Update: Biometric Changes For Re-entry Permits and Refugee Travel Documents
WASHINGTON –U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued revised instructions for USCIS Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. The instructions include changes, which will become effective March 5, 2008, that require applicants for re-entry permits and refugee travel documents to provide biometrics (e.g., fingerprints and photographs) at a USCIS Application Support Centers (ASC) for background and security checks and requirements for secure travel and entry documents containing biometric identifiers. As indicated in the instructions, when the biometrics requirement becomes effective, USCIS will notify applicants of their appointment at the designated ASC after submission of the I-131 application.
The new instructions for Form I-131 require that applicants for re-entry permits and refugee travel documents who are ages 14 through 79 provide biometrics before departing from the United States. Applicants also are strongly encouraged to apply, whenever possible, well in advance of their anticipated travel dates to allow time to attend their ASC appointments and to receive their travel documents. Shortly after filing an I-131 form for a Refugee Travel Document or a Re-entry Permit, USCIS will mail the applicant his or her receipt and an ASC scheduling notice. The I-131 instructions also provide guidance for certain persons who are abroad at the time of filing to visit a U.S. Embassy or consulate for fingerprinting, although all applicants are urged to file before leaving the United States.
The instructions also discuss the requirement for applicants for re-entry permits and refugee travel documents who are in the United States to pay the $80 biometrics services fee, or to submit a biometrics fee waiver request with sufficient documentation to support their inability to pay the fee. As in the past, the application fee for the I-131 form cannot be waived.
In addition, if applicants require expedited processing, the instructions provide specific information for submitting pre-paid express mailers with the I-131 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.
Changes to the Form I-131 instructions concerning biometrics are vital to the security of the immigration process, as well as to help ensure that USCIS complies with congressional mandates for issuance of secure documents. The added biometric requirements will provide the agency with an opportunity to conduct more in-depth security background checks for applicants for immigration benefits or re-entry permits and refugee travel documents for entering the United States. These requirements also improve USCIS’ capability to verify identity and for applicants to obtain secure documents that are less subject to fraud and abuse.
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I just saw that as well... What does it mean? Biometrics every year until receiving the GC?!
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Biometrics to get Advanced Parole document.
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Does this mean after applying AP every year, we need to go for finger printing???
we do it anyways after filing 140 right??
I dono when I plan to visit my country, but I need to have AP ready..so in tht case, when Should I go for this appointment?
is this $80 included in the fee already for I131?
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1. When should we do the AP before the old one expires?
2. Does this change in AP requirements affect the I485 process for those who are March PD current in any way creating a higher Backlog?
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I read a little around and here is my understanding:
Form 131 can be used for three (3) purposes:
1. to obtain a reentry permit
2. to obtain a refugee travel document
3. to abtain an Advance parole document
The article is very clear and covers point 1. and point 2. and DOES NOT cover point 3.
I like to believe that my understanding is correct and this has no impact whatsoever on Advance Parole
Bottom right of page 5 of this document:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-131instr.pdf
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