Long-Pending I-765 and I-131 Applications at NBC

AILA has issued a practice alert regarding the long processing delays from the USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC) for Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-131, the Application for Travel Document. As of January 2019, processing times for Form I-765 applications based on Form-485 applications range from 4 to 6 months. Processing times for all other I-765 applications range from 6.5 to 8.5 months. Processing times for Form I-131 applications range from 4 to 6 months. However, AILA members have reported I-765 and I-131 applications that have been pending for 6 months to 1 year.

AILA cites "second reviews" of I-765 and I-131 applications filed with I-485 applications as the cause of the issue. It seems that these reviews are slowing down the processing of all I-765 and I-131 applications, not just those filed with I-485 applications. The purpose of these additional reviews is to determine eligibility for adjustment of status. There is currently no estimation for when these reviews will be completed.

I-765 and I-131 applications are eligible for expedited processing if they meet at least one of USCIS's criteria. Also, AILA Case Liaison Assistance is also available for issues with pending I-765 and I-131 applications with the NBC, such as the processing time being longer than the posted processing time. Make sure to follow the steps on USCIS's website prior to submitting a request for case liaison assistance.

For More Information:

Check case processing times here.

This blog post does not serve as legal advice and does not establish any client-attorney privilege. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our legal team directly.

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This information comes from a news release from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA Doc. No. 18100503).