I-131 Travel Document Processing Times April 2026: USCIS Green Card Backlog Impact

Form I-131, the Application for Travel Documents, allows certain foreign nationals to request travel authorization from USCIS while their immigration cases are pending. As of April 2026, processing times for this form vary depending on the applicant category and USCIS service center handling the case. For EB-3 applicants and others with pending adjustment of status cases, the I-131 is critical for obtaining Advance Parole, which permits travel outside the United States without abandoning a pending green card application. Delays in I-131 processing can significantly affect an applicant's ability to travel for personal or professional reasons. USCIS recommends filing early and submitting a complete, accurate application to minimize processing delays. Missing documents, incorrect fees, or inconsistencies in the application are among the most common causes of requests for evidence or outright rejections that extend timelines. With USCIS pending inventory numbers elevated in 2026, applicants are advised to monitor their case status online and submit inquiries through official channels if processing exceeds posted timeframes. Premium processing is not available for Form I-131, making proactive preparation especially important.