Refugee Travel Documents

If you are a refugee or asylee and want to travel outside the United States, you need a Refugee Travel Document in order to return. In most cases, you may use the Refugee Travel Document for travel in place of a passport.  If you are a refugee or asylee and need a Refugee Travel Document, please contact us today.

How long will my Refugee Travel Document be valid?

Your Refugee Travel Document will be valid for one year.  Your Refugee Travel Document cannot be extended beyond one year.

I want to travel out of the United States, when do I need to apply for my Refugee Travel Document?

You should file your application for a Refugee Travel Document at least 60 days before you leave the U.S.  You should always apply for a Refugee Travel Document before you leave the U.S.  If you fail to get a Refugee Travel Document before leaving the U.S., you may not be able to return.

I need to travel outside the U.S. immediately, and I have not received a Refugee Travel Document.  What should I do?

You should apply for your Refugee Travel Document before leaving the U.S.  You do not need to remain in the U.S. for USCIS to issue a Refugee Travel Document if your biometrics have been obtained. You can indicate on your application that you want USCIS to send your Refugee Travel Document to a U.S. Embassy, or consulate, or a DHS office overseas, so you can pick it up before returning to the US.

What documents do I need to file with my application for a Refugee Travel Document?

You must file:

1.  A copy of an official ID showing your name, date of birth, and photo.

2.  A copy of the document granting you asylum or refugee status.

Any document in a language other than English must be filed with an official English translation.

Can I travel back to the country where I experienced past persecution or claim a fear of future persecution?

Yes.  However, if you have been granted asylum, your grant of asylum may be terminated if  it is determined that you voluntarily availed yourself of the protection of your country of nationality, you have acquired a new nationality, or you are no longer eligible for asylum due to a change in circumstances.

If you have been admitted as a refugee, your status may be terminated if the U.S. Government determines that you were not, in fact, a refugee at the time you were admitted to the .US.  In order to protect your asylum or refugee status, you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney before leaving the United States.