Travel document for refugees/asylees

Refugees and asylees in the United States have specific travel document requirements. They generally cannot use a passport from their home country (doing so may jeopardize their status) and must instead obtain U.S.-issued travel documents.

34 steps across 9 sections

1. Determine the Correct Document Type

  • Select the appropriate category on Form I-131 based on your immigration status
  • Refugees and asylees who are not yet permanent residents need a Refugee Travel Document
  • Permanent residents (based on refugee/asylee status) who plan extended trips need a Reentry Permit

2. Complete Form I-131

  • Download from uscis.gov or file online (if available for your category)
  • Provide personal information, immigration history, and travel plans
  • Include reason for travel

3. Submit Supporting Documents

  • Copy of your Green Card (if applicable) or I-94 arrival record
  • Copy of refugee/asylee approval documentation
  • Two passport-style photos
  • Filing fee payment

4. Biometrics Appointment

  • USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC)
  • You must attend this appointment before the document can be issued
  • Must be completed in the U.S. — do not travel before biometrics are done

5. Receive Document

  • Mailed to your U.S. address after approval
  • Processing time: 3-5 months (can be longer during peak periods)

6. 1. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)

  • Who needs it Refugees, asylees, and certain lawful permanent residents who obtained their Green Card based on refugee/asylee status
  • What it is A U.S. government-issued booklet that functions like a passport, allowing international travel and re-entry to the United States
  • Applied for using Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document)
  • Validity 1 year from date of issuance
  • Cannot be extended You must apply for a new one before it expires if you plan to travel again
  • Must apply from within the U.S. You cannot apply for this document while outside the United States

7. 2. Reentry Permit (Form I-131)

  • Who needs it Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) and conditional residents who plan to be outside the U.S. for 1 year or more
  • What it is A document that establishes you have not abandoned your permanent resident status during extended absence
  • Applied for using Form I-131
  • Validity 2 years from date of issuance (for permanent residents); 2 years for conditional residents but cannot extend beyond the conditional residency period
  • Must apply from within the U.S. Application must be filed before departing; biometrics appointment must also be completed in the U.S.

8. 3. Advance Parole

  • Who needs it Individuals with pending adjustment of status (I-485) applications, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, DACA recipients, and others who need permission to travel and return while their immigr...
  • What it is Authorization to travel abroad and return without abandoning a pending application
  • Applied for using Form I-131
  • Validity Typically 1 year; varies based on immigration category
  • Critical warning Departing the U.S. without advance parole while an application is pending may result in the application being considered abandoned

9. What Is Allowed

  • Travel to third countries (not your home country) is generally permitted with a valid Refugee Travel Document
  • You must return to the U.S. before the travel document expires
  • Extended absences (over 180 days) may raise questions about abandonment of status

Common Mistakes

  • Traveling without a travel document
  • Traveling to your home country
  • Letting the document expire while abroad
  • Not applying early enough
  • Departing before biometrics

Sources

Related Checklists