How long USCIS is taking to decide I-131 travel document applications, from real cases we tracked. The USCIS median shown is for advance parole. Updated every day.
Based on 24 I-131 cases decided in the last 12 months, measured from the USCIS received date. USCIS national median, FY2026 for I-131: 6 months (advance parole).
We don't yet have 10 or more decided I-131 cases in any single recent month, so there's no month-by-month trend to show yet. The figures above cover the whole last 12 months.
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The I-131 covers several documents: advance parole (for people with a pending green card application, DACA, TPS and others), re-entry permits for green card holders planning long trips, and refugee travel documents. Each moves on its own timeline.
Advance parole filed with a green card application is often decided together with the work permit and issued as a single combo card.
Re-entry permit applicants have to be in the US when they file and generally need to attend biometrics before departing. You can ask USCIS to send the permit to a US embassy, consulate or DHS office abroad for pickup.
For a genuine emergency, you can ask for an expedite or, for advance parole, request an appointment at a field office through the USCIS Contact Center.
This page is general information, not legal advice. For decisions about your own case, check USCIS's current guidance or talk to an immigration attorney.
Other forms: I-130 · I-129F · I-751 · I-730 · I-601A · N-400 · N-600 · N-600K · I-539 · I-821 · I-129 · I-140 · I-526E · I-829 · I-360 · I-918 · I-914 · I-817 · I-600A · I-600 · I-800A · I-800 · N-565 · I-102 · I-824
All USCIS processing timesHalf of the 24 I-131 cases we tracked to a decision in the last 12 months were decided within 5.0 months, and the middle half took between 3.4 months and 8.9 months. USCIS's published national median for I-131 is 6 months (advance parole).
Leaving the US before advance parole is approved generally abandons the advance parole request, and if you have a pending I-485, usually the green card application too (with narrow exceptions for some H-1B and L-1 holders). Confirm the details for your case with USCIS or an immigration attorney.
No. It lets you seek parole at the border, and CBP still inspects you. If you have past immigration violations, talk to an attorney before traveling.
The validity dates are printed on the document itself. Travel that ends after it expires isn't covered.
Ours come from real I-131 cases we tracked from the day USCIS received them to the day they were approved or denied, over the last 12 months. USCIS's median covers its whole fiscal year and, for some forms, only one category. Neither predicts a single case exactly: your service center or field office, your category and any Request for Evidence matter more.
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