Reentry Permit Processing Time for Form I-131: How Long?

First, list of linkable resources in order of appearance:
1. USCIS Processing Times (egov.uscis.gov/processing-times) — appears multiple times
2. Form I-131 (www.uscis.gov/i-131)
3. USCIS Processing Times (policy) — same as #1 (already handled)

Now the article with only the required .gov links added (only the first mention of each resource in the body text linked). No other changes.

(U.S. lawful permanent residents planning long trips abroad face longer waits for a Reentry Permit as federal data and legal analyses show a broad range in processing time for Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document). As of September 21, 2025, the typical wait for a Reentry Permit runs from about 6 to 17.5 months, depending on which USCIS service center handles the case, the volume of applications, and whether an applicant qualifies for expedited review.

Immigration attorneys report many approvals closer to 8–12 months, but official timelines still stretch to the high end in some cases. VisaVerge.com reports that while some cycle times improved since 2024, travel document adjudications remain slower than several other USCIS form types because of security checks and workload.)

Current processing picture

• Typical processing range: about 6 to 17.5 months (late September 2025).
• Many cases cluster around 8–12 months, per attorneys’ experience.
• Adjudication speed varies by service center, application volume, and the duration of background checks.
• Travel documents often take longer than many family or work-based USCIS forms because of added security steps.

USCIS confirms processing times fluctuate as cases move between service centers and as background checks take longer or shorter than expected. Applicants hoping to speed things up can request an expedite. When approved, expedited processing can reduce total time to about 1 to 4 months, but approvals are rare and require strong evidence of urgent need (time-sensitive medical, safety, or humanitarian reasons). The agency warns that results aren’t guaranteed and eligibility depends on the specifics of each case.

Typical steps and timing

The application steps are predictable, but the calendar is not. Key milestones and common timeframes:

• File Form I-131 while physically present in the United States (biometrics must be completed in the U.S.).
• Receive a biometrics notice in about 4 to 6 weeks after filing.
• Attend the fingerprint appointment, usually about two weeks after the notice.
• If the case moves without delay, USCIS often issues the Reentry Permit 1 to 3 months after biometrics.
• Full processing can reach up to 17.5 months for some files when workload, security checks, or RFEs intervene.

USCIS workload, background checks, and Requests for Evidence (RFEs) all affect timing, and those factors can stack.

USCIS medians for travel documents (FY2025)

• Advance Parole Document: ~6.4 months (median)
• Refugee Travel Document: ~13.6 months (median)

Officials note Reentry Permit cases often fall in a similar range but may be longer at specific service centers. Applicants should regularly check the USCIS Processing Times page for the most current figures and service center-specific estimates: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

Traveling while your Reentry Permit is pending

• Applicants can leave the U.S. after filing and after completing biometrics.
• USCIS can, if requested on the application, send the finished permit to a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or Department of Homeland Security office abroad for pickup.
• Immigration lawyers recommend completing biometrics before departure and planning for long adjudication windows whenever possible.

Main causes of delay

USCIS cites several drivers that commonly slow cases:

• Volume of filings (seasonal and cyclical increases)
• Background checks that flag issues requiring extra review
• Requests for Evidence (RFEs) demanding additional documents or explanations
• Internal policy changes or staffing shifts at service centers

These factors can affect cases individually or together, explaining why similar filings can have very different timelines.

Practical filing and travel plan (step-by-step)

1. File Form I-131 while physically present in the United States.
2. Wait about 4 to 6 weeks for a biometrics notice.
3. Attend biometrics in the U.S. on the scheduled date.
4. Travel abroad if needed after biometrics (case continues adjudication).
5. Receive permit: often 1 to 3 months after biometrics in faster cases; longer if delays occur.

Expedite requests: what works

• Expedites require concrete, dated evidence of urgency.
• Useful supporting documents:
  • Medical letters with dates
  • Employer letters with strict start dates abroad
  • Documents showing urgent humanitarian issues
• If an expedite is denied, the case returns to the normal processing line.

Expedite approvals are rare. USCIS evaluates them case by case and looks for verifiable, time-sensitive reasons.

Why the Reentry Permit matters

A Reentry Permit helps a green card holder spend extended time abroad—generally more than one year—without being considered to have abandoned permanent resident status. This protection is vital for:

• Families caring for relatives overseas
• Workers on multi-year projects
• Students and researchers with long programs

Missing the permit or the correct timing can have serious consequences at ports of entry and later during naturalization (continuous residence questions).

Practical tips to reduce delays and RFEs

• Ensure accuracy on Form I-131: names should match passports and green cards.
• Provide realistic travel plans and, if relevant, brief explanations for prior long absences.
• Keep copies of everything sent: mailing receipts, biometrics notices, and supporting evidence.
• If filing multiple forms or family members have cases at different service centers, expect divergent timelines.
• Regularly check case status and processing-time tools to decide if a case inquiry may help.

What to include in an expedite package (recommended checklist)

• Short cover letter explaining the urgency and risk if delayed
• Evidence with dates and names (medical records, employer letters, court filings)
• Contact details for verification
• Any other documents showing time sensitivity

Final takeaways

• The typical processing time for a Reentry Permit is 6 to 17.5 months as of late September 2025, with many cases clustering around 8–12 months.
• Expedited processing can bring the timeline to 1 to 4 months when approved, but approvals require strong proof.
• Biometrics must be completed in the United States; plan travel accordingly.
• Use the USCIS Processing Times tool for the latest, service center–specific estimates: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
• For filing and document guidance, see the official Form I-131 page: https://www.uscis.gov/i-131

Careful planning—early filing, complete and accurate forms, realistic travel dates, and documented expedite requests when appropriate—gives applicants the best chance of avoiding last-minute surprises while USCIS continues to adjust staffing and caseloads.