Form I-131 Processing Times 2026

As of April 2026, I-131 advance parole processing takes 5–12 months depending on your eligibility category and service center. Pending I-485 applicants (adjustment of status) typically see 3–6 months. DACA applicants and TPS holders often face longer waits (6–12 months). The processing time depends on whether you file concurrently with I-485 (typically faster due to concurrent processing) or separately. Always verify current times at usvisastack.ai/processing-times/i-131.

Only if you have an approved I-131 (Advance Parole). Traveling without advance parole while on a nonimmigrant visa status (F-1, H-1B, etc.) with a pending I-485 generally does not trigger abandonment — but traveling on pending DACA or TPS status without AP is riskier and may affect those programs specifically. Pending L-2 or H-4 EAD holders generally do not need advance parole. If you have a valid advance parole document, you can leave and re-enter the US during I-485 processing without abandoning your application.

Advance parole (Form I-131) allows foreign nationals to re-enter the US after traveling abroad without a visa. Common uses include: (1) Pending I-485 adjustment of status applicants who need to travel; (2) DACA recipients who need international travel for humanitarian, educational, or employment reasons (must apply for and receive advance parole before traveling); (3) Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders; (4) Asylees who need to travel. You must APPROVE the advance parole BEFORE leaving the US — returning without it may result in denial of re-entry.

As of April 2026: $630 base fee when filed alone, $0 when filed concurrently with I-485 (adjustment of status), $260 when filed concurrently with I-765 (EAD). The fee structure changed significantly in April 2024. If you are filing for advance parole alone, the fee is $630. If you file I-131, I-485, and I-765 together, the total filing fees are $1,440 + $1,470 + $520 = $3,430. Fee waivers are available for humanitarian cases. Always check uscis.gov/fees for current amounts.

When you receive your advance parole approval notice (I-797) and travel document, present it at the port of entry along with your passport. You will be readmitted for the duration indicated on the document (typically "D/S" meaning duration of status, or a specific date). Keep your advance parole card with your passport. Do NOT use it to travel to countries other than the US — it is only valid for entry into the United States. If your I-485 is approved before you use the advance parole, the document becomes void.