Refugee Travel Document Guide

If you are in the United States in refugee or asylum status, it is crucial to understand the process of obtaining a refugee travel document if you intend to travel outside of the country. This document, akin to a passport, is essential for reentry into the U.S. after traveling abroad. Failure to obtain one may lead to reentry issues or even removal proceedings. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of applying for a refugee travel document and address key aspects.

What is a Refugee Travel Document and Why Do You Need One?

A refugee travel document is a booklet similar to a passport. If you are legally present in the U.S. under refugee or asylum status and plan to travel abroad, you must obtain this document for reentry into the United States. It’s important to note that possessing a refugee travel document does not guarantee reentry; you still must undergo inspection by a Customs and Border Patrol officer.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document?

Eligibility includes individuals in refugee or asylum status and lawful permanent residents who gained permanent resident status through refugee or asylee status in the U.S.

Requirements for Obtaining a Refugee Travel Document

To apply, you must either be in the U.S. under refugee or asylum status or be a U.S. permanent resident with refugee or asylee status. If your refugee or asylum status application is pending, you are ineligible for a refugee travel document. It’s also important to file while physically present in the U.S. and remain in the country until your biometrics appointment is completed.

How Long is a Refugee Travel Document Valid For?

A refugee travel document is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

How to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document (Step-by-Step)

1. File Form I-131 with Supporting Documents: Submit Form I-131, the Application for Travel Document, to USCIS. It is advisable to be physically present in the U.S. when filing.
2. Attend Biometrics Appointment: After filing Form I-131, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment, during which your digital fingerprints will be recorded.

Refugee Travel Document Processing Time

The processing time is divided into several segments:

1. Issuance of USCIS Receipt Notice (1 to 3 Weeks from Filing): After filing Form I-131, you’ll receive a receipt notice within 1 to 3 weeks, confirming receipt and acceptance of your application.
2. Issuance of Biometrics Appointment Notice (6 Weeks from Filing): Approximately 6 weeks after filing, you’ll receive a notice for a biometrics appointment, specifying the time, date, and location.
3. Biometrics Appointment Date (8 Weeks from Filing): Your biometrics appointment will occur around 8 weeks after filing.
4. Issuance of Refugee Travel Document (2 to 5 Months from Filing): The actual travel document will be issued roughly 2 to 5 months from filing. You can choose where it’s delivered: your U.S. address, a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad, or your immigration lawyer’s office.

Is There Any Way to Speed-Up the Refugee Travel Document Processing Time?

Expedited processing may be granted by USCIS in specific situations, such as emergencies, severe financial loss, USCIS error, compelling USCIS interest, or humanitarian reasons. The decision to expedite is at USCIS’s discretion.

What Documents to Submit with Your Refugee Travel Document Application

The required documents vary based on your specific case, but generally include:

• Copy of valid government-issued photo ID
• USCIS document showing your refugee or asylee status and its expiration date
• Two passport photos

Refugee Travel Document Fee

Two fees are associated with the application: the I-131 filing fee and the biometrics fee, which varies by age.

Traveling Back to the Country of Claimed Persecution

Traveling back to your claimed country of persecution can jeopardize your refugee or asylum status in the U.S., potentially leading to termination of asylum status or questions about the genuineness of your fear of persecution. It is generally advisable to avoid such travel.

In conclusion, a refugee travel document is crucial if you are in refugee or asylum status in the U.S. and plan to travel abroad. Without it, reentry issues and potential removal proceedings may arise.