I-131 Re-Entry Permit and Refugee Travel Document Biometric Changes Announced by USCIS
The USCIS has issued revised instructions for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Applicants for re-entry permits and refugee travel documents will, effective March 5, 2008, be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) at a USCIS Application Support Center. Here are the new instructions and here is the new Form I-131.
The USCIS will notify applicants of their appointment after the I-131 application is filed.
The practical effect of the change will be that applicants will need to plan well in advance of their travel date so that they have enough time in between the filing of the I-131 and the biometrics interview.
The new instructions also provide guidance on how to request expedited processing when necessary--submitting pre-paid express mailers with the I-131 for USCIS to send the applicant his or her receipt and ASC appointment notice, and the completed Re-entry Permit or Refugee Travel Document when and if approved.
