Introduction
How long does Form I-131 take to process? There isn’t a single answer because Form I-131 is used to apply for different travel documents, including Re-entry Permits, Advance Parole Documents, and Refugee Travel Documents. Processing times vary based on the travel document requested, the USCIS office handling your application, biometrics requirements, and your individual case.
This guide explains the current USCIS processing times, the factors that affect them, the typical processing timeline from filing to approval, and what to do if your application is taking longer than expected.
The example timeframes below illustrate one applicant’s experience and are intended to show the order of the processing stages, not guaranteed USCIS timelines.
Current USCIS Form I-131 Processing Times
USCIS publishes separate processing times for each Form I-131 application category, not a single processing time for the entire form. Processing times also vary depending on the USCIS office or Service Center Operations (SCOPS) handling your case.
The published processing times are estimates, not guaranteed deadlines. They represent the timeframe in which USCIS completed 80% of adjudicated cases for that application category. Your application may be processed faster or slower depending on factors such as biometrics, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), background checks, workload, and the complexity of your case.
To find the most accurate estimate for your application, use the official USCIS Case Processing Times tool and select your Form I-131 category and processing office.
| Form I-131 Category | Current USCIS Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Re-entry Permit | 16 Months |
| Advance Parole | 23 Months |
| Refugee Travel Document | 16 Months |
Note: Processing times are based on USCIS estimates for recently completed cases and may change over time. Always verify the latest information using the official USCIS Case Processing Times tool.
Form I-131 Processing Times by Travel Document Type
Form I-131 is used to apply for different travel documents, and each category has its own processing time. Choosing the correct category helps you estimate how long your application may take.
Re-entry Permit
A Re-entry Permit is for lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) who plan to stay outside the United States for an extended period without abandoning their permanent resident status.
Typical USCIS processing time: 16 months
Advance Parole
An Advance Parole Document allows certain noncitizens, such as applicants with a pending adjustment of status, to travel outside the United States and request permission to return without abandoning their application.
Typical USCIS processing time: 23 months
Refugee Travel Document
A Refugee Travel Document is for refugees and asylees who need a travel document to leave and return to the United States.
Typical USCIS processing time: 16 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.
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 apply for is one of the biggest factors affecting processing time. Re-entry Permits, Advance Parole Documents, and Refugee Travel Documents are processed separately and often have different estimated timelines.
USCIS Workload
Processing times may increase when USCIS receives a high volume of applications or experiences staffing and operational changes. Workload can vary throughout the year and between application categories.
Service Center Processing Your Application
Your application is processed by a USCIS Service Center or Service Center Operations (SCOPS). Processing speeds may differ depending on the office assigned to your case and its current workload.
Biometrics Requirements
Many Form I-131 applicants must attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature. Scheduling and completing biometrics may affect the overall processing timeline. USCIS may reuse previously collected biometrics for some applicants.
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.
Seasonal Filing Volume
Application volumes may increase during certain periods of the year, resulting in longer processing times. Higher filing volumes can affect workload across USCIS processing offices.
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.
Illustrative timeline: The timeframes below illustrate one applicant’s experience and are provided to help explain the processing stages. Actual timelines vary depending on your Form I-131 category, USCIS workload, biometrics scheduling, and individual case.
Step 1: Prepare and Mail Your Application
Complete Form I-131, gather the required supporting documents, pay the applicable filing fee (if required), and mail your application to the correct USCIS filing location. An incomplete application may delay processing or result in rejection.
Illustrative timeframe: Day 0
Step 2: USCIS Lockbox Receives Your Application
Once your application is delivered, the USCIS lockbox reviews it to confirm that it includes the correct form edition, required signatures, payment (if applicable), and other basic filing requirements. If accepted, USCIS begins processing your application.
Illustrative timeframe: Shortly after USCIS receives your application.
Step 3: USCIS Officially Accepts Your Application
After the lockbox completes its initial review, USCIS accepts your application, creates your case, and assigns an official receipt date. This receipt date becomes the filing date used throughout the adjudication process.
Illustrative timeframe: About 3–7 days after delivery.
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 has been received. This notice contains your 13-character receipt number, which you can use to track your case online.
If you submitted Form G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, USCIS may send your receipt number by text message and email before the paper notice arrives. Depending on your case, the text message, email notification, online case update, and mailed Form I-797C may not arrive at the same time.
If you haven’t received your receipt notice after a reasonable period, first check your myUSCIS account and confirm that your mailing address is correct. If the notice is still missing, contact USCIS for assistance.
Illustrative timeframe: About 7–10 days after mailing (varies by case).
Step 5: Add Your Receipt Number to Your myUSCIS Account
After receiving your receipt number, add your case to your myUSCIS account to track your application status, receive updates, and view available notices online. Your receipt number usually becomes active after USCIS creates your case. If it doesn’t work immediately, wait a short time and try again, as online systems may take time to update.
Depending on your case, some notices may appear in your myUSCIS account before the paper copy arrives in the mail, while others may only be available after they have been mailed. If your online account and mailed notices don’t update at the same time, this is generally normal.
Illustrative timeframe: After receiving your receipt number.
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 myUSCIS account 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.
Illustrative timeframe: Usually after USCIS accepts your application.
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.
Illustrative timeframe: About 10–20 days after mailing.
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.
Illustrative timeframe: Depends on your individual case.
Step 9: USCIS Makes a Decision
Once the review is complete, USCIS approves or denies your application and notifies you of the decision.
Illustrative timeframe: Depends on your individual case.
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.
Illustrative timeframe: Depends on your individual case.
Processing Workflow: Mail Application → Lockbox Receives Application → Case Accepted → Receipt Number Issued → Biometrics (if required) → USCIS Review → Decision → Travel Document Produced and Mailed.
Remember: The illustrative timeframes above show one possible application journey. Your case may move faster or slower depending on your Form I-131 category, biometrics requirements, USCIS workload, and other case-specific factors. Use the official USCIS Processing Times tool to monitor your application category.
Why Is My Form I-131 Taking Longer Than Expected?
If your Form I-131 is taking longer than expected, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with your application. Processing times vary by travel document type, USCIS workload, and individual case circumstances. It’s also common for a case status to remain unchanged for weeks or months while USCIS completes internal review and required background checks.
USCIS Processing Workload
USCIS processing times can increase when application volumes are high or when processing offices have larger workloads. Processing speeds may also vary between Service Center Operations (SCOPS) or other USCIS offices handling Form I-131 applications.
Additional Review or Evidence
Some applications require additional review before USCIS can make a decision. This may include security and background checks or a Request for Evidence (RFE) if supporting documents or information are missing. Processing resumes after USCIS receives and reviews your response.
Application Issues
Incomplete forms, missing supporting documents, incorrect filing fees, or delayed biometrics appointments may extend your processing time. Reviewing your application carefully before filing can help reduce avoidable delays.
When Should You Contact USCIS?
If your application has been pending longer than the published USCIS processing time for your Form I-131 category, compare your case with the official USCIS Case Processing Times tool. If your case is outside the normal processing timeframe, you may submit a case inquiry or contact USCIS for an update.
Remember: Processing times are estimates based on completed cases. Even applicants who file the same Form I-131 on the same day may receive a decision at different times because every case is reviewed individually.
