Travel Document is a document that gives you advance permission to leave the United States and return (re-enter without a visa).
I do not like the literal translation (e.g., “travel pass”), so I use the original term.
There are 5 types of travel documents:
- Advance parole document (I-512L)
- TPS travel authorization (I-512T)
- Refugee travel document (I-571)
- Re-entry permit
- Carrier documentation
Also:
To apply for a travel document, you must complete Form I-131. The type of document depends on what status you have at the time your application is approved.
Advance parole is usually issued to people with pending cases such as I-589 (with USCIS), I-821, or I-485.
You can file Form I-131 only if you are not in immigration court. In very rare emergency situations, DHS (ICE officers) may issue Advance Parole, but this is still risky. If you are in removal proceedings, USCIS cannot issue you Advance Parole.
It looks like a regular sheet of paper and is labeled I-512L.
Validity: 1-2 years
Number of uses: single-entry or multiple-entry
TPS travel authorization is for people who already have TPS.
Validity: until the end of TPS status
Number of uses: single-entry or multiple-entry (no more than 90 days total)
Fee: $630
Refugee travel document is issued to people granted asylum (asylee) or refugee status.
It looks like a passport and is labeled I-571.
If you already have a green card through asylee or refugee status, you can leave the U.S., but you may still need a travel document to enter other countries.
A travel document can also help if your passport has expired and you cannot obtain a new one (common for people granted asylum).
Validity: 1 year
Number of uses: single-entry or multiple-entry
Fee: $165 / $135
Re-entry permit is for green card holders who plan to be outside the United States for one year or more. Its main purpose is to help protect your status from being considered abandoned due to a long absence. A re-entry permit can also serve as a passport-like document if you cannot obtain a passport from your country of citizenship.
Validity: 1-2 years
Number of uses: single-entry
Fee: $630
Carrier documentation is issued to people who lost their documents while traveling abroad and need permission to board a flight back to the U.S. You file a separate form, I-131A.
Validity: 30 days
Number of uses: single-entry
Fee: $630
Separately:
Emergency Advance parole is issued when you have an urgent need to leave the country. You can get it only by scheduling an in-person appointment with USCIS.
Validity: 30 days
Number of uses: single-entry
Fee: $630
There is also a 2-in-1 EAD and Advance parole. When certain categories file Forms I-485, I-765, and I-131 together, USCIS may issue a combined EAD card with the note "Serves as I-512 Advance Parole".
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Translations are provided for convenience and may contain errors or omissions. For guidance on your specific situation, always consult official sources or a qualified attorney.
