Emergency Travel Document (I-131A) — For Permanent Residents Stranded Abroad
Lost, stolen, or destroyed green card while traveling? Get back to the United States.
The I-131A is your emergency travel document to get back to the United States when your green card was lost, stolen, or destroyed while traveling. We prepare your complete filing package for your U.S. Embassy appointment for just $89. Without a valid travel document, you cannot board a flight back to the United States.
Benefits
- AI-Powered Guidance: Every question explained in plain English. Our AI assistant helps you describe your emergency situation clearly and completely for the consular officer.
- Embassy Filing Ready: Your completed form is formatted exactly as the U.S. Embassy expects. Print it, sign it, and bring it to your consular appointment.
- Complete Filing Package: Get your filled I-131A form, a personalized cover letter describing your emergency, and a step-by-step embassy filing guide.
- Error Prevention: Our system catches mistakes before you visit the embassy. Wrong dates, missing information, incomplete sections — all fixed before the consular officer reviews your application.
What's Included
- Form I-131A completed and ready to sign
- AI-powered guidance for every question
- Personalized cover letter describing your emergency
- Step-by-step embassy filing guide
- Document checklist
- Spanish language support
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Form I-131A?
Form I-131A is an emergency travel document for people who are outside the United States and need to return urgently but have lost, had stolen, or had destroyed their green card or other travel document. It is filed in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Who can file Form I-131A?
The I-131A is for lawful permanent residents (green card holders), advance parole holders, and persons with valid travel authorization who are currently outside the U.S. and need an emergency travel document to return.
What is the difference between I-131 and I-131A?
I-131 is filed from inside the U.S. before you travel. I-131A is for emergencies when you are already abroad. I-131A is filed in person at a U.S. Embassy, not mailed to USCIS.
How much does the I-131A cost?
The USCIS filing fee is $575, paid online at pay.gov before your embassy appointment. Our preparation fee is $89.
How long does processing take?
Processing is typically faster than other USCIS applications — days to weeks — because it is handled directly by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Where do I file the I-131A?
Unlike most USCIS forms, the I-131A is NOT mailed to a lockbox. You must file it in person at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you are located.
What documents do I need?
You typically need your passport, any remaining immigration documents, a police report (if stolen), proof of permanent residence (tax returns, utility bills), two passport photos, and the USCIS fee receipt from pay.gov.
Can I file if my green card expired while abroad?
Yes. If you are a lawful permanent resident whose green card expired while traveling, you can file I-131A to get an emergency travel document to return to the U.S.
What does the $89 include?
Your completed I-131A form, personalized cover letter describing your emergency situation, step-by-step embassy filing guide, and document checklist.
Do I need a lawyer?
For most emergency travel situations, no. Our AI-guided tool helps you complete the form and prepare for your embassy appointment with plain-English explanations.