Refugee Travel Document Renewal in El Cajon: Guide for Iraqi and Syrian Refugees

Quick Answer

El Cajon, often called the heart of San Diego County's Iraqi and Syrian refugee community, is home to one of the largest populations of Middle Eastern refugees in the United States. Thousands of families who fled persecution in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and other conflict zones have rebuilt their lives in El Cajon and the surrounding East County area. For these refugees and asylees, the Refugee Travel Document is an essential identity and travel document that allows them to visit family members abroad, attend to urgent business, or travel for humanitarian reasons without jeopardizing their immigration status. However, the renewal process involves strict rules and potential pitfalls that every refugee must understand. SoCal Immigration Services has helped hundreds of El Cajon refugees successfully renew their travel documents, and we are ready to guide you through this process. Call SoCal Immigration Services at (714) 421-8872.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Understanding the Refugee Travel Document and Form I-131

A Refugee Travel Document is a travel booklet issued by USCIS that allows refugees and asylees to travel internationally and return to the United States. This document serves a function similar to a passport for individuals who cannot obtain or use a passport from their home country. The Refugee Travel Document is issued through Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, which is the same form used for advance parole and reentry permits but with different eligibility categories. For refugees admitted under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and asylees granted protection under section 208, the Refugee Travel Document is typically the only safe way to travel abroad. Using a passport from your home country can be interpreted by USCIS as evidence that you no longer fear persecution in that country, potentially undermining your refugee or asylee status. The document is valid for one year from the date of issuance, which means refugees who travel frequently must plan for regular renewals. As of 2026, the filing fee for Form I-131 for refugees and asylees is $0 when filing for a Refugee Travel Document, making it one of the few USCIS applications with no associated government fee. However, the biometrics services fee of $85 applies to applicants between the ages of 14 and 78.

•Form I-131 is used to apply for or renew a Refugee Travel Document
•The document is valid for 1 year from issuance date
•No filing fee for refugees and asylees applying for a Refugee Travel Document
•Biometrics fee of $85 applies for applicants aged 14-78
•You must be physically present in the United States when you file the application
•The document allows reentry to the U.S. after international travel

Eligibility: Refugees vs. Asylees and Who Qualifies for Renewal

Eligibility for a Refugee Travel Document depends on your current immigration status, and the rules differ slightly between refugees and asylees. If you were admitted to the United States as a refugee, you are eligible to apply for a Refugee Travel Document as long as you have not adjusted your status to lawful permanent resident. Once you receive your green card, you no longer qualify for a Refugee Travel Document and must instead apply for a reentry permit if you plan to travel abroad for extended periods. Asylees who were granted asylum by an immigration judge or USCIS asylum office are also eligible for the Refugee Travel Document under the same conditions. Importantly, derivative refugees and asylees — meaning spouses and children who received their status through a principal applicant — are independently eligible to apply for their own Refugee Travel Documents. Each family member needs a separate Form I-131 and a separate document. For El Cajon families with multiple members needing travel documents, SoCal Immigration Services can prepare all applications simultaneously to streamline the process. Conditional residents and green card holders from refugee or asylee backgrounds must use different travel document categories, and we can advise you on the correct form and category for your specific situation.

•Refugees admitted under INA section 207 who have not adjusted to LPR status
•Asylees granted protection under INA section 208 who have not adjusted to LPR status
•Derivative refugees and asylees (spouses and unmarried children under 21)
•Applicants must be physically present in the U.S. at the time of filing
•Green card holders must apply for a reentry permit instead (different I-131 category)
•Each family member must file a separate Form I-131 application

The Renewal Process: Step-by-Step Timeline

Renewing your Refugee Travel Document requires careful planning, especially given current processing times at USCIS. As of early 2026, processing times for Form I-131 Refugee Travel Documents range from 3 to 6 months depending on the USCIS service center handling your case. This means you should file your renewal application at least 6 months before your current document expires, or 6 months before any planned international travel. The renewal process begins with completing Form I-131, which asks for biographical information, your immigration history, and details about your planned travel. You must include two passport-style photographs meeting USCIS specifications, a copy of your current or most recent Refugee Travel Document, evidence of your refugee or asylee status (such as your I-94 arrival record, asylum approval letter, or I-797 approval notice), and a copy of any government-issued photo identification. After filing, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at the nearest Application Support Center, which for El Cajon residents is typically the USCIS San Diego field office. At the biometrics appointment, your fingerprints, photograph, and signature are collected for background check purposes. Following biometrics, your case enters the adjudication queue where a USCIS officer reviews your application and supporting evidence before issuing the new travel document.

•File Form I-131 at least 6 months before your current document expires
•Include 2 passport-style photos, copy of current travel document, and proof of status
•USCIS sends a receipt notice (I-797C) within 2-3 weeks of filing
•Biometrics appointment scheduled 3-6 weeks after receipt notice
•Background checks and security clearances processed after biometrics
•New Refugee Travel Document mailed to your address upon approval
•Current processing times: 3-6 months from filing to document issuance

Critical Travel Restrictions: Never Travel to Your Home Country

The single most important rule for refugees and asylees holding a Refugee Travel Document is this: you must never travel to the country from which you sought protection. For Iraqi refugees in El Cajon, this means you cannot travel to Iraq. For Syrian refugees, you cannot travel to Syria. For Yemeni, Somali, Afghan, and other refugees, the same rule applies to their respective countries of nationality or last habitual residence. Traveling to your home country creates a legal presumption that you no longer fear persecution there, which is the fundamental basis of your refugee or asylee status. USCIS and immigration judges view home country travel as evidence that your fear of persecution was not genuine, or that country conditions have changed enough to eliminate the danger. The consequences of violating this rule are severe and potentially irreversible. USCIS can initiate proceedings to terminate your refugee or asylee status under INA section 207(c)(4) or 208(c)(2). If your status is terminated, you lose your work authorization, become deportable, and may face removal proceedings in immigration court. Even if you traveled to your home country for a compelling reason such as a dying parent or a family emergency, USCIS has consistently held that this does not excuse the fundamental problem: by returning, you demonstrated that you can safely live in the country you fled. SoCal Immigration Services strongly advises every El Cajon refugee: no matter how urgent the reason, do not travel to your home country while holding refugee or asylee status.

•Traveling to Iraq, Syria, Yemen, or your country of persecution can terminate your status
•USCIS presumes home country travel means you no longer fear persecution
•Status termination leads to loss of work authorization and potential deportation
•Even family emergencies do not excuse home country travel in USCIS's interpretation
•The prohibition applies until you become a U.S. citizen
•Travel to neighboring countries is permitted but requires extra caution near borders

Consequences of Expired Documents and Gaps in Coverage

Allowing your Refugee Travel Document to expire before obtaining a renewal creates significant problems for refugees and asylees who need to travel internationally. If you are outside the United States when your Refugee Travel Document expires, you may face serious difficulties returning. Airlines may refuse to board you without a valid travel document, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry may subject you to extended secondary inspection. While CBP generally does not deny entry to returning refugees and asylees, the process becomes far more complicated and stressful without a valid document. If you find yourself abroad with an expired Refugee Travel Document, you should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. In some cases, the embassy can issue a boarding letter or transportation letter to allow you to return to the United States. However, this process is unreliable and time-consuming, often taking weeks to arrange. For El Cajon refugees who have adjusted their status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder), different rules apply. Green card holders who travel abroad without a valid reentry permit and remain outside the United States for more than one year risk being considered to have abandoned their permanent resident status. The safest approach is to maintain continuous valid travel document coverage by filing your renewal application well before expiration. SoCal Immigration Services recommends setting a reminder 6 months before your document expires to begin the renewal process.

•Expired documents can prevent boarding flights back to the United States
•U.S. embassies can issue emergency boarding letters but the process takes weeks
•CBP may conduct extended secondary inspection if your document has expired
•Green card holders abroad for 1+ years without a reentry permit risk abandonment findings
•File renewal applications at least 6 months before expiration to maintain coverage
•Keep copies of all travel documents, receipts, and biometrics notices while traveling

Biometrics Appointments for El Cajon Residents

After USCIS receives your Form I-131 application, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice (Form I-797C) directing you to appear at a USCIS Application Support Center for fingerprinting, photography, and signature collection. For residents of El Cajon and the greater East County San Diego area, biometrics appointments are typically scheduled at the USCIS San Diego Field Office located at 1261 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911, or at the San Marcos Application Support Center depending on appointment availability. The biometrics appointment itself takes approximately 15-30 minutes and involves having your ten-print fingerprints digitally captured, a photograph taken, and your signature recorded electronically. These biometric data points are used by USCIS and the FBI to conduct background checks and security screenings before approving your travel document. Missing your biometrics appointment can result in significant delays or even denial of your application. If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, you may request rescheduling by contacting the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or by appearing at the ASC on a different date within your appointment window (typically a 2-week range around the scheduled date). SoCal Immigration Services advises El Cajon clients to attend their biometrics appointment as close to the scheduled date as possible to avoid processing delays. Bring your biometrics appointment notice, a valid photo ID, and your I-797C receipt notice to the appointment.

•Biometrics appointments typically scheduled 3-6 weeks after filing
•El Cajon residents usually go to Chula Vista or San Marcos ASC locations
•Bring appointment notice, valid photo ID, and I-797C receipt notice
•Appointment takes approximately 15-30 minutes for fingerprints, photo, and signature
•Missing your appointment can result in application denial
•Rescheduling is possible through USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283

Special Considerations for Iraqi and Syrian Refugees

The Iraqi and Syrian refugee communities in El Cajon face unique challenges when it comes to travel document renewals and international travel. Many Iraqi refugees were admitted through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) after working with the U.S. military or government as interpreters, contractors, or cultural advisors. Others were admitted under the Direct Access Program for Iraqi refugees or through Special Immigrant Visa pathways before transitioning to refugee processing. Syrian refugees arrived primarily through USRAP processing in Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon. For both communities, the security screening component of the Refugee Travel Document renewal process may take longer than for other refugee populations. Enhanced vetting procedures implemented for applicants from certain countries of origin can extend processing times beyond the standard 3-6 month window. Iraqi and Syrian refugees should plan for potential processing delays of up to 8-10 months in some cases. Additionally, many Iraqi and Syrian refugees in El Cajon maintain family connections in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. While travel to these neighboring countries is generally permitted, refugees must exercise extreme caution when traveling near the borders of their home countries. A Refugee Travel Document does not grant visa-free entry to other countries — you must check visa requirements for your destination country separately and obtain any required visas before traveling. SoCal Immigration Services helps El Cajon's Iraqi and Syrian community members plan their travel and understand the implications for their immigration status.

•Iraqi SIV holders and former interpreters may face enhanced security screening
•Syrian refugees processed through Jordan, Turkey, or Lebanon USRAP sites
•Enhanced vetting can extend processing times to 8-10 months
•Travel to Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, and Egypt is permitted but requires destination country visas
•The Kurdistan Region of Iraq is still considered part of Iraq — travel there risks status termination
•Keep all travel records and boarding passes as evidence of your travel history

How SoCal Immigration Services Helps El Cajon Refugees

SoCal Immigration Services has served the El Cajon refugee community for years, helping hundreds of Iraqi, Syrian, Yemeni, Somali, and Afghan families navigate the complex process of renewing their Refugee Travel Documents. Our team understands the cultural and linguistic needs of the Arab refugee community, and we provide services in Arabic and English to ensure clear communication throughout the process. We handle every aspect of your Refugee Travel Document renewal, from completing Form I-131 accurately and assembling the required supporting documents to preparing you for your biometrics appointment and tracking your case through USCIS processing. Our team monitors processing times and alerts you to any requests for evidence (RFEs) or other issues that require immediate attention. We also provide critical guidance on travel restrictions, helping you understand exactly where you can and cannot travel without risking your immigration status. For families with multiple members needing travel documents, we offer discounted package rates and coordinate all applications for simultaneous filing and processing. Whether you are renewing an expiring Refugee Travel Document, applying for the first time, or dealing with a complicated situation involving past travel or status changes, SoCal Immigration Services has the expertise to help. Call us today at (714) 421-8872 for a consultation, or visit our office to speak with an immigration specialist who understands the unique challenges facing El Cajon's refugee community.

•Arabic and English-speaking staff familiar with Iraqi and Syrian immigration cases
•Complete Form I-131 preparation and document assembly
•Biometrics appointment preparation and guidance
•Case tracking and RFE response assistance
•Travel restriction counseling to protect your status
•Family package rates for multiple applications

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How long does it take to renew a Refugee Travel Document in 2026?

A: Current processing times for Form I-131 Refugee Travel Document renewals are 3-6 months from filing to issuance. Iraqi and Syrian applicants may experience longer processing times of up to 8-10 months due to enhanced security screening. We recommend filing at least 6 months before your current document expires.

Q:Can I travel to Iraq or Syria with a Refugee Travel Document?

A: No. Traveling to your home country (Iraq, Syria, or whichever country you fled) can result in termination of your refugee or asylee status. USCIS considers home country travel as evidence that you no longer fear persecution. This prohibition applies until you become a U.S. citizen.

Q:What happens if my Refugee Travel Document expires while I am abroad?

A: If your document expires while you are outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. They may issue a boarding letter or transportation letter to allow your return. However, this process is unreliable and can take weeks. Always renew before traveling.

Q:Is there a fee to renew a Refugee Travel Document?

A: There is no USCIS filing fee for refugees and asylees applying for or renewing a Refugee Travel Document. However, a biometrics services fee of $85 applies to applicants between ages 14 and 78. Fee waivers may be available for those who qualify based on income.

Q:Can I use my Iraqi or Syrian passport instead of a Refugee Travel Document?

A: Using your home country passport is strongly discouraged and can jeopardize your refugee or asylee status. Obtaining or renewing a passport from your country of persecution signals to USCIS that you are seeking your government's protection, which contradicts your claim of persecution.

Q:Do I still need a Refugee Travel Document after getting my green card?

A: No. Once you adjust to lawful permanent resident status (green card), you no longer qualify for a Refugee Travel Document. Green card holders who plan to travel abroad for extended periods should apply for a reentry permit using Form I-131 under a different category. Your green card itself serves as your reentry document for trips under one year.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in El Cajon 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: February 20, 2026Last Updated: February 20, 2026

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