Looking for a Uscis Forms And Templates? Download it for free!

Instructions for Application for

Travel Document (Carrier Documentation)

USCIS

Form I-131A

Department of Homeland Security

OMB No. 1615-0135

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Expires 08/31/2018

What Is the Purpose of Form I-131A?

United States laws impose penalties on carriers who bring to the United States an individual who is not in possession of

a valid passport and any required visa. If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or conditional permanent resident

(conditional LPR) of the United States traveling overseas temporarily, you may ordinarily use your Permanent Resident

Card or a Reentry Permit, in place of a visa. If you are not in possession of a valid, unexpired Permanent Resident

Card or Reentry Permit (for example, your card or permit was lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated), you may experience

difficulties when you attempt to return to the United States.

This application allows individuals in this situation to apply for a Travel Document (Transportation Letter or Boarding

Foil). If the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that the applicant remains an LPR or conditional LPR,

DHS may, as a matter of discretion on a case by case basis, provide a Travel Document. The Travel Document may be a

foil placed in the applicant’s passport or a boarding letter. If DHS provides a Travel Document, the applicant 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.

Warnings

1. A Travel Document only allows you to demonstrate to the commercial carrier that you are not required to provide a

visa at the time that you apply for admission or otherwise seek lawful entry into the United States at a U.S. Port-of-

Entry (POE); it is not a guarantee of admission to, or other form of entry into, the United States. Customs and Border

Protection (CBP) will carry out all the required inspection procedures, including determining admissibility or ability

to enter, upon your arrival at a POE.

2. DHS may revoke or terminate your Travel Document at any time, with or without notice. That revocation or

termination could have implications for your travel.

Need to Replace or Renew Permanent Resident Card

If you no longer have your Permanent Resident Card, or it has expired, you must apply for a new Permanent Resident

Card. The issuance of a Travel Document does not take the place of obtaining a new Permanent Resident Card. To

apply for a replacement or renewal of your Permanent Resident Card, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace

Permanent Resident Card, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Visit the USCIS website at

for more information.

Who May File Form I-131A?

You may file Form I-131A to apply for a Travel Document if:

1. You have been lawfully admitted to the United States as a LPR or conditional LPR;

2. You have not lost LPR or conditional LPR status by removal from the United States nor abandoned that status;

3. You have traveled abroad temporarily, and without any intent of abandoning your LPR or conditional LPR status;

4. You wish to return to the United States after your temporary absence of less than a year with a Permanent Resident

Card or two years with a Reentry Permit; and

Form I-131A Instructions 12/23/16 N

Page 1 of 6

Instructions For Form I-131a - Application For Travel Document (Carrier Documentation)