| USCIS revises instructions for reentry permits and refugee travel documents to require submission of biometrics |
| published 5 March 2008 |
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On March 5, 2008, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) published revised instructions for the Form I-131
Application for Travel Document that are effective immediately.
This form is used for applications for reentry permits, refugee
travel documents, and advance paroles. The instructions now
require applicants for reentry permits and refugee travel
documents to provide biometrics (e.g., signature, fingerprints
and photographs) at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).
The instructions indicate that where biometric collection is
required and the applicant departs the U.S. before biometrics
are collected, the application may be denied. The new instructions require that applicants between ages 14 and 79 submit the biometrics filing fee in addition to the regular I-131 filing fee, and that they provide biometrics before departing from the United States. After an application is filed, USCIS will mail the applicant a Receipt Notice and an ASC scheduling notice. In cases where an applicant requires expedited processing for one of the reasons outlined on the USCIS website: |
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USCIS Expedite Criteria
All expedite requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and are granted at the discretion of the Director. The criteria are as follows:
If your case is at a local office at the time you need to make your emergency request, please go to the local office in person to make your request. Please be sure to take all supporting documentation with you. If your case is at one of our Service Centers or the National Benefits Center, please call customer service at 1-800-375-5283 to receive further instructions on where and how to send your request. |
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The instructions provide specific information for submitting pre-paid express mailers with the application, for USCIS to send the applicant his or her receipt and ASC appointment notice, as well as the completed Re-entry Permit or Refugee Travel Document, if approved. A request for expedited processing should contain the applicant's reasons for such processing.
Please note that this change only impacts applicants for
reentry permits and refugee travel documents; applicants for
advance parole are not impacted by this change. |
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