Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation), is filed at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad by a lawful permanent resident whose green card (Form I-551) has expired while outside the United States, or whose Re-entry Permit has expired, when the LPR is otherwise eligible to return to the US. USCIS issues a boarding foil that satisfies the transportation carrier's documentation requirements so the LPR can fly home.
Who can file I-131A
- An LPR whose absence from the US has been less than one year and whose green card has expired while abroad.
- An LPR whose absence has been less than two years and whose Re-entry Permit has expired.
- The LPR is still considered a returning resident — i.e. has not abandoned permanent residence by virtue of the trip's length, ties to a foreign country, or filing as a non-resident on US taxes.
What we prepare
- Form I-131A with the correct basis selected and biographic data filled accurately.
- Supporting evidence — copy of expired green card or Re-entry Permit, evidence of unbroken US residence (US tax returns, employment, US address), evidence of the reason for the extended absence, photographs to current US embassy spec.
- Filing-fee note — the fee is paid online directly to USCIS before the consular appointment; we walk you through that step.
What I-131A does NOT replace
I-131A is a boarding foil only — it gets you on a plane home. Once you return to the US you still need to renew or replace your green card (Form I-90) and address any abandonment-of-residence issues if they arise at the port of entry or in subsequent USCIS interactions. An LPR who has clearly abandoned residence (very long absence, foreign employment with no plan to return, etc.) should not assume I-131A will bring them home — Customs and Border Protection may still question admission, and the case may need a licensed immigration attorney.
What we do not do
Imverica is a California Legal Document Assistant and Immigration Consultant. We prepare documents accurately at your direction. We do not give legal advice and do not assess whether you have abandoned lawful permanent resident status — that is a legal determination. If your case involves a long absence, foreign tax filing as a non-resident, or other abandonment-of-residence questions, we refer you to a licensed California immigration attorney before filing.
Authority: INA §211(a); 8 C.F.R. §211.1 (carrier documentation for returning residents); USCIS Policy Manual Volume 11. Document preparation only — not legal advice.