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Instructions for Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation

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Instructions for Application for  
Carrier Documentation  
USCIS  
Form I-131A  
OMB No. 1615-0135  
Expires 11/30/2024  
Department of Homeland Security  
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services  
What Is the Purpose of Form I-131A?  
United States laws impose penalties on carriers (airlines, ships, etc.) that bring to the United States foreign nationals  
who are 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 ordinarily  
may use your valid Permanent Resident Card (commonly called a Green Card) or a Reentry Permit (in place of a visa) as  
documentation of your eligibility to return to the United States. If you do not have a valid, unexpired Permanent Resident  
Card or Reentry Permit (for example, your card or permit was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged), you may experience  
difficulties when you attempt to return to the United States.  
If you are not an LPR or a conditional LPR, but you received a Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or  
Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), with travel endorsement, and your document was lost, stolen,  
destroyed, or damaged while you are traveling overseas temporarily, you also may experience difficulties when you  
attempt to board your carrier and return to the United States.  
This application allows foreign nationals in these situations to apply for Carrier Documentation (Transportation Letter  
or Boarding Foil). If the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that you remain an LPR or conditional  
LPR, or had previously received an Advance Parole Document on a Form I-512 or Form I-512L or travel endorsement on  
an Employment Authorization Document that is still valid, DHS may, as a matter of discretion on a case-by-case basis,  
provide a Carrier Documentation. The Carrier Documentation may be a foil placed in your passport or a boarding letter.  
If DHS provides Carrier Documentation, you may present the documentation to a carrier destined for the United States.  
Generally, Carrier Documentation is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.  
NOTE: If your Advance Parole Document is a Boarding Foil issued by the Department of State and you are outside of  
the United States, you should immediately report to the Department of State Consular Office where that foil was issued if  
your travel document containing that foil was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged. You should not submit this application  
to replace a Boarding Foil.  
Warnings  
1. Carrier Documentation only allows you to demonstrate to the commercial carrier that you are not required to provide  
a visa or comparable document 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 does not guarantee that you will be allowed into the United States. U.S.  
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will perform 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 Carrier Documentation at any time, with or without notice. That revocation or  
termination could have implications for your travel.  
Replacing or Renewing Your 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. Receiving Carrier Documentation does not take the place of obtaining a new Permanent Resident Card. To apply  
for a replacement 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 www.uscis.gov/I-90 for more  
information.  
Form I-131A Instructions 11/02/22  
Page 1 of 8  
Replacing Your Form I-512/I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766, EAD With Travel Endorsement  
If you no longer have your Form I-512/I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766, Employment Authorization  
Document, with travel endorsement and you choose to replace it after you return to the United States, you must file Form  
I-131 and/or Form I-765 with USCIS. Receiving Carrier Documentation to facilitate travel back to the United States does  
not take the place of obtaining a new Form I-512/I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766, EAD with travel  
endorsement. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-765 and www.uscis.gov/I-131 for more information.  
Who May File Form I-131A?  
You may file Form I-131A to apply for Carrier Documentation 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 abandoning that status or by removal from the United States;  
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 using a valid Permanent Resident Card after an absence of less than 1 year or  
using a valid Reentry Permit after an absence of less than 2 years; and  
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 damaged) or other document authorizing you to apply for admission to, or  
otherwise seek lawful entry into, the United States.  
You also may file Form I-131A if:  
1. You received Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766, Employment Authorization  
Document (with travel endorsement);  
2. The Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (with  
travel endorsement), has not been revoked;  
3. You wish to return to the United States after a temporary absence before your Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance  
Parole Document, or Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (with travel endorsement), expires; and  
4. You are not in possession of a valid, unexpired Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766,  
Employment Authorization Document (with travel endorsement), because it was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged.  
Who is NOT eligible to receive Carrier Documentation?  
DHS retains the discretion to determine, on a case-by-case basis, to whom it is appropriate to provide Carrier  
Documentation. Some of the reasons that DHS may decline to provide you with Carrier Documentation are:  
1. You are physically present in the United States;  
2. You are no longer a valid LPR or conditional LPR of the United States; or  
3. You were issued Carrier Documentation and it is still valid, unless the prior documentation was returned to DHS or  
was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged;  
4. Your Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, or Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document  
(with travel endorsement), has expired, will expire, or is revoked, before you return to the United States; or  
NOTE: Form I-131A should not be used to apply for or replace Humanitarian Parole. Please see the Instructions for  
Form I-131 if you seek to apply for Humanitarian Parole.  
Form I-131A Instructions 11/02/22  
Page 2 of 8  
5. Your Advance Parole Document is a Boarding Foil issued by the Department of State and you are outside of the  
United States. If your travel document containing that foil was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged, you should  
immediately report to the Department of State Consular Office where that foil was issued.  
Expired Permanent Resident Card  
If you have an expired Permanent Resident Card (with a 10-year validity period) or Conditional Permanent Resident  
Card (with a 2-year validity period) and valid Form I-797, Notice of Action, for either Form I-751, Petition to Remove  
Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition By Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, showing you timely filed Form  
I-751 or I-829 (filed by or before the expiration date shown on the existing Conditional Permanent Resident Card).  
You may use these documents to board a carrier to the United States, and you do not need to file Form I-131A.  
You should contact your carrier to confirm they will let you board with these documents; however, if they will not, you  
should file Form I-131A.  
Returning Resident Visa  
As an alternative to Form I-131A, it may be appropriate for you to obtain a returning resident (SB-1) visa as  
documentation of your LPR or conditional LPR status. You may contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate (or visit  
its website), to obtain information about seeking a returning resident (SB-1) immigrant visa. If you apply for and receive  
an SB-1 visa, you do not need to file Form I-131A.  
General Instructions  
We provide free forms through the USCIS website. To view, print, or complete our forms, you should use the latest  
version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not have internet  
access, you may call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail a form to you. The USCIS  
Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.  
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-131A or go to www.travel.state.gov for information on contacting the Visa  
Section or Consular Section in 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. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent  
person. If the request is not signed or if the requisite signature on the request is not valid, USCIS will reject the request.  
See 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A). If USCIS accepts a request for adjudication and determines that it has a deficient signature,  
USCIS will deny the request.  
Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original handwritten signature  
valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten ink  
signature.  
Filing Fee. You must include the appropriate filing fee with your application. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section of  
these Instructions.)  
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documents listed in the What Evidence  
Should You Submit section of these Instructions.  
Form I-131A Instructions 11/02/22  
Page 3 of 8  
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide biometrics  
(fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct  
background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of  
Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on your application or petition. After USCIS receives your application and  
ensures it is complete, we will inform you if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. If an appointment is  
necessary, the notice will provide you the location of your local or designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC)  
and the date and time of your appointment or, if you are currently overseas, instruct you to contact a U.S. Embassy, U.S.  
Consulate, or USCIS office outside the United States to set up an appointment.  
If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that:  
1. You provided or authorized all information in the application;  
2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and  
3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.  
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that  
you must submit an original document. We may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during  
processing of an application or petition. If we request an original document from you, we will return it to you when we  
are done.  
NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, we may destroy your original  
documents.  
Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English  
translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and  
that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must also include the  
translator’s signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information.  
How to Complete Form I-131A  
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.  
2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 7. Additional  
Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number)  
(if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer  
refers; and sign and date each sheet.  
3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been  
married and the question asks “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A,” unless otherwise  
directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many  
children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None,” unless  
otherwise directed.  
4. Part 4. Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Select the appropriate box to  
indicate whether you read this application yourself or whether you had an interpreter assist you. If someone assisted  
you in completing the application, select the box indicating that you used a preparer. You must also sign and date  
your application and provide your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if any), and email address (if  
any). Every application MUST contain the signature of the applicant (or parent or legal guardian, if applicable). A  
stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.  
5. Part 5. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. If you used anyone as an interpreter  
to read the Instructions and questions on this application to you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter  
must complete this section; provide his or her name, the name and address of his or her business or organization (if  
any), daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if any), and email address (if any). The interpreter must  
sign and date the application.  
Form I-131A Instructions 11/02/22  
Page 4 of 8  
6. Part 6. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other  
Than the Applicant. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your application, if  
other than you, the applicant. If the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, that person should  
complete both Part 5. and Part 6. If the person who completed this application is associated with a business or  
organization, that person should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who  
helped you complete this application MUST sign and date the application. A stamped or typewritten name in place  
of a signature is not acceptable. If the person who helped you prepare your application is an attorney or accredited  
representative, he or she may also need to submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney  
or Accredited Representative, or Form G-28I, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney In Matters Outside the  
Geographical Confines of the United States, along with your application.  
7. Part 7. Additional Information. If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this  
application, use the space provided in Part 7. Additional Information. If you need more space than what is provided  
in Part 7., you may make copies of Part 7. to complete and file with your application, or attach a separate sheet of  
paper. Type or print your name and A-Number (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part  
Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.  
We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application for your records.  
What Evidence Should You Submit?  
You must submit all evidence requested in these Instructions with your application. If you fail to submit required  
evidence, we may reject or deny your application for failure to submit requested evidence or supporting documents in  
accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.  
Your application must include:  
A copy of all pages of your original passport, including the biographic page. If we approve your application, you will  
need to present your original passport at the time you receive your Boarding Foil or transportation letter;  
If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR), evidence of your LPR or conditional LPR status (if available) (for  
example, a copy of your Permanent Resident Card(Form I-551), your immigrant visa, or the CBP admission stamp  
in your passport). If you are not a lawful permanent resident, but have an Advance Parole Document, evidence of  
your advance parole document, if available (for example, a copy of your Form I-512/Form I-512L Advance Parole  
Document, or a copy of your Employment Authorization Document with travel endorsement);  
A copy of your tickets, itinerary, or any other evidence indicating your last date of departure from the United States  
and your intended date of return travel to the United States (for example, e-tickets, boarding passes); and  
One color passport-style photograph of yourself taken recently. The photo must be printed on thin paper with a glossy  
finish, and be unmounted and unretouched.  
The color passport-style photo must be 2 by 2 inches. The photo must be in color with full face, frontal view, on a  
white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from top of your hair to bottom of your  
chin, and eye height should measure between 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from the top of your eyes to the bottom of the  
photo. Your head must be bare unless you are wearing headwear as required by a religious denomination of which  
you are a member. Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and A-Number (if any) on the back of the photo.  
Form I-131A Instructions 11/02/22  
Page 5 of 8  
What Is the Filing Fee?  
The filing fee for Form I-131A is $575. You must pay the fee through our online filing system at www.uscis.gov, by  
selecting “FORMS,” and navigating to Form I-131A. You may pay the fee with a credit card, debit card, or U.S. bank  
account.  
Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation, is a different form from Form I-131, Application for Travel  
Document. If you are submitting Form I-131, you cannot pay the fee online.  
The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action we take on this application.  
How To Check If the Fees Are Correct  
The listed fee of $575 for the Form I-131A is correct as of the edition date of this form located in the lower left corner  
of this page. However, because USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify that the fees are correct by visiting the  
USCIS website at www.uscis.gov, select “FORMS,” and check the appropriate fee.  
Where to File?  
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate, or visit its website for instructions on how to file. Before appearing  
at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file your Form I-131A, you must submit your filing fee through the USCIS online  
filing system on the USCIS website (see the What Is the Filing Fee section above). You must bring evidence of payment  
with you when you appear in person at your nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file Form I-131A. Contact the  
nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file Form I-131A.  
Address Change  
An applicant who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of his or her new address within 10 days of moving from his  
or her previous residence. For information on filing a change of address, go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/  
addresschange or reach out to the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter for help. The USCIS Contact  
Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.  
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not  
process change of address requests.  
Processing Information  
We will reject any Form I-131A that is not signed or accompanied by proof of having paid the filing fee online. You may  
correct the deficiency and resubmit Form I-131A. We do not consider your Form I-131A as properly filed until a U.S.  
Embassy or U.S. Consulate accepts it.  
Initial Processing. Once we accept your application, we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill out  
this application, we may reject or deny your application.  
Requests for More Information. We may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your  
application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If we request an original  
document from you, we will return it to you when we are done.  
Form I-131A Instructions 11/02/22  
Page 6 of 8  
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for an interview based on  
your application. At the time of any interview or other appearance at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate, we may require  
that you provide your biometrics to verify your identity and/or update background and security checks.  
Decision. The U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate where you filed will notify you that the decision has been made by  
contacting you using the information you provided on Form I-131A. The decision on Form I-131A is discretionary and  
you cannot appeal it.  
USCIS Forms and Information  
To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit our USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can  
obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-131A or  
contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for the most current information about where to file this application.  
If you would like to ask for information in person, please visit www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-  
immigration-offices for contact information regarding the USCIS office in the country where you are located. If there is  
no USCIS office in the country where you are located, please visit the website of the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in  
your area to find the appropriate contact and appointment information.  
Please visit us at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to get basic information about immigration services and ask questions  
about a pending case. Through our digital self-help tools and live assistance, the USCIS Contact Center provides a  
pathway for you to get consistent, accurate information and answers to immigration case questions.  
Penalties  
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-131A, we  
will deny your Form I-131A and may deny any other immigration benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties  
provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.  
DHS Privacy Notice  
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under the  
Immigration and Nationality Act sections 1103, 1158, 1182, 1203, and 1204.  
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to apply for Carrier  
Documentation with either USCIS or the Department of State within one year of your departure from the United States,  
which will allow you to board a vessel or aircraft, travel to the United States, and present yourself at a U.S. port-of-entry  
for inspection as a returning lawful permanent resident. DHS uses the information to determine your eligibility for the  
requested travel document.  
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information,  
including your Social Security number (if applicable), and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in  
denial of your application.  
Form I-131A Instructions 11/02/22  
Page 7 of 8  
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application and any additional requested  
evidence with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows  
approved routine uses described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 - Alien  
File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, DHS/USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System,  
DHS/USCIS-018 Immigration Biometric and Background Check, and STATE-39 Visa Records] and the published privacy  
impact assessments [DHS/USCIS/PIA-016(a) Computer Linked Application Information Management System and  
Associated Systems, DHS/USCIS/PIA-051 Case and Activity Management for International Operations, and DOS Non-  
Immigrant Visa System] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy or www.state.gov/privacy. DHS may also share  
this information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.  
Paperwork Reduction Act  
An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection  
of information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The  
public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 55 minutes per response, including the time  
for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, attaching  
necessary documentation, and submitting the application. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any  
other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Citizenship and  
Immigration Services, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, 20 Massachusetts Ave NW,  
Washington, DC 20529-2140; OMB No. 1615-0135. Do not mail your completed Form I-131A to this address.  
Form I-131A Instructions 11/02/22  
Page 8 of 8