What is the process for a child to obtain a travel document?

In California, obtaining a travel document for a child under the age of 18 typically requires an adult to coordinate the process. First, the adult will need to file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application is Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, which must be completed and filed along with a copy of the child’s birth certificate, passport, or other identification documents. Applicants must also submit two passport-style photos for the child, as well as a fee. Once the application has been submitted, USCIS will review the application and supporting documentation and decide whether the child meets the requirements for a travel document. If approved, USCIS will issue the document, which can be used to travel outside the United States and re-enter. The travel document will be valid for a specified period of time, typically one year or less. Depending on the circumstances, the adult responsible for the child may also be required to provide additional information or documentation to USCIS to prove that the child will not stay in the country beyond the designated period of time. This may include a statement of the purpose of the travel, a return airline ticket, or evidence of financial support for the child. In some cases, the child may also need to obtain a visa from the country of destination in order to be allowed to enter and travel. It is important for the adult responsible for the child to research the requirements of the destination country to ensure that all necessary travel documents can be obtained and to determine any other necessary information for the child’s travel.

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Para que un menor obtenga un documento de viaje en California, el proceso varía dependiendo de la edad del menor y del motivo del viaje. Si el menor de edad está viajando sin acompañamiento de un padre o tutor legal, necesitará una carta de permiso para viajar, firmada por el padre o tutor del menor, declarando que el menor tiene su permiso para viajar. Esta carta también debe contener el nombre del adulto con el que el menor viajará, así como un número de contacto para ese adulto. Además, los menores deben tener una identificación con foto, si es posible. Si el menor de edad es un inmigrante indocumentado, también necesitará un pasaporte. Para obtener un pasaporte, el menor debe presentar un Formulario I-131, solicitud para un documento de viaje, junto con documentos que demuestren que es un inmigrante indocumentado. Esta solicitud solicita que el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de Estados Unidos le otorgue un permiso de viaje. Una vez que la solicitud es aprobada, el menor recibirá un pasaporte de su país de origen. Un menor puede presentar una solicitud de visa de turista, también conocida como la visa B-2, para viajar a Estados Unidos. El proceso para obtener una visa de turista requiere que el menor presente una solicitud de visa, junto con los documentos necesarios para demostrar su identidad y propósito para el viaje. Si la visa es aprobada, se emitirá una tarjeta de inmigración con vigencia de seis meses para el viaje. El menor debe seguir todas las instrucciones de la tarjeta de inmigración para evitar la expulsión.

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