Travel for Refugees/Asylees
(last updated September 8, 2003)
About refugee travel documents
How to apply for a refugee travel document
Filling out certain sections of Form I-131
Mailing the application
ABOUT REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
What is the purpose of a refugee travel document?
Before traveling abroad, a U.S. refugee (as well as an asylee) must apply for a refugee travel document. This light blue passport allows U.S. refugees and asylees to return to the United States after a temporary trip abroad. Without it, a U.S. refugee or asylee is inadmissible, unless she has an advance parole document. Issued only by the Nebraska Service Center of BCIS (Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, formerly known as “BCIS”), the document is valid for one year. It is about the size of a U.S. passport and includes several pages for visas into other countries. The front cover is clearly labeled Refugee Travel Document. The passport-booklet is also designated as “Form I-571”.
Who is eligible to apply for a refugee travel document?
A person holding U.S. refugee status or a person who has been granted asylum may apply for a refugee travel document. Additionally, a person who is now a Lawful Permanent Resident and who obtained that status on the basis of U.S. refugee or asylee status may also apply for a refugee travel document even though she is eligible for a reentry permit. Refugee travel documents are processed much more quickly than reentry permits. The Nebraska Service Center tries to process refugee travel documents within approximately three to four months, while reentry permits are taking nine months and even longer.
Can parolees or asylum applicants apply for a refugee travel document?
No, parolees, including both public interest parolees under the Lautenberg/Specter amendment as well as humanitarian parolees, are NOT ELIGIBLE for a refugee travel document. Unfortunately, many are not aware of this and consequently lose their filing fees, which are not refundable.
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HOW TO APPLY FOR A REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT
How can a U.S. refugee or asylee apply for a refugee travel document?
An application for a refugee travel document consists of the following:
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Click here to download Form I-131.
- Two identical color photos.The photos must have a white background, and be glossy and untouched.They should show a ¾ frontal profile of the right side of the face. With a pencil, lightly print the applicant’s name and A# on the back of each photo. For more information on photos for BCIS applications, see the instructions on the form. Place the photos in a plain white envelope (unsealed) marked PHOTOS for (Applicant’s name).
- Check or money order for $110 payable to “B.C.I. S.” Print applicant’s name and A# on the check. A personal check is an excellent method of payment because later on, the cancelled check is readily available as proof that the application was received by the Nebraska office.
- Proof of U.S. refugee or asylee status. A refugee can submit a clear copy of the front and back of her I-94 showing a U.S. refugee stamp. Asylees may submit either a copy of an I-94 with an "Asylum granted" stamp or a copy of a judge’s decision to grant asylum. Beware of recommended approvals for asylum or conditional grants of asylum: These are not grants of asylum, even though they may later be upgraded to asylum grants after the applicant's fingerprints have been cleared through security checks. There must be confirmation that asylum has been granted.
- Clear copy of a photo identity document. Refugees and asylees must include a copy of a photo identity document. Such photo ID must reflect the persons photo, name, and date of birth. Such document can be a copy of the identity page from one’s national passport (even if the passport has expired), a driver’s license, a State ID card, or other type of photo ID with the same information, as long as it is issued by a government agency. The copy must be clear and legible. If no photo ID is available, include an explanation. This requirement is not included in the instructions that come with the form. It is a measure adopted to combat fraud.
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FILLING OUT CERTAIN SECTIONS OF FORM I-131
Certain parts of Form I-131 are confusing to U.S. refugees and asylees applying for a refugee travel document: Can HIAS clarify?
Here are a few tips: - Part 1. of Form I-131. Complete this entire block of information. The last item in this block refers to the applicant’s A number (A #), or Alien Number. This is an 8 or 9-digit number preceded by the letter “A” that should be on the applicant’s I-94 or her plastic Employment Authorization Document.
- Part 2. of Form I-131. A refugee or asylee (who does not yet have Lawful Permanent Resident status) applying for a refugee travel document should check box (b).
- Part 3. of Form I-131. A refugee or asylee should respond to “Date of intended departure”; “Expected length of trip”; and to the question about exclusion/deportation proceedings. Next, proceed to the top of the next page of the application and in Part 3, check box A if you want the refugee travel document mailed to the address provided in Part 1 of the application. Unfortunately, the form has an error and box A mistakenly refers to “Part 2” instead of “Part 1”. Therefore, at Box A, just cross out the “2” and print “1”. The travel document will be mailed to your address as provided in Part 1 of the application.
- Complete Part 4 and Part 6 of Form I-131.
- At Part 8, sign and date the application. Include a daytime telephone number (if there is one).
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MAILING THE APPLICATION
Where should a U.S. refugee/asylee mail her application for a refugee travel document?
The mailing address is:
BCIS Nebraska Service Center
P.O. Box 87131
Lincoln, NE 68501-7131
There are actually several mailing addresses for Form I-131, depending on the purpose for which it is used. However, a U.S. refugee or an asylee seeking a refugee travel document should mail the application to the address directly above.
What about the envelope size?
Avoid cramping the application into a small envelope. Use an envelope that will comfortably hold the application without folding.
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