Refugee Travel Document in Garden Grove: I-131 Application Guide for Refugees and Asylees
Complete guide to obtaining a refugee travel document for Garden Grove residents
Quick Answer
Garden Grove is home to a significant refugee and asylee population, many of whom need to travel internationally for family emergencies, religious obligations, or professional reasons. A Refugee Travel Document (RTD) issued through Form I-131 is essential for refugees and asylees who want to travel abroad and return to the United States. Without this document, you risk losing your immigration status. Our Garden Grove office helps refugees and asylees navigate this process with Arabic-speaking support.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Garden Grove is home to a significant refugee and asylee population, many of whom need to travel internationally for family emergencies, religious obligations, or professional reasons. A Refugee Travel Document (RTD) issued through Form I-131 is essential for refugees and asylees who want to travel abroad and return to the United States. Without this document, you risk losing your immigration status. Our Garden Grove office helps refugees and asylees navigate this process with Arabic-speaking support.
What is a Refugee Travel Document?
The RTD serves as both an identity document and a re-entry permit. Without it, a refugee or asylee who travels abroad may be denied re-entry to the United States or may be considered to have abandoned their protected status. In 2026, USCIS processes approximately 85,000 refugee travel document applications annually, with California accounting for nearly 18% of all filings.
Who Qualifies for a Refugee Travel Document?
- •Refugees admitted to the U.S. under refugee status who have not yet adjusted to permanent resident status
- •Asylees who have been granted asylum and have not yet adjusted to permanent resident status
- •Derivative refugees and asylees (spouse and unmarried children under 21)
- •Permanent residents who obtained their green card based on refugee or asylee status
- •Individuals with pending I-485 adjustment of status applications based on refugee or asylee status
How to Apply: The I-131 Application Process
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Required Evidence and Supporting Documents
- •Completed Form I-131 with original signature
- •Two USCIS-compliant passport photos (2x2 inches, white background)
- •Copy of I-94 record showing refugee or asylee admission
- •Copy of refugee admission letter or asylum grant letter (Form I-590 or asylum approval notice)
- •Copy of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if applicable
- •Copy of green card (Form I-551) if you have already adjusted status
- •Copy of any previously issued Refugee Travel Documents
- •Filing fee of $135 or approved Form I-912 fee waiver
- •Form G-28 if represented by an accredited representative
- •Evidence of travel purpose (medical records, family emergency documentation, business letters)
Processing Times for Garden Grove Applicants
| Stage | Estimated Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt Notice | 1-3 weeks | USCIS acknowledges your filing with Form I-797C |
| Biometrics Appointment | 3-6 weeks after receipt | Fingerprinting at Santa Ana ASC |
| Document Processing | 3-5 months | USCIS reviews and adjudicates your application |
| Document Mailed | 1-2 weeks after approval | RTD booklet mailed to your Garden Grove address |
| Total Processing | 4-7 months | From filing to receiving the travel document |
Travel Restrictions and Important Warnings
- •Never travel to your home country. Returning to the country you fled from can result in USCIS determining you no longer need protection, leading to termination of your refugee or asylee status.
- •Do not travel before receiving your RTD. Leaving the U.S. without the document in hand means you will not be able to re-enter under your protected status.
- •Extended trips abroad (more than 180 days) can raise questions about whether you have abandoned your U.S. residence.
- •The RTD is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Plan your travel accordingly.
- •Carrying your original asylum grant letter or refugee admission documents while traveling is strongly recommended as backup documentation.
- •Some countries may not recognize the Refugee Travel Document. Verify entry requirements with the destination country's embassy before booking travel.
Renewal Process for Refugee Travel Documents
- •Begin the renewal process at least 4-5 months before your current RTD expires to avoid gaps in travel ability
- •The renewal application is identical to the initial application - file a new Form I-131 with all required documents
- •You must be physically present in the United States when you file the renewal application
- •USCIS does not accept renewal applications filed from outside the U.S.
- •If your status has changed (for example, you adjusted to permanent resident), your renewal requirements may differ
- •Keep copies of all previously issued RTDs for your records and for inclusion with future applications
Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services in Garden Grove?
- •Arabic and English-speaking staff who understand your cultural and legal needs
- •Over 500 successful Refugee Travel Document applications processed for Orange County clients
- •Direct experience with Iraqi, Syrian, Afghan, Yemeni, and Palestinian refugee cases
- •Fee waiver assistance for qualifying low-income applicants
- •Expedite request preparation for genuine emergencies (medical emergencies, death of family member)
- •Biometrics appointment preparation and guidance at the Santa Ana ASC
- •Ongoing case tracking and USCIS inquiry support until your document arrives
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I travel to my home country with a Refugee Travel Document?
A: No. Traveling to your home country is one of the most serious mistakes a refugee or asylee can make. USCIS considers a return trip to your home country as evidence that you no longer fear persecution, which can lead to termination of your refugee or asylee status and denial of future immigration benefits. Call (714) 421-8872 if you have questions about specific travel destinations.
Q:How long is a Refugee Travel Document valid?
A: A Refugee Travel Document is valid for one year from the date it is issued. There is no option to extend the validity. You must file a new Form I-131 application and pay the filing fee each time you need a new document. We recommend starting the renewal process 4-5 months before expiration.
Q:Can I apply for a Refugee Travel Document while my I-485 is pending?
A: Yes. If you have a pending I-485 adjustment of status application based on your refugee or asylee status, you are eligible to apply for a Refugee Travel Document. The RTD application will not interfere with your adjustment case. Our team can help you file both applications simultaneously.
Q:What happens if my Refugee Travel Document application is denied?
A: Denials are uncommon but can occur if USCIS determines you are ineligible (for example, if your refugee status was terminated) or if your application was incomplete. You can refile with corrected information. There is no formal appeal process for I-131 denials, but our office can help you understand the reason for denial and prepare a stronger resubmission.
Q:Do children need their own Refugee Travel Documents?
A: Yes. Every individual, including children, needs their own Refugee Travel Document to travel internationally. You cannot include children on a parent's RTD. Each child requires a separate Form I-131 filing, photos, and filing fee (or fee waiver). Our Garden Grove office regularly handles family filings to ensure all members are covered.
Q:Can I expedite my Refugee Travel Document application?
A: USCIS allows expedite requests in limited circumstances, including severe financial loss, medical emergencies, humanitarian reasons, or death of a family member abroad. You must provide documented evidence of the emergency. Our team has successfully obtained expedited processing for Garden Grove clients facing genuine urgent situations. Call (714) 421-8872 for emergency assistance.
Need a Refugee Travel Document in Garden Grove?
Our Arabic-speaking immigration team has helped hundreds of refugees and asylees in Garden Grove obtain travel documents. We handle every step from application preparation to biometrics guidance. Call (714) 421-8872 for your free consultation.
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