Form I-131 processing time
I-131 Re-entry permit or refugee travel document
Processing time trend
Months to decision
FY diamonds are USCIS-published yearly national averages. Weekly points average our daily snapshots. Daily points are individual USCIS snapshots from the last 30 days.
Summary · Updated 2026-06-23
As of 2026-06-23, USCIS reports a 16 Months to 18 Months processing time for Form I-131 Re-entry permit or refugee travel document cases handled by Service Center Operations (SCOPS). This range represents the time to complete 80% of these cases. If your filing receipt is dated before December 30, 2024, you may submit a case inquiry to USCIS.
How long does I-131 Re-entry permit or refugee travel document take?
USCIS currently publishes a range of 16 Months to 18 Months for Form I-131 Re-entry permit or refugee travel document cases handled by Service Center Operations (SCOPS), as of . This is the time to complete 80% of cases of this type at this office — your case may resolve faster or slower than the published range.
Can I submit a case inquiry?
USCIS accepts case inquiries when your receipt date is older than the published inquiry date. For I-131 Re-entry permit or refugee travel document at Service Center Operations (SCOPS), that date is currently December 30, 2024. If your filing receipt is dated before that, you can submit a service request through your USCIS online account.
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How to read the chart
The chart combines four data sources, oldest to newest: USCIS-published fiscal-year averages from FY2014 (including the current partial year), drawn from USCIS's Historic Processing Times page; weekly averages computed from our daily snapshots; and daily snapshots for the most recent 30 days. A flat line means the published range was unchanged in our snapshots, not that nothing is happening on individual cases.
Source & methodology
All processing-time figures on this page come directly from USCIS's official Processing Times tool. We snapshot the published ranges every weekday and store the time series for trend analysis. Historic fiscal-year medians come from USCIS's Historic Processing Times page. This site is independent and not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency.
Frequently asked questions about I-131
What is Form I-131 for?
Three main uses: (1) Advance Parole — permission to re-enter the US after temporary travel abroad, typically for I-485 applicants; (2) Re-entry Permit — for LPRs traveling abroad for 1-2 years; (3) Refugee Travel Document — for asylees, refugees, and certain LPRs.
Why do I need Advance Parole if I have a pending I-485?
Without AP, departing the US is treated as abandoning your adjustment application (with limited exceptions for H, L, K visa holders). AP is the official permission slip that lets you leave and return while your I-485 is pending.
How long does AP last?
Typically 1-2 years from approval, or until I-485 decision (whichever is earlier). Multiple entries allowed within validity period. Newer AP cards issued as a 'combo card' with EAD often last 5 years.
Can I travel while my AP application is pending?
No. If you depart the US before AP is approved, your I-485 is considered abandoned. Apply for AP and wait for approval before international travel.
What's the difference between Re-entry Permit and Advance Parole?
Re-entry Permit is for LPRs traveling for extended periods (1-2 years). Advance Parole is for those with pending immigration cases (I-485, certain humanitarian statuses) who need to travel without abandoning the case.
Can a conditional permanent resident apply for a Re-entry Permit?
Yes. Conditional residents have the same travel rights as 10-year LPRs and can apply for I-131 re-entry permits. The permit doesn't extend conditional status — you still must timely file I-751 to remove conditions.
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