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5. 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) or other authorization to apply for admission to, or otherwise seek

lawful entry into, the United States.

Who is NOT eligible to receive a Travel Document?

DHS retains the discretion to determine, on a case by case basis, to whom it is appropriate to provide a Travel Document.

Some of the reasons that DHS may decline to provide you with a Travel Document are:

1. You are physically present in the United States;

2. You are no longer a LPR or conditional LPR of the United States; or

3. You were issued a Travel Document and it is still valid, unless the prior document was returned to DHS or was lost,

stolen, destroyed, or mutilated.

If you have an expired 1) Permanent Resident Card (with a 10-year expiration date) or 2) Permanent Resident Card (with

a two-year expiration date) and valid Form I-797, Notice of Action, indicating that status is extended, you may use these

documents to return to the United States, and you do not need to file Form I-131A.

Returning Resident Visa

A Returning Resident (SB-1) visa may be an appropriate avenue to obtain documentation for LPRs or conditional LPRs

returning to the United States from a temporary absence. You may contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate, or

visit its website to obtain information about seeking a Returning Resident (SB-1) special immigrant visa. If you apply for

and receive an SB-1 visa, you do not need to file this application

General Instructions

USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. In order to view, print, or fill out our forms, you

should use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at Please

see our website at

or contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for the most current

information about where to file this application.

Signature. Each application must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will not

accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal

guardian may sign the application on your behalf. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person.

Filing Fee. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section

of these Instructions.)

Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the What Evidence

Should You Submit section of these Instructions.

Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you

must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during

processing of an application, petition, or request. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to

you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.

NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may be

immediately destroyed upon receipt.

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

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Instructions For Form I-131a - Application For Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) Page 2