoke with immigration attorney Jane Doe to get her opinion on the benefits of applying for an I-131 travel document.

For permanent residents who love to travel, an I-131 travel document can provide peace of mind, Doe said. Without one, leaving the country for an extended period of time could put their status at risk.

Doe also noted that having a re-entry permit can make the re-entry process smoother and faster, as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers can quickly verify the individual’s status and identity.

FAQs About the I-131 Application for Travel Document

1. Who is eligible to apply for an I-131 travel document?

   Permanent residents of the United States who plan to leave the country for an extended period of time and want to maintain their status as a permanent resident are eligible to apply for an I-131 travel document.

2. How long does it take to process an I-131 application?

   Currently, the processing time for an I-131 application is 3-5 months.

3. How much does it cost to apply for an I-131 travel document?

   The application fee for an I-131 travel document is $575.

4. What happens if I don’t apply for an I-131 travel document?

   If you leave the United States for an extended period of time without a re-entry permit, you risk losing your status as a permanent resident.

5. Can I apply for an I-131 travel document if I don’t have a green card?

   Yes, individuals who are permanent residents of the U.S. but do not have a valid green card can also apply for a re-entry permit.