travel document white passport

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What Is a White Passport?

Most commonly, the term white passport refers to a permit allowing immigrant residents of the United States to reenter the country after extended travel abroad. Application for this permit is, essentially, a statement that, while a person may be absent for a long period of time, he or she wishes to continue to live in the U.S. When taken literally, however, a white passport can actually refer to a passport with a white cover. These rare documents may be issued by some countries for very specific types of travel purposes.

Under United States law, a lawful, permanent resident may legally travel outside the country for periods of up to one year without risking loss of resident status. A white passport, or reentry permit, extends that time limit to two years. As a reentry permit cannot be renewed, residents wishing to reenter the U.S. after two years must apply for a returning resident visa or, in a worst-case scenario, begin the green card application process anew.

Individuals wishing to attain a white passport must return a completed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices. These forms can be obtained from either the USCIS website or by visiting the nearest office. Uncomplicated reentry applications can take up to 90 days to process. If possible, departure dates should be scheduled accordingly.

While it is not recommended, a permanent resident can leave the United States while the application for a white passport is being processed. The application and accompanying fingerprinting, however, must originate in the U.S. There is some risk associated with this option, as a denial of the application could result in loss of residency. If approved, the reentry permit would be sent to the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy in the country that is being visited.

A white passport is appropriate in certain other specific circumstances, even if the time away is expected to be under one year. For example, for a resident unable to receive a passport from the U.S. or the country of birth, a reentry permit may be the only available documentation for travel abroad. Those who need to establish temporary residency in another country can, sometimes, use the permit to prove that their intentions were not to forgo U.S. citizenship permanently.

Despite the name, a white passport issued by the U.S. is generally neither white nor in passport form. Other countries, however, do issue such documents. In India, for example, passports with white covers are issued to travelers who will be acting as official representatives of their government while abroad.

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Discussion Comments

Post your comments.

• By: Halfpoint A white passport allows a permanent United States resident to travel outside the country for two years without risking loss of resident status.
• By: yossarian6 Despite the name, a white passport issued by the U.S. is generally neither white nor in passport form.

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Travel documents for foreign citizens returning to the U.S.

If you are a citizen of another country and have been living in the U.S., you may need special documents if you leave the U.S. and then return.

Travel documents for permanent and conditional permanent residents

If you are outside the u.s. for less than one year.

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been away from the U.S. for less than one year, you will only need to show your Green Card upon re-entry to the U.S.

If you are outside the U.S. for one year or longer

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been outside the U.S. for one year or longer, apply for a re-entry permit before you travel. Use Form I-131 - Application for Travel Document .

• For permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years from the date of issue.
• For conditional permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years after the date of issue. Or it is valid up until the date you must apply for removal of the conditions on your status , whichever date comes first.

Travel documents for other foreign citizens living in the U.S.

If you are a foreign citizen re-entering the U.S., the documentation you need may depend on your immigration status:

• Advance parole - You may use advance parole to re-enter the U.S. without applying for a visa. It is commonly used for re-entry by people in the process of applying for permanent residence, applying for a status adjustment, or applying for asylum.
• Refugee travel document - You may be able to use this document to re-enter the U.S. if you have refugee or asylum status.

If you need help, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) .

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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How to Get a Travel Document for Green Card Holder

As a US green card holder, you have the right to live in the United States and to travel outside of the US. However, certain types of travel can put your green card at risk. To protect yourself, you may need to get a travel document for green card holder known as a reentry permit . In this guide, I’ll discuss how to get a travel document for green card holder and everything else you need to know.

If you have any questions, email me directly at [email protected] . I’d be happy to help you get your travel document.

1. What is a Travel Document for Green Card Holder?

2. Why Do You Need a Travel Document for Green Card Holder?

3. what are the requirements, 4. what documents are needed to apply, 5. how long is a travel document for green card holder valid for, 6. what is the process of getting a travel document for green card holder, 7. conclusion, 1. what is a travel document for green card holder (reentry permit).

A travel document for green card holder is also called a reentry permit . A reentry permit is similar to a passport. It is a small booklet with an identification page as well as multiple other pages for entry/exit stamps and visas.

A reentry permit is specifically designed for US green card holders to protect their status. As we will discuss below, certain types of travel can put your status as a permanent resident at risk. For example, if you leave the United States for 6 months or longer, you risk abandoning your green card. A reentry permit creates a legal presumption that you do not intend to abandon your green card.

There are 3 main reasons you would need a travel document as a green card holder:

Leaving the us for 6 months or longer/frequent travel, leaving the us for a year or longer.

• Cannot Get a Passport from Country of Citizenship

If you leave the US for 6 months or longer or if you travel outside of the US frequently, you are eligible to be questioned at the border by immigration officers upon your return to the US.

Immigration officers are checking to see if you’ve abandoned your status as a permanent resident. Keep in mind that you can abandon your status intentionally or unintentionally , based on your intentions when leaving the US.

A reentry permit can protect you by creating a legal presumption that you do not intend to abandon your status as a lawful permanent resident. A reentry permit lets immigration officers know that you intend to stay a US permanent resident.

If you leave the US for a year or longer, your green card (Form I-551) is no longer valid as an entry document to reenter the United States.

If you do not have a reentry permit and you leave the US for a year or longer, you will need to apply and get approved for a special visa called a returning resident visa (SB-1 Visa) in order to get back into the country.

If you have a valid reentry permit, you can use your reentry permit to reenter the United States without getting a returning resident visa.

A reentry permit is usually valid for a period of 2 years from the date it is issued. As long as your reentry permit is valid, you can use it to reenter the country.

Cannot Get a Passport from Your Country of Citizenship

A reentry permit looks very much like a passport. It is a small booklet, it has an I.D. page with your picture, and it has blank pages for stamps.

If you are unable to get a passport from your country of citizenship, many countries allow you to use your reentry permit as a passport. This means that you can get stamps in your reentry permit, just as you would in a passport.

There are 5 main requirements to get a travel document for green card holder (reentry permit):

• You must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or a conditional lawful permanent resident (conditional green card holder).
• You must have the intention to leave the United States temporarily.
• You must file a Form I-131 and prove supporting documents (your immigration lawyer can file this for you).
• Your Form I-131 must be filed while you are physically present in the United States.
• You must attend a biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment.

The specific documents that you will need to submit with your reentry permit application will depend on your particular case.

With that disclaimer, here are some documents you should expect to include with your reentry permit application:

• Copy of your permanent resident card (green card)
• Copy of the photo page of your passport
• 2 Passport Photos
• Any previously issued reentry permits
• Some type of evidence of your ties to the United States (such as a driver’s license, utility bills, etc.)

A reentry permit is usually valid for 2 years from the date it is issued (not from the date you file your application.

However, there are certain reasons why your reentry permit can be valid for less than 2 years:

• Conditional Permanent Resident : If you are a conditional lawful permanent resident, your reentry permit cannot be valid for longer than your status as a conditional lawful permanent resident. So such a case, your reentry permit may be valid for less than 2 years.
• Extended Absences: If since becoming a permanent resident, or during the last 5 years (whichever is less), you have been outside of the US for more than 4 years total, then your reentry permit is limited to 1 year (instead of 2).

Getting a travel document for green card holder is a 3-step process:

Hire an immigration lawyer, file form i-131, attend your biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment.

The first step to getting your reentry permit is to hire an immigration lawyer to help you throughout the process. Although it is not required to have an immigration lawyer, immigration forms can be complicated and confusing. Filing your reentry permit application on your own can lead to mistakes that can delay the entire process, or even worse, cause your reentry permit application to be rejected.

Your immigration lawyer can review your situation to first make sure that a reentry permit is the appropriate option for you. If it is, your immigration lawyer can prepare and plan a strategy for when to file your application and which documents to include with your case.

Another really important way an immigration lawyer can help you is regarding the timing of your case. With reentry permits , timing is highly important. You are required to be in the US during certain key points throughout the reentry permit process. Your immigration lawyer can plan and strategize with you to make the process go smoothly.

The next step is to file the Form I-131. The Form I-131 is the application for your travel document. It must be filed while you are physically present in the United States.

Along with the Form I-131, you should submit all necessary supporting documentation for your application.

In certain situations, you can request expedited processing to speed-up the processing of your case so that you can attend your biometrics appointment sooner.

About a month after your reentry permit application is filed, you will attend an appointment to get your digital fingerprint taken. This is the final step of the reentry permit process. Your biometrics appointment will be scheduled at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) based on your US address.

If the scheduled time doesn’t work for you, there are multiple options available:

• You can reschedule the appointment
• You can attempt to do a walk-in appointment
• You can leave the US after filing the reentry permit application and then return to attend your biometrics appointment
• In very rare circumstances, you may be able to have your biometrics taken at a USCIS office outside of the US.

After your biometrics appointment, it will take about another 2 months for your reentry permit to be issued. Once issued, your immigration lawyer can securely send it to you. So if you are in a hurry to leave the US, you can leave once your biometrics appointment is finished.

As a US green card holder, you have the right to live in the US and travel outside of the US. However, certain types of travel can put your green card at risk. That is why, if you plan to leave the US for 6 months or longer, or if you travel frequently, you should strongly consider getting a travel document for green card holder (also called a reentry permit ).

A reentry permit can help you by creating a legal presumption that you intend to stay a US permanent resident. A valid reentry permit can also be used to reenter the US after being outside of the US for a year or longer.

If you need help getting your reentry permit, or if you have any questions, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected] .

• Reentry Permit Guide: Everything to Know to Get Your Reentry Permit
• USCIS CFR Section 223.2
• USCIS How Do I Get a Reentry Permit
• AFM Chapter 52: Reentry Permits

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Michael Ashoori, Esq.

U.s. immigration lawyer.

I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.

Since starting my law firm, I’ve helped hundreds of people from all over the world with their immigration needs. I’m very passionate, hard-working, and committed to my clients.

Got a question?  Send me an email.

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• For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents

Advance Parole, Reentry Permit, and Refugee Travel Documentation for Returning Aliens Residing in the U.S

How to File The alien must file Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document, complete with supporting documentation, photos and applicable fees. This form can be downloaded from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) website. See the application for specific filing instructions.

How to File For a Re-Entry Permit If the alien is a permanent resident or conditional resident, he or she must attach:

• A copy of the alien registration receipt card; or
• If he has not yet received his alien registration receipt card, a copy of the biographic page of his passport and the page of his passport indicating initial admission as a permanent resident, or other evidence that the alien is a permanent resident; or
• A copy of the approval notice of a separate application for replacement of the alien registration receipt card or temporary evidence of permanent resident status.

How to File For Advance Parole An alien in the United States and applying for an Advance Parole document for him or herself must attach:

• A copy of any document issued to the alien by DHS showing present status in the United States;
• An explanation or other evidence demonstrating the circumstances that warrant issuance of Advance Parole.
• If the alien is basing his or her eligibility for Advance Parole on a separate application for adjustment of status or asylum, he must also attach a copy of the filing receipt for that application.
• If the alien is traveling to Canada to apply for an immigrant visa, he or she must also attach a copy of the consular appointment.

How to File For a Refugee Travel Document If the alien is a refugee or asylee applying for a refugee travel document, he or she must attach:

• A copy of the document issued by DHS showing the alien's refugee or asylee status and indicating the expiration of such status.

Where to File Where to file the Form I-131 depends upon the benefit sought. See the form instruction page for details.

When to File The alien must apply for the travel document before leaving the United States. Failure to do so may cause the alien to lose permission to re-enter the country, and lead to the denial of any other applications.

USCIS Guide

Find Answers to Immigration Questions

I-131: Application for Travel Document

What is form i-131.

Any non-U.S. citizen traveling outside the United States must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document with the exception of permanent residents.

Immigrant/non-immigrant Visa Holders

• Foreigners with immigrant or non-immigrant visas must file Form I-131 when traveling outside the United States.
• Traveling within the United States do not require Form I-131.

Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)

• If travel duration is less than 2 years , permanent residents are not required to file Form I-131 when traveling outside the United States.
• If travel duration is longer than 2 years , permanent residents must file Form I-131 when traveling outside the United States.
• Please note that for Permanent Residents who lose their green card while traveling outside of the United States, they must use Form 131A, Application for Travel Documents (Carrier Documentation) to obtain a reentry permit.

It is important applicants properly submit Form I-131 as failure to file I 131 may prevent the applicant from re-entering the country. When submitting, there are three types of travel documents for applicants:

• For green card holders who want to be outside of the United states for 1 year or more, they must apply for a re-entry permit in order to return to the country. Typically, a green card is enough to pass through customs back into the United States but only if the departure duration is for 1 year or less. Permit is only available for permanent residents and is valid for 2 years .
• This is only available for refugees and asylees who want to travel outside of the United States. Since people with refugee or asylum status do not have passports or green cards, they must apply for this travel document to be able to return to the country. The permit is valid for 1 year .
• Advance parole grants permission to reenter the United States for people who are adjustment of status applicants who are in transition and do not fall within any specific category of status, U visa holders, and those under a protected status. The permit is valid for 1 year .

While the USCIS does not require applicants to wait for approval before leaving the country, applicant should be aware the USCIS may request a fingerprinting appointment (biometrics service). Failing to show up at the appoint may lead to a rejection.

What are Form I-131 Instructions?

Filing fee and instructions for Form I-131 vary depending on the application type and age of the applicant.

Applicants under certain financial circumstances can file a fee waiver form (I-912) to waive the filing and biometric fees. An example of valid circumstance is an individual living at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines . In addition, no additional fee is necessary if the applicant meets one of the following criteria:

• Filing Form I-131 as Application Type B or D
• Filed Form I-485 with a fee after July 29, 2007

Who is Eligible for Form I-131?

Form I-131 is an application for a re-entry permit, or travel document, designed for citizens and permanent residents of the United States. Any individual who has received a green card, or is a citizen of the United States, is eligible to submit Form I-131.

What is the Latest Form I-131 Edition?

The most recent edition of Form I-131 is dated 09/30/20.

What are the Required Documents for Form I-131?

1. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document 2. Copy of your valid nonimmigrant visa (if applicable) 3. Copy of your passport identification page 4. Proof of payment of the filing fee 5. Two passport-style photos 6. Evidence of latest legal status in the U.S. 7. Evidence of relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (if applicable) 8. Evidence of employment authorization (if applicable) 9. Other relevant documentation (as applicable)

How to Submit Form I-131?

Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) is used to apply for various types of travel documents, such as advance parole, re-entry permits, and refugee travel documents. To submit the form, you must first download and print the form from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. After completing the form, you must gather supporting documents and submit them along with the form.

Once your form is completed and all the necessary documents are gathered, mail them to the USCIS address listed on the form instructions. Be sure to include the filing fee or an approved fee waiver request. If you require expedited processing, you must also include a request for expedited processing and provide proof of emergency situation. You can also submit your application electronically via USCIS’s e-Filing system.

After the USCIS receives your application, they may contact you if they need additional information or documents. After they complete their review of your application, they will make a decision regarding your request for a travel document.

What are the Filing Tips for Form I-131?

1. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information required for Form I-131.

2. Double check and make sure that all the information and documents you provide are accurate.

3. Make sure that you sign and date the form after completing it.

4. Include supporting documents such as passport photos, travel itineraries, and other supporting evidence of your identity and purpose of travel.

5. Submit your application and fees with certified check or money order made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.

6. Mail your application and supporting documents to the address indicated on the form instructions, or submit online through USCIS ELIS if available to you.

7. Follow up on the status of your application with the processing time indicated on the USCIS website for Form I-131.

Are There Special Instructions for Form I-131?

Yes, there are special instructions for Form I-131. The form is used to apply for a re-entry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole travel document. Depending on the document you are applying for, there are different instructions and fees you must follow.

You will need to provide evidence of your valid immigration status in the United States, and proof of identity. You will also need to submit proof of a valid purpose for travel and evidence of why you need the travel document. You may be asked to provide additional supporting evidence and documents.

You must also pay the filing fee, which can range from $575 to $575 for a re-entry permit or $575 for a refugee travel document or advance parole travel document. Additionally, if you are applying from outside the United States, you must pay an additional biometrics fee of $85.

When completing the form, you must provide detailed information about yourself and your travels. You must also make sure all information is accurate and truthful; any false or incomplete information may lead to delays or denials in your application.

Once your application is complete and all fees have been paid, you should submit your application to the office listed on Form I-131’s instructions.

What is the Form I-131 Fee?

The Form I-131 Fee is the fee that must be paid when filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The fee for Form I-131 is currently $575, although certain applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver or reduced fee.

Can I Apply for Form I-131 Fee Waiver or Reduction?

Yes, you can apply for a Form I-131 fee waiver or reduction if you meet certain requirements. To be eligible, you must: have a low income and financial hardship, be the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or be an asylum applicant. Additionally, you must provide evidence that the fee would create a significant financial hardship for you or your family. If you meet these requirements, you must submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with your application for Form I-131.

What is the Form I-131 Processing Time?

The processing time for Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) can vary depending on the type of travel document you are requesting and your current immigration status. Generally, processing times can range from 3-5 months but can take longer in some cases. Applicants should check the processing times on the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.

Form I-131 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Form I-131? A: Form I-131 is an application form used by non-U.S. citizens to obtain a travel document, such as a re-entry permit, advance parole, or refugee travel document.

Q: Who should file Form I-131? A: Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen and needs to travel outside the United States is required to file Form I-131. This includes people with permanent residence status (green card holders), refugees, and asylees.

Q: How much does it cost to file Form I-131? A: The fee for filing Form I-131 is currently $575 USD, which must be paid with a credit card, debit card, or check.

Q: How long does it take for Form I-131 to be processed? A: The processing time for Form I-131 varies depending on the type of application and the current workload of the USCIS. Generally, it can take anywhere from 1 to 6 months or more for an application to be processed.

Q: What documents do I need to file Form I-131? A: The documents required to file Form I-131 depend on the purpose of your application. Generally, you will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, proof of your immigration status, such as a green card, and evidence of your travel plans.

Q: Where can I get more information about filing Form I-131? A: The USCIS website has detailed information about filing Form I-131, including instructions and requirements for each type of application. You can also reach out directly to the USCIS if you have any questions about your application.

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The Guide to Different Types of U.S. Passports

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Table of Contents

Regular passports

Official passports, diplomatic passports, service passports, passport cards, passport types in the u.s., recapped.

If you thought all U.S. passports were the same, think again. There are actually five types of U.S. passports, but the majority of passport holders will have just one. The most common type of passport is a regular passport, which most U.S. citizens can apply for, although less than half of U.S. citizens have one.

While most qualify only for a regular passport, it may be helpful to know what other types of U.S. passport options are out there. Perhaps one day, you’ll become a diplomat or hold an official government or volunteer job where you can acquire one for free.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

This passport is the navy blue standard that is used for most types of travel. If you are studying abroad, taking a family vacation or traveling for work, you'll likely carry this type of passport.

The standard option includes 28 pages, but for those that travel frequently, it is possible to request a double book with 52 pages.

To apply for this type of passport, typically called a Type P passport , applicants must provide original or certified proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate) as well as a passport-size photo and photo identification.

These passports are valid for 10 years for most. For those who apply under age 16, these books are only valid for five years.

If you have changed your name (due to marriage or divorce, for example), additional documentation may be required.

U.S. nationals, those born in American Samoa or those born on Swain Island, are also eligible for this passport.

While it can take typically between six and nine weeks to get a U.S. passport, there are faster ways to get one. Applicants can use an official passport office to apply and pay for expedited service or use an independent expeditor service that handles much of the formality on the traveler’s behalf (although for a higher fee).

There is a subset of regular passport types that are issued for no fee. These are valid for five years and available to employees of the American National Red Cross, Peace Corps volunteers and members of the Department of Defense.

» Learn more: Need a passport for a trip? Give yourself a big time cushion

For those who qualify, an official passport is meant for those who work for the U.S. government and travel on official business. If approved by the Department of State, the main passport holder can also request official passports for a spouse and immediate family members.

To apply for this type of passport, applicants must go through the Special Passport Issuance Agency. While there is no fee required for this type of passport, appropriate documentation for eligibility must be shown.

These passports have the words Official Passport on a maroon cover to help them stand out from the rest. Unlike regular passports, these are only valid for five years and can only be used for official government business. A personal or leisure trip is not eligible.

Foreign service officers or those performing diplomatic duties on behalf of the United States overseas are eligible for this passport. A diplomatic passport, with a black cover, is only eligible to be used when on diplomatic business, which is why these passport holders almost always have a second regular passport to use when not serving in a U.S. diplomatic role.

These can only be used when on diplomatic missions, which are subsidized by the U.S. government. Valid only for five years, these passports require eligible documentation proving the applicant’s diplomatic role as well as a copy of official orders from their assigned post. These passports are issued without charge but must be returned upon completion of diplomatic duties.

Another of the rarer passport types is the service passport, which has a gray cover and is issued to third-party government contractors traveling to the United States on official business. They would apply for this passport type if they are ineligible to travel using their own regular passport. This is only valid for five years.

These are available with a regular passport application for an additional fee, but as the name suggests, they come in the form of an identification card rather than a book. These can be used as official identification, but also for land border crossings into the United States and Mexico.

These are especially helpful for those who live in the U.S. but travel across the border frequently for work or other purposes. Using a passport book to cross the border would quickly fill with stamps, which is why this option is more expeditious.

It is also eligible for sea travel to the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. If you like to travel often by cruise, this can be an excellent solution without worrying about filling up your passport book.

Passport cards have the same eligibility requirements as a regular passport book. They are eligible for 10 years for adults ($30) and five years for those under 16 ($15).

» Learn more: Key differences between passport cards and passports

The next time you are in line at a U.S. immigration point, take a look at the passports around you. Not everyone has Global Entry or uses Mobile Passport . And not everyone has the same color passport cover as other U.S. citizens. When you spot one with a different color, you now have a bit more insight into the type of work that person (or one of their family members) does.

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What is a Refugee Travel Document?

Home » What is a Refugee Travel Document?

July 5, 2021

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues Refugee Travel Documents to persons with refugee or asylum status (and in some cases to lawful permanent residents who obtained their permanent residence through refugee or asylum status).

Who Needs a Refugee Travel Document

You must have a Refugee Travel Document to return to the United States if you:

• Have refugee or asylum status but are not a lawful permanent resident (green card holder); or
• Are a derivative asylee or refugee.

If you do not obtain a travel document before you leave the U.S., you may be unable to re-enter the United States or you may be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

Lawful permanent residents who obtained their status through refugee or asylum status may also apply for a travel document. Although permanent residents can generally enter the United States with the green card (after an absence of less than one year), a travel document may be needed to enter other countries. In this way, the travel document is much like a passport.

An asylum “applicant” cannot obtain a Refugee Travel Document. Instead, asylum applicants may apply for an Advance Parole Document . Advance Parole allows certain aliens to return to the United States without a visa after traveling abroad.

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

To apply for a Refugee Travel Document, file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document . You should file a Form I-131 before you leave the United States and expect processing times of approximately three months. However, it may take longer. Expedited processing may be available for your situation.

Should you need to leave the United States before USCIS grants the travel document or you want to apply outside the United States, please consult with an immigration attorney .

Mistakes on your Form I-131 can cause costly delays or a denial.

Period of validity.

A Refugee Travel Document is valid for up to one year. During this time you can use the document multiple times.

USCIS will not renew your travel document. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a new one with Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

Traveling to the Country of Persecution

Traveling back to the country where you experienced past persecution or claim a fear of future persecution is highly discouraged.

RECOMMENDED: Dangers of Refugee/Asylee Travel to Home Country

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Emergency Travel

This page is for noncitizens in the United States who need to travel outside of the United States because of an emergency and are seeking a travel document to authorize their return.  

If you are already outside the United States and need to return, but do not have your reentry permit, Green Card, or advance parole document because it was lost, stolen, or destroyed, see Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) page. 

If you are currently inside the United States and need to leave the United States because of an emergency, you should know what documents you will need to reenter the United States. You also should understand whether leaving the United States could negatively affect your immigration status or pending applications for immigration benefits.  

If you are returning to the United States after temporary travel abroad, you generally must have in your possession either:  

• A valid entry document, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or nonimmigrant visa; or  
• A valid and unexpired travel document, such as a reentry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole document.  

You generally need to apply for and obtain a travel document before you leave the United States. You may request a travel document by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.  

For more information, see the Travel Documents page.

Expedited Processing of an Application for Travel Document

If you have a pressing or critical need to travel and must leave the United States by a certain date, we encourage you to submit a request to expedite your pending application at least 45 days before the date you intend to leave, if possible.  

You may ask us to expedite adjudication of your Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , by calling the Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma. (You can access Emma by clicking on the Ask Emma icon on the top right of this page.) If you have a USCIS online account and access to secure messaging, you may submit your request there by selecting “expedite” as your inquiry type. You will be asked to upload documents in your online account to support your request.  

You may ask USCIS to expedite the following types of travel documents:

• Advance parole documents for noncitizens in the United States seeking to return after temporary travel abroad (including advance permission to travel for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) long-term residents);
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) travel authorization documents;
• Reentry permits; and
• Refugee travel documents.

For more information, please visit the Expedite Requests page and the USCIS Policy Manual Expedite Requests guidance.  

Emergency Issuance of Travel Documents

If you are in the United States and have a pressing or critical need to travel outside the United States in less than 15 days, USCIS may issue an emergency travel document.  USCIS may issue an emergency travel document for an:

• Advance parole document; or
• TPS travel authorization document.  

Examples may include:

• A requestor who has a pressing or critical need to travel to obtain medical treatment in a limited amount of time.
• A requestor who has a pressing or critical need to travel due to the death or grave illness of a family member or close friend.
• A requestor who timely applied for a travel document and requested expedited processing, but their case remains pending, and they now must travel within 15 days for a pressing or critical professional, academic, or personal commitment.

To ask about emergency processing of a travel document, call the Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or request an appointment through My Appointment . If your situation qualifies for emergency processing, we will schedule an appointment for you with a local field office.

Required Documents

If you have an appointment with a USCIS field office for emergency issuance of a travel document, you should bring:

• A completed and signed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with any applicable filing fee (Note: Even if you already have a pending Form I-131, you still need to file a new Form 1-131, with fee, if applicable, during your local field office appointment.);
• Evidence to support eligibility for the travel document (see the form filing instructions);
• Evidence to demonstrate the pressing or critical need to travel (see the Expedite Requests page); and
• 2 passport-style photos.

Any documentation in a language other than English must include a full certified English translation. 

The Passport Book vs Card: Which Is Universally Accepted?

T he U.S. Department of State issues two types of government documentation for international travel. These documents allow travelers to have some flexibility in how they are identified while they travel internationally or domestically. Which type of identification is used can be up to personal preference depending on the type of traveling happening. 

The passport book and passport card have some similarities and differences that are important to keep in mind before choosing between the two . The main differences between these two are where they are accepted, who can use them and what information they provide.  

About the Passport Book

The traditional passport book is a common object that is often used for photo ops while traveling abroad, but it also serves a much more important purpose. While many go their whole lives never having a passport, it is impossible to travel internationally without one. A passport is a form of identification for international travel that verifies a person’s citizenship and over the years, is a type of travel diary. The cost of a passport application for first-timers over the age of 16 is $165 (the application cost is $130 and acceptance fee is $35), while those under the age of 16 are charged $135 (the application fee is $100 and acceptance fee is $35). 

Where Are Passport Books Accepted as Identification?

Passport books serve a universal purpose and are accepted for all forms of international travel throughout the world. A passport is a precious document, so if it is lost during travel or while abroad the traveler is required to recover or replace it before returning to the United States. The U.S. Embassy or consulate will be able to assist in this process. 

Who Uses Passport Books?

The passport book is available to U.S. citizens and non-citizen nationals. It is used for international travel by means of air, sea or land. People of all ages can have a passport, in fact, many people have passports before they can even read due to their frequent flier family. If you are old enough (at least 16 years of age or older), the passport book will be valid for 10 years. 

What Information Is Inside the Passport Book? 

Passport books include a photo of the traveler and a unique number to identify the particular book. Personal information within the first few pages of the book includes the traveler’s full name, date of birth, nationality, sex, birth place and the book’s issue and expiration date. 

Although the standard passport book is 28 pages, the majority of the passport book is actually empty. The reason the rest of the pages of the passport book are empty is so that travelers can fill them with passport stamps, which has become a fun collectors activity for frequent travelers. Those that anticipate frequent international travel can request a 52 page passport book. 

More on Passport Cards

Passport Cards are a type of identification used for land crossings and sea ports into the United States. These types of passports are easily transportable due to their small size and condensed information. The cost for first time passport card applications is $65 for adults and $50 for children (under the age of 16). 

Passport Cards Are Valid in Limited Locations

The passport card is only acceptable as an identification document for travelers going to Mexico, Canada, Caribbean countries or Bermuda by sea or land from the United States. The card cannot be used for international air travel but can be used as identification for domestic flights. 

Who Can Utilize a Passport Card?

The card version of the passport was made for the ease of travelers that frequently pass through U.S. bordering countries. All U.S. citizens and non-citizen nationals are eligible for a U.S. passport card. 

What Information Does the Passport Card Contain?

A passport card contains nearly identical information to the passport book. Details like the traveler’s full name, nationality, date and place of birth, sex, and issue and expiration date are all on the card. The only difference is that the identification card gets a unique passport card number.

The passport card is about the size of a driver’s license, so it easily fits in a wallet but does not include much other than personal identification information.

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Re-Entry Permits, Explained

This travel document helps green card holders maintain u.s. residence during long trips abroad, in this guide.

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Everything you need to know for your re-entry permit application

Green card holders are free to travel abroad, but if you spend more than a year at a time outside the United States you could be found to have abandoned your green card status. To avoid that, you can request a re-entry permit before taking a lengthy trip outside the United States.

What is a green card re-entry permit?

The re-entry permit is simply a travel document that allows green card holders to maintain their U.S. residence when traveling abroad for periods of up to 2 years. You can only apply for a re-entry permit from within the United States, so it’s important to make sure you understand the details before setting off on your travels.

Remember, you can also avoid travel headaches by seeking U.S. citizenship . As a citizen, you can travel for as long as you want without needing special documentation. If you’re interested in starting your immigration journey, Boundless can help. Answer our 5-minute questionnaire to get started.

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What is a Re-Entry Permit?

A re-entry permit is a travel document that looks a bit like a U.S. passport. It’s issued to green card holders who want to maintain U.S. residence during a lengthy trip abroad.

The re-entry permit is important because while green card holders can travel freely, they must maintain continuous residence in the United States. If you travel abroad for more than a year, you’ll be assumed to have given up your residence, and your green card could be revoked.

The re-entry permit tells the U.S. government that you intend to return and continue living in the United States after your trip abroad. If you have a valid re-entry permit, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials won’t consider your period of absence from the United States as evidence that you’ve abandoned your U.S. residence.

Getting a re-entry permit ensures your time outside the United States won’t be counted against you, but you could still be found to have abandoned your residence on other grounds, such as if a CBP official believes you planned to relocate permanently to another country. To avoid that, you should maintain clear connections to the United States during any trips abroad, such as through family ties, tax filings, a U.S. mailing address, or a U.S. employer.

Who Needs a Re-Entry Permit?

The main reason to obtain a re-entry permit is to show that you intend to maintain your green card status when traveling abroad. If you’re a green card holder, you should apply for a re-entry permit if you plan on traveling outside the United States for more than a year but less than 2 years .

For trips of less than a year , your green card will remain valid without the need for a re-entry permit, although you should still take care to maintain clear ties to the United States (such as through your work, family connections, or home address) while traveling abroad.

For trips of more than 2 years , or if you didn’t apply for a re-entry permit before leaving the United States, you won’t be able to obtain a re-entry permit. Instead, you’ll need to apply for an SB-1 visa (also called a “returning resident visa”) at your nearest U.S. consulate or embassy before returning to the United States.

If you’ve applied for a green card but haven’t yet received one, you aren’t eligible for a re-entry permit. Instead you should apply for Advance Parole if you need to travel abroad, even if only for a short trip. Learn more here .

You can also use a re-entry permit as a travel document if you can’t obtain a passport from your home country. Many countries will let you use a re-entry permit like a passport, and will stamp it with their visas and entry and exit stamps. Make sure to check whether the countries you intend to visit accept U.S. re-entry permits as valid travel documents.

How Do You Get a Re-Entry Permit?

To apply for a re-entry permit, you must file Form I-131 (“Application for Travel Document”) . This form collects details about your planned trip, your foreign travel since becoming a green card holder, and whether you’ve been properly filing U.S. tax returns.

You must file form I-131 from within the United States, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends filing at least 60 days before you travel abroad. That’s because you’ll be called for a biometrics appointment at your local USCIS office, and your application is likely to be denied if you’ve already left the country and can’t attend the appointment.

You don’t have to remain in the United States until your re-entry permit is approved. Once you’ve filed Form I-131 and attended your biometrics appointment, you’re free to travel abroad. You can indicate on Form I-131 if you’d like USCIS to send your re-entry permit for collection at a U.S. consulate or embassy in the country to which you’re traveling.

The Re-Entry Permit Fee

The fee for filing Form I-131 is $575, and if you are between the ages of 14 and 79 you must also pay a biometric fee of $85.

How to check the status of your re-entry permit application

To check the status of your application, use the USCIS online case status checker . You’ll need the receipt number from the notice you received after filing your Form I-131.

If you’ll be picking up your re-entry permit from a U.S. embassy or consulate, you can contact them directly to check whether they’ve received your permit. Some embassies and consulates also have online tools where you can check whether your paperwork is ready for collection.

When you return to the United States after a long absence, you should carry your valid re-entry permit with you, as well as your green card and passport. The CBP official at the airport or other point of entry will inspect your papers, ask questions about your journey, and – providing everything is in order – readmit you to the United States.

The re-entry permit for green card holders tells the CBP official not to consider your absence from the United States as evidence that you’ve abandoned your U.S. residence. However, a re-entry permit doesn’t guarantee you the right to re-enter the United States. If a CBP official finds other reasons to suspect that you’ve abandoned your U.S. residence then you could face further questioning.

Green card holders are facing increasing scrutiny when they travel abroad, even with re-entry permits. Getting U.S. citizenship is often the best way to ensure you can travel and return to the United States without facing awkward questions. Boundless can help you avoid common pitfalls in the immigration process with unlimited support from our team of immigration experts. Learn more.

You can’t renew or extend a re-entry permit, so if your current permit is due to expire then you’ll need to return to the United States and apply for a new one. Remember that you must be physically present in the United States when you file Form I-131, and also for your biometrics appointment. You’ll also have to surrender your existing re-entry permit when you file for a new permit.

There’s no official limit on how many times you can apply for a re-entry permit. However, if you’ve spent more than 4 of the previous 5 years since gaining a green card outside the United States, you’ll only be issued a re-entry permit valid for a single year. (Exceptions to this rule are made for U.S. government employees, elite athletes, and in certain other cases.)

Bear in mind, too, that if you’re a conditional permanent resident , you can’t be issued a re-entry permit that’s valid for longer than the remaining period of your conditional green card. Spending significant time outside the United States could also complicate the process of upgrading to a full green card, especially if you’re living apart from your sponsoring spouse or relative.

Be sure to keep filing your tax returns as a U.S. resident during the whole period of your absence from the United States. Failing to do so could be taken as evidence that you’ve abandoned your U.S. residence, even if you’ve obtained a re-entry permit.

If you spend more than a year outside the United States, you won’t be considered continuously resident for the purposes of gaining U.S. citizenship . That means you’ll face a longer wait before you can apply for naturalization. In certain cases you can file Form N-470 (“Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes”) to avoid losing the time you’ve accrued towards citizenship eligibility.

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• General Immigration-Related Discussion

Travel Documents , Re-entry Permit , White passport

By KingJordan March 3, 2014 in General Immigration-Related Discussion

• White Passport
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8 posts in this topic

Recommended posts, kingjordan   1.

I have heard about a white passport or travel document the LPR can apply for .

What is this form ?

what is the white passport ?

can any LPR apply for this travel documents ?

How Long it takes to process this form ?

is it required an interview for this kind of form ?

Please i would like to hear general information about this form and what it does exactly .

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SusieQQQ   11,584

White passport is a re-entry permit valid up to 2 years.

See http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/B5en.pdf

You will need to go for biometrics. I'm not sure how long the current processing times for the forms are, maybe someone else can advise on that.

it doesnt explain alot of things

Well, what exactly would you like explained that isn't there?

hmmmm like if i should go to interview or not , if also this kind of form will be denied , stuff like that Susie

No interview, just biometrics.

This page may help: http://srwlawyers.com/re-entry-permits/

You can also use google to look for more info...

is it required to get the travel document , or it just good to have even if you dont need it at this moment ?

• 1 month later...

PV10085   0

When I applied for a reentry permit I was just asked to get my biometrics taken after filing and paid. Make sure you expedite the process so that it is faster. After my biometrics appointment I left the country and had my reentry permit sent by fedex (not recommended because it can get lost). I also believe it is possible for USCIS to send you this document to the US embassy in the country you are going to be at.

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