I 131a Form Usage Explained

Summary

The I-131A form is used by legal permanent residents to apply for carrier documentation if their Green Card is lost or stolen while outside the U.S. It is not required for I-130 visa applicants, who use the I-130 form to establish a family relationship with a non-U.S. Citizen.

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What is an I-131A visa?
The I-131A is not a visa, but a form known as the "Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation)". This form is used by legal permanent residents (Green Card holders) to apply for a carrier documentation if their Green Card is lost or stolen while they're outside the U.S. It allows them to return to the U.S. without needing a returning resident visa.
do i130 visa applicants need the I-131a form?
No, I-* applicants do not typically need to fill out an I-131A form. The I-131A form is primarily for legal permanent residents who have lost their Green Card while outside of the U.S. The I-* form is a petition for alien relative, which is used to establish a family relationship with someone who is not a U.S. citizen.