How long is it taking currently to process an I-131 application? I am applying from New York. I only qualify for a one year re-entry permit but I need it to stay valid until the end of 2021. I was going to apply for it next week but am worried that USCIS might process it too quickly that it will expire before December 2021. Can I assign the start date of the re-entry permit?
It takes between four and six months to process an I-131 unless there is any problem that delays the processing. If time is an issue as you indicated, apply close to the time you need the permit. Unfortunately, you can assign the start date, the USCIS determines the start date. Consult your attorney to plan the timing issue.
You cannot really assign a start date to the reentry permit, but you could perhaps wait until a bit before you file your application if you need it to be valid after December 2021. According to https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/, the Nebraska Service Center is taking four to six months and the Texas Service Center is taking three to five months.
Reentry permits take about four to six months but this can change.
The average time is three months or more. Right now, USCIS is generally slower than normal, not faster. However, with all things USCIS, there is inherent unpredictability in timing.
