I-131 Processing Time

If you’re planning to travel outside the United States but your immigration case is still pending—or you’re a green card holder preparing for extended time abroad—you may have already heard about Form I-131.

This form is essential if you want to protect your immigration status while traveling. But once you’ve submitted your application, the big question becomes:
“How long will the I-131 processing time take?”

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the I-131 (also called the “travel document application”), including real timelines, common causes of delay, and how to minimize unnecessary delays.

What is the I-131?

Form I-131, also referred to as the Application for Travel Document, is used to request travel authorization from USCIS. Depending on your immigration situation, you might use I-131 for:

• Advance Parole: Allows individuals with pending green card applications to leave and re-enter the U.S. without abandoning their case.
• Reentry Permit: Protects permanent residents (green card holders) who need to stay outside the U.S. for longer than a year.
• Refugee Travel Document: Lets refugees or asylees safely travel internationally and return to the U.S.

Without approved travel documents, you risk serious consequences like denial of reentry or abandonment of your immigration case. 

[Download I131 PDF]

About the I-131 Process

Step 1: Prepare and File Form I-131

Your application package should include:

• The completed Form I-131
• Copy of your pending green card application receipt (if applying for Advance Parole) or green card (for Reentry Permit)
• Supporting evidence (proof of current status, need for travel, etc.)
• Filing fee (check the USCIS website for the latest fee amounts)
• Any additional documents requested based on your specific travel document type (e.g., proof of refugee/asylee status)

Step 2: Receive Your Receipt Notice

After submitting your I131, USCIS will issue a Form I-797C (Notice of Action), to confirm they received your application. This receipt notice contains your unique case number, which you can use to track the progress of your case online.

Step 3: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment 

Depending on the type of travel document you request, you may be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, USCIS will collect your fingerprints, photograph, and sometimes a digital signature. 

Step 4: Respond to Any Requests for Evidence (RFE)

If USCIS needs more information to process your application, they will send you a Request for Evidence (RFE). You will need to provide any additional documentation requested and it’s crucial that you respond by the deadline listed in the notice. 

Check our comprehensive RFE guide to learn more.

Step 5: Wait for USCIS to Process Your I-131

Once USCIS has everything they need, your case will move to final review. You can monitor your case status online with your receipt number.

Median I-131 Processing Time (in Months)

According to the latest USCIS data for fiscal year 2025, the median I-131 processing time varies depending on the type of travel document you’re applying for.

The I-131 processing time for Advance Parole applicants is about 6.4 months, a slight improvement compared to 7.3 months just a few years ago.

The I-131 processing time for Refugee or Asylee applicants remains longer, at 13.6 months, but has improved from a peak of nearly 16 months in fiscal year 2023.

These figures come directly from USCIS’s fiscal year 2025 reporting and reflect the amount of time it takes for 50% of all applicants to receive a decision. Some applicants may hear back sooner, while others may experience a longer wait depending on the specifics of their case.

Below is the median I-131 processing time (in months) over the past six fiscal years:

Source: USCIS Historic Processing Times

Factors That Influence the I-131 Processing Time

There are several reasons why your I-131 application might move faster—or slower—than expected. Here are some of the most common factors that can impact how long your I-131 processing time takes:

1. High application volume

During periods of increased demand—such as before summer travel or major holidays—processing times can stretch longer simply because more people are applying at the same time.

2. Incomplete applications

One of the leading causes of delay is mistakes or missing documents in the initial filing. If your application is incomplete, USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), and your case will be paused until you respond. Every back-and-forth adds weeks—or even months—to your total I-131 processing time.

3. Background and security checks

All applicants undergo thorough security screenings. If USCIS finds complications—such as past immigration violations, unresolved criminal issues, or name discrepancies—your case may be flagged for further review, which can add extra time.

4. USCIS staffing

Different USCIS service centers handle different volumes of I-131 applications. Processing speed can vary based on how busy a particular center is, the number of officers assigned, and seasonal surges in applications.

Strategies to Minimize Unnecessary Delays

While you can’t control every factor, there are smart steps you can take to help keep your I131 application moving as quickly as possible:

✓ Double-check everything: Errors on your form—such as missing signatures, wrong dates, or incorrect filing fees—are among the most common reasons cases get delayed. Carefully review every section of Form I-131 before submitting, and make sure all supporting evidence is properly included.

✓ Submit strong support evidence: Depending on the type of travel document you are requesting, you’ll need to submit proof like:

• Copy of your pending green card application (for Advance Parole)
• Copy of your green card (for Reentry Permits)
• Proof of refugee or asylee status
• Proof of emergency need if requesting expedited processing

Organized and thorough documentation makes it easier for USCIS officers to review your case quickly.

✓ Respond to an RFE quickly

If USCIS sends you an RFE, don’t delay. Gather the required documents carefully and submit them before the deadline. The faster you respond—and the more complete your response—the sooner USCIS can resume processing your application.

Need help? Check out our guide on how to respond to an RFE.

✓ Work with an immigration attorney

Although not required, having a skilled immigration attorney can significantly reduce the chances of making costly errors and ensure that your application is as strong as possible from the beginning. 

Reach out to us at Manifest Law and request a consultation.

✓ Monitor your case status

Track your case using the USCIS Case Status Online tool. If your case falls outside of the normal I-131 processing time for your service center, you may be eligible to submit a case inquiry to USCIS to investigate the delay.

FAQs About the I-131 Processing Time

How can I speed up my I-131 processing time?

To help speed up your I-131 processing time, make sure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted with all required evidence. Respond quickly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs), track your case online, and, if there’s an emergency, you may request expedited processing (though it’s only granted in rare situations).

What counts as an emergency for expediting processing?

USCIS will only expedite the processing of an I-131 if they believe it is a legitimate emergency. Examples of emergencies may include having a family member in hospital in serious condition or attending a funeral abroad. Wanting to go on your honeymoon after marriage or attending your relative’s wedding, on the other hand, has not been accepted by USCIS as a real emergency. 

Can I leave while I-131 is pending?

Generally, no—if you leave the U.S. before your I-131 is approved, you could abandon your pending green card application. Always wait until you have your approved travel document in hand before making any travel plans. The exception to this is the Reentry Permit application. It must be submitted while physically in the United States, but it is permissible to leave the U.S. while the case is still processing.

How do I know if my I-131 is approved?

USCIS will mail you an official approval notice (Form I-797) if your I-131 is approved. You can also check the status of your case online using your receipt number. If approved, your travel document will usually arrive by mail shortly after the notice.

What is next after I-131 is approved?

Once your I-131 is approved, you’ll receive your travel document, which you must carry when traveling abroad and present when returning to the U.S. After that, you can proceed with your travel plans while maintaining your immigration status.