How to Make a Request for Expedited Processing of a Travel Document?

Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) is usually being processed for 3 months, but U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services can issue a travel document faster in some cases, such as: extreme emergent, humanitarian or national interest situation; severe financial loss to an individual or company; USCIS compelling interest; request of a non-profit organization that is of the social and cultural interests of the U.S. Department of Defense.

In order to make a request for expedited processing of an application for a re-entry permit, a refugee travel document, or an advance parole document:

1. Attach a cover letter explaining the reasons why you need an expedited procedure.
2. Submit all the supporting documentation and proofs available (death certificate, medical or financial documents, travel records, fatality proof) to show the urgency of a case (one or, better, few of the above-mentioned criteria must be met).
3. Print the word “expedite” in the top right corner of the application in black ink.
4. Give your e-mail address and fax number with an expedite request.
5. Contact the National Customer Service Center in 7–10 days after submitting Form I-131 and other documents for the expedited processing to check your request.
6. Get your travel document before leaving the USA.

You have to prepare and complete the documents for submission properly at the first try, because any mistakes and gaps will significantly detain the whole process. Be aware that it might be complicated to get a travel document on urgent basis. The main recommendation is to apply for any type of a travel document beforehand if possible.

June 28, 2023

Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) is usually being processed for 3 months, but U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services can issue a travel document faster in some cases, such as: extreme emergent, humanitarian or national interest situation; severe financial loss to an individual or company; USCIS compelling interest; request of a non-profit organization that is of the social and cultural interests of the U.S. Department of Defense.

In order to make a request for expedited processing of an application for a re-entry permit, a refugee travel document, or an advance parole document:

1. Attach a cover letter explaining the reasons why you need an expedited procedure.
2. Submit all the supporting documentation and proofs available (death certificate, medical or financial documents, travel records, fatality proof) to show the urgency of a case (one or, better, few of the above-mentioned criteria must be met).
3. Print the word “expedite” in the top right corner of the application in black ink.
4. Give your e-mail address and fax number with an expedite request.
5. Contact the National Customer Service Center in 7–10 days after submitting Form I-131 and other documents for the expedited processing to check your request.
6. Get your travel document before leaving the USA.

You have to prepare and complete the documents for submission properly at the first try, because any mistakes and gaps will significantly detain the whole process. Be aware that it might be complicated to get a travel document on urgent basis. The main recommendation is to apply for any type of a travel document beforehand if possible.