December 21, 2020

What is an I-131A visa and will it allow me to reenter the United States?

An I-131A visa is for lawful permanent residents (“LPR”) whose Form I-551 “green card” was lost, stolen or destroyed while traveling outside the United States, or whose green card has expired, and who have been outside the U.S. for less than one year. Such LPRs can apply at a U.S. Consulate for the I-131A visa.

Commonly referred to as a boarding foil, this visa should allow LPRs to board an aircraft and request entry into the United States. Note the boarding foil does not guarantee you will be admitted.

Upon arrival at the Port of Entry (“POE”), a Customs and Boarder Protection (“CBP”) officer will review your request for entry. CBP officers have the authority to determine your admissibility and are not obligated to admit you based on the boarding foil. However, LPRs do have the right to request to be admitted temporarily and be scheduled for a hearing before an immigration judge to determine eligibility (know your rights). Returning LPRs are permanent residents until that status is revoked or voluntarily relinquished.

There may be other conditions that apply for filing an I-131A Application for Travel Document. Contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney based in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei.

ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Office

Suite 601, 6th Floor, Saigon Tower
29 Le Duan Street
Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tel: +84 933 301 488

Email: info@enterlinepartners.com

Facebook: Enterline & Partners – Dịch vụ Thị thực và Định cư Hoa Kỳ

Website: http://enterlinepartners.com

Manila, Philippines Office

LKG Tower 37th Floor

6801 Ayala Avenue

Makati City, Philippines 1226

Tel: +632 5310 1491

Email: info@enterlinepartners.com

Facebook: Enterline and Partners Philippines

Website: https://enterlinepartners.com/language/en/welcome/

Copyright 2020. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.

Categories: Immigrant Visa

Tags: DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application, Form I-131A, Form I-551, Green Card (Permanent Resident Card), Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

Protection from Regional Center Program Expiration – Grandfathering before September 30, 2026

David Enterline Receives Recognition by AILA APAC for Contributions to the Chapter

Visa Application Processing at U.S. Consulates for the E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

New Adjustment of Status Policy May Force Applicants To Attend Visa Interviews at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate

our services

contact us today for more information

Latest News

Passport Revocation for Child Support Arrears

On May 7, 2026, the United States Department of State (“DOS”) announced that it will begin revoking U.S. passports for certain individuals with outstanding child support arrears. Under existing federal regulations (22 CFR §51.62) and DOS policy guidance (7 FAM 1754), DOS may deny or revoke a U.S. passport when the Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) certifies that an individual owes more than US$2,500 in child support. Although this authority has existed for years, the announcement signals increased enforcement efforts. According to recent reports, the initial phase may focus on individuals with arrears exceeding US$100,000, with broader enforcement potentially expanding to all individuals owing more than US$2,500. Once revoked, a passport may no longer be used for international travel. In most cases, the individual will not become eligible for a new passport until DHHS certifies that the child support arrears have been resolved. If an individual is overseas

Protection from Regional Center Program Expiration – Grandfathering before September 30, 2026

The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) introduced several important changes to the EB-5 Regional Center Program. One of the most important protections for investors is commonly referred to as the “grandfathering” provision found in Section 108 of the RIA, titled “Protection from Expired Legislation.” Since its creation in 1993, the EB-5 Regional Center Program has always been a pilot, or “test”, program. Historically, it has required periodic reauthorization by the United States Congress. In the past, temporary lapses in authorization created uncertainty for investors with pending I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor petitions. Many investors were at risk that USCIS would stop processing their cases if the Regional Center Program expired before petition approval or visa issuance. To address these concerns, Congress included additional protections in the RIA intended to help investors continue moving forward with their immigration process even if the Regional Center Program expires

David Enterline Receives Recognition by AILA APAC for Contributions to the Chapter

Enterline and Partners Managing Attorney David Enterline was recently honored as the recipient of the “APAC Shout Out Award” for 2026. The APAC is the Asia Pacific Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”). APAC members are AILA members who have a part of their law practice in Asia or represent clients from Asia. While most of its members are based in the U.S., some of its members, like David, live and work in Asia. David received the recognition at the APAC 14th Annual Conference in New Delhi, India. In addition to joining the EB-5 Panel at the annual conference, David was recognized for his past contribution to the chapter, including serving as Co-Chair of many of its annual conferences, his work in fund raising to help subsidize conference expenses, and serving on various committees and areas of leadership in the chapter. The AILA APAC annual conferences are held

What is an I-131A visa and will it allow me to reenter the United States?

CATEGORY

contact us today for more information

Latest News

Need help with your U.S. visa?Talk to our experts today.

Need help with your U.S. visa?
Talk to our experts today.