Form I-131 Processing Time (September 2026): Current USCIS Wait Times

Quick Answer: How Long Does Form I-131 Take?

Form I-131 processing time depends on the travel document you are requesting. As of September 2026, the USCIS processing time is 24 months for Advance Parole and 16 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: September 4, 2026.

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.

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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 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.

Current USCIS processing time: 24 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 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.

Looking for Other USCIS Processing Times?

Form I-131 is often filed together with other immigration applications, such as Form I-485. If you’re tracking multiple USCIS cases, visit our USCIS Processing Times guide to compare current wait times by form, understand common delay factors, and learn how to monitor your case.

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.

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

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: 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.

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.

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.

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. Submitting 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 USCIS 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: Unsigned forms may be rejected or delayed by USCIS.
• Incorrect filing fee or payment authorization: Verify the current filing fee and complete any required payment authorization correctly.
• 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.

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.

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FAQs About I-131 Processing Times

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