Refugee Travel Document - International Travel for Refugees and Asylees

Individuals Who Should Apply for RTD

• Refugees who are not yet lawful permanent residents
• Asylees who are not yet lawful permanent residents
• Derivative refugees and asylees (spouse and unmarried children)
• Lawful permanent residents whose status is based on refugee or asylee status
• Individuals who need to travel but cannot obtain passport from country of nationality
• Those who cannot safely return to country of nationality to obtain travel documents

RTD Qualification Criteria

• Must have refugee status granted by USCIS or an immigration judge
• Must have asylee status granted by USCIS or an immigration judge
• Must be a lawful permanent resident who obtained status based on refugee or asylee status
• Must be physically present in the United States when applying
• Must not have obtained nationality of any foreign country after being granted refugee/asylee status
• Must not have reacquired nationality of country of nationality after refugee/asylee grant

Refugee Travel Document Application Steps

RTD Application Documents

• Form I-131 Application for Travel Document
• Copy of document showing refugee or asylee status (I-94, asylum approval, etc.)
• Copy of lawful permanent resident card (if applicable)
• Two passport-style photographs meeting USCIS specifications
• Copy of government-issued photo identification
• Evidence supporting need for travel (if required)
• Filing fee or fee waiver request documentation

Important Travel Restrictions

• Generally cannot travel to country of nationality or habitual residence
• Travel to country of feared persecution may jeopardize refugee/asylee status
• Must avoid countries where presence could indicate voluntary return to persecution
• Safe travel to third countries typically permitted for legitimate purposes
• Emergency travel may be considered with proper documentation and justification
• Consult immigration attorney before travel to sensitive countries

RTD Validity and Usage

• Refugee travel documents are typically valid for one year from issuance
• Multiple entries allowed during validity period
• Cannot be extended while outside the United States
• Must apply for new document if current one expires while abroad
• Document allows bearer to return to United States during validity period
• Airlines and foreign countries generally accept RTD for travel purposes

When to Apply for RTD

• Apply for RTD at least 3-6 months before planned travel
• Processing times vary but typically take 8-15 months currently
• Emergency requests may be expedited with proper documentation
• Cannot travel internationally without approved RTD (with limited exceptions)
• Plan travel dates around document validity period
• Consider renewal timing if extended or frequent travel expected

Expedited Processing Options

• Contact USCIS Customer Service at 800-375-5283 for emergency situations
• Submit expedite request with evidence of emergency circumstances
• Emergency situations may include serious illness, death of family member, urgent business
• Provide documentation supporting urgent need for travel
• USCIS may expedite processing but cannot guarantee approval
• Consider contacting local USCIS field office for urgent cases

RTD Renewal Process

• Must apply for new RTD before current document expires
• Cannot renew RTD while outside the United States
• Follow same application process as initial RTD request
• Previous RTD approval may facilitate processing of renewal applications
• Maintain continuous refugee or asylee status for renewal eligibility
• Consider timing of adjustment to permanent residence if eligible

Returning to the U.S. with RTD

• Present RTD to CBP officer at U.S. port of entry
• May be questioned about travel destinations and purposes
• Should carry evidence of continued refugee/asylee status if needed
• Be prepared to explain travel necessity and destinations visited
• Maintain ties to United States and evidence of continued residence
• Avoid extended stays in countries that could indicate permanent relocation

Permanent Residents Using RTD

• Lawful permanent residents based on refugee/asylee status may use RTD
• Alternative: May use reentry permit (Form I-131) for extended travel
• RTD may be preferable if cannot obtain passport from country of nationality
• Permanent residents still subject to travel restrictions to persecution countries
• Consider naturalization to avoid travel document requirements
• RTD provides evidence of protected refugee/asylee background