Form I-131 Processing Times in June 2026: What to Expect
As of June 2026, these are the current processing times for an I-131 petition. Depending on which category you fall under, you may experience longer wait times:
- Reentry permit or refugee travel document: 16 months
- Advance parole: 22 months
Form I-131 processing time in 2026: Immigration attorney explains
The specific travel document you’re requesting impacts your estimated wait time. On average, those who are requesting advance parole wait a month longer than those requesting a reentry permit.
However, Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar notes that unlike a work permit petition, Form I-131 wait times don’t differ greatly. “Regardless of which category you’re filing under, you should expect to wait a little under a year and a half before you can leave the country,” she says.
Urizar acknowledges that waiting for travel authorization can be frustrating, especially for those with urgent family manners. She explains, “In the case of emergency situations such as a family death, you may be able to request an expedited advance parole,” she says. “These are only issued on a case-by-case basis, but are worth considering if you want to briefly travel outside the country due to unforeseen circumstances.”
| Important: You need an approved advance parole if you don’t have underlying nonimmigrant status or a valid visa stamp. If you depart the US without an advance parole or visa stamp and status, your adjustment of status will be deemed abandoned and you won’t be able to re-enter the U.S. Technically, you can wait until you receive your Green Card to obtain travel authorization, but requesting advance parole through an I-131 petition lets you receive that faster. For anyone applying for permanent residence, the ability to leave the U.S. with a pending case offers more freedom. It allows you to visit family, book vacation time, or even attend work conferences abroad. Form I-131 can also be filed concurrently with your I-485 petition. |
Factors that influence Form I-131 processing times
Below, immigration attorney Urizar breaks down three common scenarios that can delay USCIS processing times.
- USCIS center workload: During periods of increased travel demand, such as major holidays, processing times can stretch longer simply because more people are applying at the same time. If your designated USCIS center experiences a surge in filings, it may not have enough officers to adjudicate your petition quickly.
- Case completion and strength: If your I-131 petition is incomplete or has mistakes, USCIS may issue a denial notice or Request for Evidence (RFE). This can significantly delay your travel authorization, as every back-and-forth adds weeks to your total processing time.
- Background and security checks: USCIS screens all travel authorization applicants, regardless of whether they’re requesting advance parole or a reentry permit. If an immigration officer finds complications in your petition, such as past immigration violations or name discrepancies, your case may get flagged for further review.
Tips to minimize delays on your advance parole application
To reduce the risk of avoidable delays, immigration attorney Urizar suggests:
- Organizing documents early: Having the necessary materials already on hand, such as your I-485 receipt notice, can mitigate last-minute issues with evidence.
- Submitting forms promptly: This helps decrease the wait time for your travel document. If you haven’t filed for an adjustment of status yet, Form I-131 can also be filed concurrently with your I-485 petition.
- Double-checking before filing: Make sure you completed your travel document application completely and with accurate answers. Consult with an attorney if you have any questions or concerns.
- Respond quickly to government requests: Requests for evidence should be handled with the utmost urgency, as USCIS will not give you much time to respond.
Get support while navigating long advance parole processing times
Filing an I-131 petition can feel overwhelming, especially if you need to temporarily leave the U.S. right away. Whether you’re a pending Green Card holder or under temporary protected status, Manifest’s immigration attorneys can guide you through each step required to get a travel document.
If you’re ready to take the next step or need help with Form I-131, request a consultation with Manifest today. Our team can help you obtain a work permit with confidence and no stress.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my Form I-131 processing time is taking longer than expected?
Through the e-Request portal, you can check the status of your USCIS case. Before you can file a request, you’ll need to enter your receipt date. The website will then let you know if enough time has passed for you to submit an inquiry.
Are I-131 petitions processed in the order they’re received?
USCIS does not offer guidance in how it orders Form I-131 processing. Several factors could affect this, including case backlogs and the category you’re filing under.
How do I know when my I-131 advance parole petition has been approved?
USCIS will issue you an I-797 approval notice. In some cases, you may be able to see an update on your myUSCIS account or through the federal agency’s case status portal.
How does USCIS calculate processing times for Form I-131?
USCIS calculates Form I-131 processing times by taking the average time 80% of petitions are completed in. Remember that these are estimates, and that your individual wait time may differ due to several factors.
Are USCIS’s Form I-131 processing times accurate?
It depends. USCIS processing times can help you estimate how long your I-131 petition may take, but they are not guarantees. The published time frames are based on recently completed cases and can vary by service center and application category. Use them as a general planning tool, not as a promise of when you’ll receive travel authorization.
What happens if I depart the U.S. and my advance parole hasn’t been approved?
Your application will be denied. If you have a valid visa and valid nonimmigrant status, you can re-apply once you re-enter the USA but the clock will restart.
