Quick Answer: How Long Does Form I-131 Take?
Form I-131 processing time depends on the travel document you are requesting. As of October 2026, the USCIS processing time is 26.5 months for Advance Parole and 16.5 months for the combined Re-entry Permit or Refugee Travel Document category.
These are USCIS processing-time estimates based on recently adjudicated cases, not guaranteed timelines for an individual application.
Your case may take more or less time depending on your Form I-131 category, biometrics requirements, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), background checks, USCIS workload, and other case-specific factors.
Use the official USCIS Case Processing Times tool to confirm the latest estimate for your application category.
Current USCIS Form I-131 Processing Times
USCIS does not publish one processing time for every Form I-131 application. Processing times are reported by application category and the USCIS office or Service Center Operations (SCOPS) handling the workload.
The published processing time represents the amount of time in which USCIS completed 80% of recently adjudicated cases in that category. It is a reference point, not a guaranteed deadline for an individual application.
Last checked against USCIS processing times: October 4, 2026.
| USCIS Form I-131 Category | Current USCIS Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Advance Parole | 26.5 Months |
| Re-entry permit or refugee travel document | 16.5 Months |
USCIS processing times can change. Always use the official USCIS Case Processing Times tool to verify the latest estimate for your application category.
Processing time vs. case inquiry: The processing time shown above represents when USCIS completed 80% of adjudicated cases.
USCIS uses a separate threshold based on 93% of adjudicated cases to determine when you may submit a case inquiry.
Enter your receipt date in the USCIS processing-times tool to see whether your case is eligible for an inquiry.
Ready to File Form I-131?
Get step-by-step guidance to prepare and submit your Form I-131 with confidence. Start My Form I-131 Application
Form I-131 Processing Times by Travel Document Type
Form I-131 is used for several travel-document and parole requests. USCIS currently publishes one processing-time category for Advance Parole and another combined category for Re-entry Permits and Refugee Travel Documents.
The document you are requesting determines which processing-time estimate applies to your case.
Re-entry Permit Processing Time in 2026
USCIS currently groups Re-entry Permits and Refugee Travel Documents together for processing-time reporting.
A Re-entry Permit allows a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission to the United States after travel abroad during the permit’s validity without first obtaining a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.
Current USCIS processing time: 16.5 months
Advance Parole Processing Time in 2026
USCIS reports Advance Parole as a separate Form I-131 processing-time category. This category includes certain applicants requesting advance permission to travel and seek parole into the United States.
For certain individuals who are already in the United States, an Advance Parole Document can authorize travel to a U.S. port of entry to request parole.
Advance Parole does not guarantee that you will be paroled into the United States. A separate decision is made when you arrive at the port of entry.
Travel warning: USCIS currently warns that, following the Aug. 13, 2026 BIA decision in Matter of Delcarmen-Lara, travel using Advance Parole may have unlawful-presence inadmissibility consequences for some applicants.
Review current USCIS guidance before departing the United States.
Current USCIS processing time: 26.5 months
Refugee Travel Document Processing Time in 2026
USCIS currently reports Refugee Travel Documents together with Re-entry Permits as one processing-time category.
A Refugee Travel Document is generally used by individuals in refugee or asylee status, and certain lawful permanent residents who obtained that status as refugees or asylees, for international travel.
Current USCIS processing time: 16.5 months
Other Form I-131 Travel Documents
Form I-131 may also be used for other travel-related requests in limited situations, such as Advance Permission to Travel for certain applicants under specific USCIS programs.
Processing times vary depending on the application category and eligibility requirements.
Historical Form I-131 Processing Times: 2014–2026
USCIS publishes historical national median processing times for Form I-131 by fiscal year, covering Advance Parole Document, Parole in Place, and Travel Document.
| Fiscal year | Advance Parole Document | Parole in Place | Travel Document |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2014 | 2.2 months | 2.0 months | 4.3 months |
| FY 2015 | 2.4 months | 2.6 months | 4.1 months |
| FY 2016 | 2.3 months | 2.2 months | 4.0 months |
| FY 2017 | 3.0 months | 2.5 months | 4.2 months |
| FY 2018 | 3.6 months | 3.3 months | 2.9 months |
| FY 2019 | 4.5 months | 3.3 months | 2.8 months |
| FY 2020 | 4.6 months | 4.8 months | 4.0 months |
| FY 2021 | 7.7 months | 4.9 months | 7.2 months |
| FY 2022 | 7.3 months | 4.7 months | 10.6 months |
| FY 2023 | 5.8 months | 5.4 months | 15.9 months |
| FY 2024 | 5.9 months | 4.1 months | 14.3 months |
| FY 2025 | 6.0 months | 4.5 months | 13.6 months |
| FY 2026* | 6.0 months | 12.8 months | 14.9 months |
* FY2026 data are reported through July 31, 2026.
Note: Historical figures are median processing times for completed cases and use a different methodology from the current USCIS processing-time estimates. Use the USCIS Case Processing Times tool for current wait times.
Looking for Other USCIS Processing Times?
Form I-131 is often filed with other immigration applications, such as Form I-485. If you are tracking both applications, check the Form I-485 processing time or visit our USCIS Processing Times guide to compare current wait times by form.
What Affects Form I-131 Processing Time?
Several factors can affect how long USCIS takes to process Form I-131. While USCIS publishes estimated processing times, your application may be completed sooner or later depending on your application category and case-specific circumstances.
Type of Travel Document Requested
The type of travel document you request determines which USCIS processing-time category applies.
USCIS currently reports Advance Parole separately and groups Re-entry Permits and Refugee Travel Documents together for processing-time reporting.
USCIS Workload
Processing times may increase when USCIS receives a high volume of applications or adjusts staffing and workload. Application volume and workload can vary over time and between Form I-131 processing categories.
USCIS Office Handling Your Application
Processing time can depend on the USCIS office or operation handling your application.
USCIS currently reports the Advance Parole and Re-entry Permit or Refugee Travel Document processing-time categories under Service Center Operations (SCOPS).
Biometrics Requirements
USCIS may require Form I-131 applicants to attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature. USCIS may also reuse previously collected biometrics, so a new appointment is not always required.
Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
If USCIS needs additional information or supporting documents, it may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). Processing generally continues after USCIS receives and reviews your response, which can extend the overall timeline.
Missing or Incorrect Documents
Submitting an incomplete application, missing supporting evidence, unsigned forms, or incorrect filing fees may delay processing. Reviewing your application carefully before filing can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Security and Background Checks
USCIS conducts security and background checks before making a decision on many Form I-131 applications. The time required to complete these checks varies by case.
Note: Even if two applicants file the same Form I-131 on the same day, their processing times may differ because of these factors.
Always compare your case against the official USCIS processing times for your application category rather than another applicant’s timeline.
Form I-131 Processing Timeline: Step-by-Step
After you submit Form I-131, your application moves through several processing stages before USCIS issues a decision. While the timeline varies by application type and case complexity, most applications follow the same general process.
Step 1: File Form I-131 Online or by Mail, If Eligible
Complete Form I-131 and gather the required supporting documents and filing fee, if applicable. Your filing method depends on the Form I-131 category you are requesting.
Certain applicants may file Form I-131 online, while other categories must be filed by mail at the appropriate USCIS filing location.
Always check the current Form I-131 filing instructions before submitting your application.
Timing: Your Form I-131 processing time begins when USCIS receives your properly filed application.
Step 2: USCIS Receives Your Application
If you file Form I-131 by mail, a USCIS Lockbox receives and reviews the application for basic filing requirements such as the correct form edition, required signatures, and payment, if applicable.
Applications filed online do not go through the same paper Lockbox intake process.
If the filing meets the basic acceptance requirements, USCIS moves the application into its case-processing system.
Timing: Varies depending on the filing method and case.
Step 3: USCIS Officially Accepts Your Application
After USCIS accepts your properly filed application, it creates your case and assigns an official receipt date. For paper applications, this follows the USCIS Lockbox intake process. Online filings follow USCIS’s electronic intake process.
Your receipt date is used throughout the adjudication process.
Timing: Varies after USCIS receives and accepts the application.
Step 4: Receive Your Receipt Number
After USCIS accepts your application, it issues Form I-797C, Notice of Action, confirming that your Form I-131 was received. The notice contains your 13-character receipt number, which you can use to track your case.
If you file by mail at a USCIS Lockbox and include Form G-1145, USCIS may also send your receipt number by text message or email before the paper notice arrives.
Timing: Receipt-notice timing varies after USCIS accepts the application.
Step 5: Track Your Case Online
After receiving your receipt number, you can track your Form I-131 through USCIS Case Status Online.
If your case is eligible to be linked to a USCIS online account, follow the instructions in your USCIS Account Access Notice. Paper-filed cases that can be linked may require an Online Access Code.
Once a case is linked to your USCIS online account, available notices and case updates may appear online at different times from mailed notices.
Step 6: USCIS Schedules Your Biometrics Appointment
If biometrics are required, USCIS schedules an appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC) and mails a notice with the appointment date, time, and location.
USCIS may reuse previously collected biometrics for some applicants, so a new appointment may not be required.
If you don’t receive your biometrics appointment notice, first check your USCIS online account, if available, and verify your mailing address. If the notice is unavailable or appears to be delayed, contact USCIS for assistance.
Applicants who cannot attend the scheduled appointment can generally request to reschedule by following the instructions in the appointment notice.
If you reschedule your appointment through myUSCIS, an updated appointment notice is generally made available for download or printing. Bring the most recent appointment notice to your biometrics appointment.
If your original notice arrives after the scheduled appointment date because of mail delays, contact USCIS as soon as possible to request guidance or rescheduling.
Timing: If biometrics are required, USCIS will notify you of the appointment date and location. USCIS may instead reuse previously collected biometrics.
Step 7: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
At the ASC, USCIS collects your photograph, fingerprints, and signature to verify your identity and complete required background checks. If USCIS reuses previously collected biometrics, you may not need to attend a new appointment.
Timing: Biometrics scheduling varies by case. Some applicants may not receive a new appointment if USCIS reuses previously collected biometrics.
Step 8: USCIS Reviews Your Application
After biometrics are completed or reused, USCIS reviews your application, completes required background checks, and determines whether additional evidence is needed before making a decision.
It’s normal for your case status to remain unchanged for some time during this stage.
Timing: There is no separate standard USCIS processing time for the period after biometrics. Continue comparing your case with the processing time for your Form I-131 category.
Step 9: USCIS Makes a Decision
Once the review is complete, USCIS approves or denies your application and notifies you of the decision.
Step 10: Your Travel Document Is Produced and Mailed
If your application is approved, USCIS produces your travel document and mails it to the address on your application or another approved delivery location, if applicable.
Processing workflow: File Form I-131 online or by mail, if eligible → USCIS accepts the application → Receipt number issued → Biometrics, if required → USCIS review → Decision → Travel document produced and mailed, if approved.
How Long Does Form I-131 Take After Biometrics?
USCIS does not publish a separate standard processing time from the biometrics appointment to Form I-131 approval. Biometrics are one step in the overall processing timeline.
After your biometrics are completed—or USCIS confirms that previously collected biometrics will be reused—USCIS continues reviewing your application.
The agency may conduct additional background checks, review supporting evidence, issue a Request for Evidence if more information is needed, and then make a decision.
The amount of time remaining depends on your Form I-131 category and individual case.
Use the USCIS Case Processing Times tool to compare your case with the current estimate for your application category rather than counting a fixed number of days or months after biometrics.
Why Is My Form I-131 Taking Longer Than Expected?
If your Form I-131 is still within the USCIS processing timeframe, a period without case-status updates does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
A case may take longer because of USCIS workload, biometrics, security or background checks, a Request for Evidence, or case-specific review.
These factors can affect applicants differently even when they filed around the same time.
When Should You Contact USCIS?
The processing time shown by USCIS is not the same as the date when you can automatically submit a case inquiry.
The displayed processing time represents the time in which USCIS completed 80% of recently adjudicated cases.
USCIS uses a later threshold based on 93% of adjudicated cases to determine case-inquiry eligibility. Enter your receipt date in the official USCIS Case Processing Times tool.
USCIS will show either the date when you may ask about your case or a link to submit an inquiry if your case is already eligible.
Common Form I-131 Case Status Messages
During processing, your Form I-131 case status may change several times as your application moves through different stages.
Common status updates include:
- Case Was Received
- Receipt Notice Was Sent
- Biometrics Appointment Was Scheduled
- Fingerprints Were Taken
- Case Is Being Actively Reviewed
- Request for Evidence Was Sent
- Case Approved
- Document Was Produced
- Document Was Mailed
Not every application displays every status, and some cases may move directly from one update to another.
How to Check Your Form I-131 Status
You can check your Form I-131 case status using your 13-character USCIS receipt number through Case Status Online or your USCIS online account.
To see whether your case is taking longer than USCIS normally allows before an inquiry, use the USCIS Case Processing Times tool and enter your receipt date.
You can also use ImmigrationDirect’s case status checker to check the available status for your USCIS case.
What Happens After Form I-131 Is Approved?
After USCIS approves Form I-131, your case status may show updates such as Case Approved, Document Was Produced, or Document Was Mailed. The exact sequence may vary.
If USCIS is issuing a travel document, it will generally be produced and sent to the approved delivery address after the decision. Continue checking Case Status Online and make sure USCIS has your current mailing address.
If your case shows that the document was mailed but you do not receive it, follow USCIS instructions for a missing or non-delivered document.
What Can You Do If Your Form I-131 Is Taking Too Long?
Check Your Processing Time
Use the official USCIS Case Processing Times tool for your Form I-131 category and enter your receipt date to determine whether your case is eligible for an inquiry.
Submit a Case Inquiry
If the USCIS tool shows that your receipt date is eligible, follow the provided link to submit a case inquiry.
Request Expedited Processing
USCIS accepts expedite requests only in limited circumstances and reviews them on a case-by-case basis. Review the USCIS expedite criteria before submitting a request. An expedite request does not guarantee faster processing or approval.
Contact USCIS
If you need additional information about your pending application, you can contact USCIS through your myUSCIS account, the USCIS Contact Center, or Emma, the agency’s virtual assistant, to check your case or speak with a live representative when available.
Seek Additional Assistance
If your application remains unresolved after contacting USCIS, you may consider requesting assistance from your U.S. congressional representative or the CIS Ombudsman, if applicable.
Note: Expedite requests, case inquiries, and congressional assistance do not guarantee faster processing. USCIS reviews each request based on its policies and the circumstances of your case.
Common Mistakes That Delay Form I-131 Processing
Avoid these common mistakes to help prevent unnecessary processing delays:
- Missing signatures: An unsigned Form I-131 may be rejected by USCIS.
- Incorrect filing fee or payment authorization: An incorrect fee or invalid payment method can result in rejection. Verify the current fee and accepted payment method before filing.
- Using the wrong edition of Form I-131: Always download and submit the current edition from the USCIS website.
- Missing supporting documents: Include all required evidence for your Form I-131 category to reduce the risk of a Request for Evidence (RFE).
- Missing your biometrics appointment: Attend your appointment or reschedule it if you cannot appear as instructed.
- Providing an incorrect mailing address: Ensure your mailing address is accurate so you receive USCIS notices and your travel document without delay. If you move while your case is pending, update your address with USCIS.
Optional tracking tip: If you file Form I-131 by mail at a USCIS Lockbox, you may include Form G-1145 to receive an email or text notification after USCIS accepts your application.
Form G-1145 is optional and does not affect USCIS’s adjudication of your Form I-131.
Tip: Before filing, review the official Form I-131 instructions and use a filing checklist to confirm your application is complete.
Want to Avoid Common Filing Mistakes?
Get step-by-step guidance to prepare your Form I-131 application before you file with USCIS. Start My Form I-131 Application
FAQs About I-131 Processing Times
Does filing Form I-131 online make it process faster?
No. USCIS does not publish a separate faster processing time for Form I-131 applications filed online. Online filing may simplify submission and account access, but processing still depends on the application category, USCIS workload, required checks, evidence, and other case-specific factors.
Does biometrics reuse make Form I-131 process faster?
Not necessarily. If USCIS reuses previously collected biometrics, you may avoid attending a new appointment, but reuse does not guarantee a shorter overall Form I-131 processing time. USCIS still must complete the remaining review, background or security checks, and other required adjudication steps.
Why did my Form I-131 processing time change after I filed?
USCIS processing times can change after you file because the agency updates them using recently completed cases. Changes in application volume, staffing, workload allocation, Requests for Evidence, policy changes, and operational conditions can cause the published estimate for your Form I-131 category to increase or decrease.
Can two Form I-131 applications filed at the same time have different processing times?
Yes. Two Form I-131 applications filed on the same day can have different processing times. USCIS notes that individual cases may require different levels of review because of biometrics, Requests for Evidence, background checks, missing information, workload, or other case-specific circumstances.
Does a Form I-131 case transfer mean there is a problem?
Not necessarily. USCIS may move casework between offices or service-center locations based on workload and staffing needs. A transfer by itself does not mean there is a problem with your Form I-131. Continue monitoring your case status and follow any instructions USCIS sends you.
Need Help Filing Form I-131?
Form I-131 processing times are estimates and do not guarantee when USCIS will decide an individual application.
If you’re preparing Form I-131 and want step-by-step guidance through the preparation process, ImmigrationDirect can help you prepare your application and identify the information and supporting documents required before you file with USCIS.
Start your Form I-131 application today and receive step-by-step guidance designed to help you file with confidence.
