If you need urgent international travel, first identify which travel document applies to your immigration status and check current USCIS instructions. An emergency does not make every travel document interchangeable.
Document the reason for the urgency
Keep records that objectively explain the emergency and its timing. Depending on the situation, that might include medical or hospital records, a death certificate or funeral information, a letter from a doctor, an employer or school document, or other dated evidence explaining why the travel cannot reasonably wait.
Preserve the complete record and an English translation when required.
Keep travel timing evidence
Save proposed travel dates, reservations if already made, appointment dates, and other records that show the time-sensitive nature of the request. Avoid buying nonrefundable travel solely because you assume USCIS will issue a document by a particular date.
Keep your immigration records ready
Organize your identity document, current immigration-status records, copies of any pending Form I-131, receipt notices, prior travel documents, and the evidence supporting the emergency.
Use the current USCIS process
USCIS provides appointment and emergency-service information that can change. Check the current Form I-131 page and USCIS appointment guidance before relying on older instructions.
Travel can have serious immigration consequences for some people. Before leaving the United States, get qualified legal advice if you are uncertain about your status, destination, pending case, or ability to return.
Official sources
This is general organizational information, not a determination that USCIS will expedite or issue a travel document.