Refugee Travel Document Application Glendale

Quick Answer

Glendale is home to one of the largest Armenian and Middle Eastern communities in the United States, with a significant and growing Arab population. Many residents hold asylee or refugee status and need to travel internationally for family, work, or personal reasons. Understanding how to properly obtain a refugee travel document is critical for maintaining your immigration status while traveling abroad.

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Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

What Is a Refugee Travel Document?

A refugee travel document (RTD) is issued to individuals who have been granted asylum or refugee status in the United States. It functions similarly to a passport and allows you to travel internationally and return to the U.S. without jeopardizing your immigration status. The document is valid for one year from the date of issuance and is processed through USCIS Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. For asylees and refugees in Glendale, this document is essential because traveling on your home country's passport can be interpreted as re-availing yourself of your country's protection, which may result in the loss of your asylum or refugee status. USCIS processed over 120,000 refugee travel document applications in fiscal year 2025, reflecting the high demand for this critical travel authorization.

Eligibility Requirements for a Refugee Travel Document

To qualify for a refugee travel document, you must meet specific criteria established by USCIS. The eligibility requirements are straightforward but must be followed precisely to avoid delays or denials.

1
Asylee or Refugee Status
You must have been granted asylum or admitted to the U.S. as a refugee. Derivative asylees and refugees (spouses and children included on the principal's application) also qualify.
2
Physical Presence in the U.S.
You must be physically present in the United States when you file the I-131 application. USCIS will deny applications filed from abroad.
3
No Return to Home Country
You must not have obtained or used a passport from your country of nationality since being granted asylum or refugee status. Doing so raises serious concerns about whether you still fear persecution.
4
Valid Immigration Status
Your asylee or refugee status must still be valid. If you have already adjusted to lawful permanent resident status, you may need a re-entry permit (Form I-131) instead.
5
Biometrics Appointment
All applicants aged 14 to 79 must attend a biometrics appointment at a designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). The closest ASC to Glendale is the Los Angeles ASC.

Step-by-Step Application Process from Glendale

Filing for a refugee travel document from Glendale involves a structured process. Following each step carefully ensures your application moves through USCIS efficiently.

1
Complete Form I-131
Download the latest version of Form I-131 from uscis.gov. Select the appropriate filing category for a refugee travel document. Fill out every section accurately, including your A-number, biographical information, and travel plans.
2
Gather Supporting Documents
Collect your I-94 arrival/departure record, asylum approval notice or refugee admission documents, copy of any previous travel documents, two passport-style photographs meeting USCIS specifications, and a copy of your government-issued ID.
3
Pay the Filing Fee or Request a Fee Waiver
The filing fee for Form I-131 is $135 as of 2026. Applicants under 16 who are filing with a parent's application are exempt from the fee. You may also file Form I-912 for a fee waiver if you demonstrate financial hardship.
4
Submit Your Application
Mail your completed I-131, supporting documents, fee payment, and two photos to the USCIS lockbox facility designated for your jurisdiction. Glendale applicants file with the USCIS Phoenix lockbox.
5
Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
After USCIS receives your application, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice (Form I-797C). Attend the appointment at the Los Angeles ASC, located approximately 15 minutes from Glendale.
6
Receive Your Travel Document
USCIS will mail the approved refugee travel document to the address on your application. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 months, though premium processing is not available for this form.

Costs, Fees, and Processing Timeline

Understanding the financial and time requirements for your refugee travel document application helps you plan effectively. Below is a breakdown of current costs and timelines.

Item	Cost	Notes
Form I-131 Filing Fee	$135	Fee waiver available via Form I-912
Biometrics Fee	$0	No separate biometrics fee for I-131
Passport Photos (2)	$10-$15	Must meet USCIS photo specifications
Document Copies	$5-$20	Copies of supporting documents
Professional Assistance	Varies	Call (714) 421-8872 for pricing
Processing Time	3-5 months	Check uscis.gov for current times
Expedite Request	$0 extra	Available for urgent humanitarian reasons

Required Documents Checklist

Preparing a complete application package is the most effective way to avoid USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and processing delays. Glendale applicants should gather the following documents before filing:

1. Completed Form I-131 with original signature
2. Two identical passport-style photos (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 30 days)
3. Copy of your asylum approval letter (Form I-794) or refugee admission stamp (I-94)
4. Copy of any previously issued refugee travel documents
5. Copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if applicable
6. Copy of a valid government-issued photo ID
7. Evidence of your A-number (Alien Registration Number)
8. Filing fee of $135 or approved fee waiver (Form I-912)
9. Any name change documentation if your name differs from immigration records

Missing even one document can result in delays of 2-4 additional months. Our team at SoCal Immigration Services reviews every application package before submission to ensure completeness.

Important Travel Restrictions and Warnings

Holding a refugee travel document does not grant unlimited travel freedom. There are critical restrictions every asylee and refugee in Glendale must understand before traveling:

First, do not travel to your country of persecution under any circumstances. Traveling to the country from which you sought asylum protection creates a presumption that you no longer fear persecution, and USCIS can initiate proceedings to terminate your asylum status.

Second, do not apply for or use your home country's passport. Obtaining a passport from your country of nationality after receiving asylum is treated as re-availing yourself of that country's protection. This alone can be grounds for termination of asylum.

Third, keep your trips reasonably short. Extended absences from the United States (generally over 180 days) can affect your continuous residence requirement for naturalization and may raise questions about whether you have abandoned your U.S. residence.

Fourth, always carry your refugee travel document and a valid photo ID when traveling internationally. Airlines and border officials require both for re-entry to the United States.

Fifth, apply for renewal before your current document expires. The renewal process takes the same 3-5 months, so plan ahead to avoid gaps in your travel authorization.

Why Glendale Residents Choose SoCal Immigration Services

SoCal Immigration Services has helped hundreds of asylees and refugees in Glendale and the greater Los Angeles area obtain their travel documents without complications. Our team understands the unique concerns of Arab immigrants navigating the U.S. immigration system.

We provide bilingual services in English and Arabic, ensuring you understand every step of the process. Our staff reviews all documents for accuracy and completeness before submission, reducing the risk of RFEs and denials. We track your case through USCIS processing and notify you of every status update.

Glendale residents benefit from our proximity and familiarity with the Los Angeles USCIS field office and the local ASC. We have successfully handled refugee travel document cases for clients from Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Egypt, and other Arab countries.

Call us today at (714) 421-8872 to schedule your consultation. We offer flexible appointment times including evenings and weekends to accommodate your schedule.

Glendale Community Resources for Refugees and Asylees

Glendale offers a supportive environment for refugees and asylees from Arab countries. The city's diverse population includes established communities from Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt. Key resources available to Glendale residents include:

The USCIS Los Angeles Field Office, located approximately 20 minutes from downtown Glendale, handles interviews and in-person inquiries. The Los Angeles Application Support Center processes biometrics appointments for travel document applications.

Local organizations such as the International Institute of Los Angeles and Catholic Charities provide additional support services for refugees. The Glendale Public Library system offers free English language classes and citizenship preparation resources.

Public transportation via Metro connects Glendale to downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding area, making it convenient to attend USCIS appointments. The Glendale Beeline provides local bus service throughout the city.

SoCal Immigration Services is committed to serving the Glendale community. We understand the challenges of building a new life in the United States and are here to help you maintain your ability to travel while protecting your immigration status.

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Can I travel to my home country with a refugee travel document?

A: No. Traveling to the country where you claimed persecution can result in termination of your asylum or refugee status. USCIS treats such travel as evidence that you no longer fear persecution. Contact SoCal Immigration Services at (714) 421-8872 if you have questions about specific travel destinations.

Q:How long does it take to get a refugee travel document from Glendale?

A: Current USCIS processing times for Form I-131 refugee travel documents are 3 to 5 months. You must remain in the United States until the document is issued. Plan your travel accordingly and apply well in advance.

Q:What happens if my refugee travel document expires while I am abroad?

A: If your document expires while you are outside the U.S., you may face significant difficulties re-entering the country. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. You may need to apply for a boarding foil or transportation letter to return to the United States.

Q:Do I need a refugee travel document if I already have a green card?

A: No. Once you adjust status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you travel with your green card and may apply for a re-entry permit (also Form I-131) for extended trips abroad. A refugee travel document is only for those still in asylee or refugee status.

Q:Can my children be included on my refugee travel document application?

A: No. Each person, including children, must have their own refugee travel document. Children under 16 filing with a parent's application are exempt from the $135 filing fee, but they still need individual applications and photos.

Q:What if USCIS denies my refugee travel document application?

A: Denials are uncommon when applications are properly prepared. Common reasons for denial include incomplete forms, missing documents, or evidence of travel to the home country. SoCal Immigration Services reviews every application before submission to prevent denials. Call (714) 421-8872 for assistance.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Glendale and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: March 5, 2026Last Updated: March 5, 2026

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Refugee Travel Document Application in Glendale: Essential Guide for Arab Immigrants