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Form I-131A: Application for Carrier Documentation
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-131A is used to obtain carrier documentation when a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident cannot board a carrier with a green card or reentry permit. The filing fee must be paid online before presenting the form at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
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USCIS Form I-131A - Application for Carrier Documentation
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-131A is used to obtain carrier documentation when a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident cannot board a carrier with a green card or reentry permit. The filing fee must be paid online before presenting the form at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting without a handwritten signature or fee proof leads to immediate rejection.
- 2Submitting the form with a stamped or typed name instead of a handwritten signature.
- 3Failing to include proof of online filing fee payment when appearing at the Embassy/Consulate.
- 4Providing photos that are not 2 × 2 inches or that do not meet head‑height and eye‑height measurements.
- 5Omitting an English translation and certification for documents written in a foreign language.
Plain English
Form I‑131A lets a green‑card holder who cannot board a flight because the airline requires a passport or visa get a special carrier document. You only file it when the carrier says your green card or re‑entry permit is not enough.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you are a former lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident abroad and need carrier documentation because you lack a valid green card, reentry permit, or other accepted travel document.
- Do not use it when you possess a valid green card, reentry permit, Advance Parole (Form I-512/I-512L), or Employment Authorization Document with travel endorsement.
- Check Form I-131 instead when you are seeking Humanitarian Parole.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need Advance Parole that has expired or will expire before return
Carrier documentation is unnecessary if a current Advance Parole is held
✓ Verify expiration date of Form I-512 before filing
Need Employment Authorization Document with travel endorsement that is expired or revoked
A valid EAD with travel endorsement serves as carrier documentation
✓ Confirm EAD is current and includes travel endorsement
Seeking Humanitarian Parole rather than carrier documentation
Form I-131 is the correct application for Humanitarian Parole, not Form I-131A
✓ Ensure the purpose is humanitarian parole before proceeding
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Country of Birth and Citizenship
Current country names or "stateless" with explanation · Passport, birth certificate, or personal statement
USCIS Online Account Number (OAN)
OAN if previously filed a form with receipt number beginning IOE · USCIS online account profile or Account Access Notice
Photographs
Two 2×2‑inch photos meeting head and eye measurements, bare head unless religious · Photo lab or personal camera following specifications
Proof of fee payment
Evidence of online payment receipt · USCIS online filing system receipt email
Signature
Handwritten signature on the form (photocopy/fax/scan acceptable) · The completed Form I-131A itself
Before you submit
- 1Pay the filing fee through the USCIS online filing system.
- 2Print the completed Form I-131A with all required fields filled.
- 3Sign the form with a handwritten signature (or attach a clear scanned copy).
- 4Attach two compliant 2×2‑inch photos with name and A‑Number lightly printed on the back.
- 5Gather all supporting evidence listed in the instructions.
- 6Print the online fee‑payment receipt as proof of payment.
- 7Locate the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate that accepts Form I-131A.
- 8Bring the completed form, photos, supporting documents, and fee receipt to the consular office.
- 9Confirm that the consular officer accepts the submission before leaving.
How to file this form
- 1Pay the filing fee online via the USCIS website.
- 2Print and complete Form I-131A, filling every required field.
- 3Sign the form and attach two compliant photos.
- 4Assemble supporting documents and the online fee receipt.
- 5Appear in person at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate with the package.
- 6Submit the package to the consular officer and retain a copy of the submitted form.
Known limitations
- 1The form cannot be used for Humanitarian Parole applications.
- 2It is not required if you have a valid green card or reentry permit.
- 3It does not apply when you hold a current Form I-512, I-512L, or I-766 with travel endorsement.
- 4It is not for individuals who are still a valid lawful permanent resident.
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Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name.
MM/DD/YYYY.
Alien Registration Number if previously assigned.
Details
1 items
The specific reason or legal basis for filing this form.
Evidence
1 items
List of documents supporting this application.
Signatures
2 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
MM/DD/YYYY.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The form shows revision date 01/20/25 and expires on 02/28/2027 as indicated in the Instructions (p.1).
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form displays revision date 01/20/25 (Instructions p.1).
- Fee — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- Signature — confirm the form includes a handwritten signature; unsigned forms are rejected (Instructions p.6).
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the submitted Form I-131A and all supporting documents.
- 2Retain the online fee‑payment receipt for your records.
- 3Monitor email or consular communications for appointment or approval notices.
- 4If the form is rejected, correct the deficiency (e.g., add missing signature) and resubmit.
- 5Wait for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to issue the carrier documentation before traveling.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — revision date 01/20/25 and expiration 02/28/2027.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — eligibility criteria include being physically present in the U.S., no longer a valid LPR, expired Advance Parole or EAD, and note not for Humanitarian Parole.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — carriers may accept other documents; if not, file Form I-131A; reference to SB-1 visa as alternative.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — photocopied, faxed, or scanned signatures are accepted for filing.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — details on USCIS Online Account Number retrieval.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — requirement to provide country of birth and citizenship using current names.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — photo specifications (2×2 inches, head and eye measurements, headwear rules).
- SRCInstructions p.6 — filing location: nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate; must submit fee online first.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — forms are rejected if unsigned or without proof of fee payment.
Common confusion points
Do I need to mail the form?
The instructions state not to mail the completed form (Instructions p.7).
→ Verify you will appear in person at the Embassy or Consulate.
Can I submit a scanned signature?
Photocopied, faxed, or scanned signatures are accepted if they are of the original handwritten ink (Instructions p.3).
→ Ensure the scan is clear and includes the full signature.
Is there a mailing address for Form I-131A?
No mailing address is provided; the form must be filed in person (Instructions p.7).
→ Confirm you are going to the correct consular location.
Do I need to file if I have a valid green card?
The form is not needed when a valid green card or reentry permit is available (Purpose statement, p.1).
→ Check your green card’s validity before filing.
Is Form I-131A for Humanitarian Parole?
The instructions explicitly say it should not be used for Humanitarian Parole and refer to Form I-131 for that purpose (Instructions p.2).
→ Use Form I-131 for humanitarian parole requests.
Do I have to bring my passport?
The source does not list a passport as required evidence; only fee proof and supporting documents are mentioned (Instructions p.6).
→ Bring a passport only if it is part of your supporting evidence.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-131A
What is USCIS Form I-131A used for?
Form I‑131A lets a green‑card holder who cannot board a flight because the airline requires a passport or visa get a special carrier document. You only file it when the carrier says your green card or re‑entry permit is not enough.
Who must file USCIS Form I-131A?
Lawful permanent residents or conditional permanent residents of the United States who need carrier documentation because a carrier will not accept their green card or re‑entry permit must file Form I‑131A.
What information does USCIS Form I-131A require?
The form collects the applicant’s name, A‑Number, two 2‑by‑2‑inch photos, any interpreter’s details (Part 5), and the preparer’s signature (Part 6).
Where do I file USCIS Form I-131A?
Send the completed Form I‑131A to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate after paying the filing fee online, and appear in person with proof of payment.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-131A?
First, obtain two 2‑by‑2‑inch photos that meet the head‑size requirements and print the applicant’s name and A‑Number on the back. Then fill out the form, providing interpreter information in Part 5 and the preparer’s signature in Part 6. Pay the filing fee through the USCIS online system. Finally, bring the signed form and payment proof to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for acceptance.
What happens if USCIS Form I-131A is filed incorrectly?
If the form lacks a valid handwritten signature or proof of online fee payment, USCIS rejects it and the request is denied.
Do I need to mail the form?
The instructions state not to mail the completed form (Instructions p.7). Verify you will appear in person at the Embassy or Consulate.
Can I submit a scanned signature?
Photocopied, faxed, or scanned signatures are accepted if they are of the original handwritten ink (Instructions p.3). Ensure the scan is clear and includes the full signature.
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