Refugee Travel Document in Rialto: I-131 Application Guide for Asylees
Travel internationally while protecting your refugee or asylee status
Quick Answer
For refugees and asylees living in Rialto and the Inland Empire, international travel requires careful planning. A Refugee Travel Document allows you to leave and return to the United States without losing your protected status. SoCal Immigration Services helps you navigate this process with Arabic-speaking support.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For refugees and asylees living in Rialto and the Inland Empire, international travel requires careful planning. A Refugee Travel Document allows you to leave and return to the United States without losing your protected status. SoCal Immigration Services helps you navigate this process with Arabic-speaking support.
What is a Refugee Travel Document?
Key Facts:
• Required for refugees and asylees to travel internationally
• Valid for 1 year (or until your green card is issued)
• Allows multiple entries back to the U.S.
• Different from Advance Parole (AP)
• Essential to protect your status while traveling
Who Needs a Refugee Travel Document?
- •An asylee granted asylum in the United States
- •A refugee admitted to the U.S. through a refugee program
- •A derivative asylee or refugee (spouse or child)
- •A conditional resident who received status through asylum
- •Planning any international travel before getting your green card
WARNING: Traveling to Your Home Country
Why This Matters:
• Returning to your persecution country suggests the fear was not genuine
• USCIS may revoke your asylum
• You could be barred from future immigration benefits
• This applies even with a Refugee Travel Document
Exceptions are rare and require compelling humanitarian reasons (like a parent's death) with careful documentation. Always consult before traveling to your home country.
How to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document
| Step | What to Do | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. File I-131 | Submit Form I-131 | Application for Travel Document |
| 2. Pay Fee | $135 filing fee | Fee waiver available for some |
| 3. Biometrics | Attend appointment | Usually within 3-4 weeks |
| 4. Processing | USCIS reviews application | 4-6 months currently |
| 5. Receive RTD | Document mailed to you | Valid for 1 year |
Documents Needed for I-131
- •Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
- •Copy of your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- •Copy of asylum approval letter or refugee admission documents
- •Copy of EAD (Employment Authorization Document) if you have one
- •Two passport-style photos (2x2 inches)
- •Copy of any previous travel documents
- •Filing fee of $135 (or fee waiver request I-912)
- •Cover letter explaining your travel needs (optional but helpful)
Processing Times and Planning
• Standard Processing: 4-6 months
• Expedite Requests: 2-4 weeks (if approved)
• Biometrics Appointment: 2-4 weeks after filing
Important Planning Tips:
• Apply at least 6 months before planned travel
• Don't book non-refundable tickets until you have the RTD
• Keep your address updated with USCIS
• The RTD cannot be extended - apply for a new one if it expires
Can I Expedite My Refugee Travel Document?
Valid Reasons for Expedite:
• Severe financial loss to your company or you
• Urgent humanitarian reasons (family emergency)
• USCIS error causing delays
• Compelling U.S. government interest
• Media or Congressional interest
To Request Expedite:
1. Submit your I-131 application normally
2. After receiving your receipt, call USCIS or submit online request
3. Provide evidence supporting your urgent need
4. Be prepared for possible denial - not guaranteed
Traveling While Your I-485 is Pending
• You can travel on a Refugee Travel Document
• Your I-485 remains valid while traveling
• No need for separate Advance Parole if you have an RTD
• Keep your travel brief to avoid abandonment issues
• Carry copies of your I-485 receipt and RTD when traveling
What Happens at the Border?
• Present your RTD to the CBP officer
• You may be asked about your travel purpose
• Secondary inspection is common but usually brief
• Keep documentation of your travel reasons
• If you visited third countries, explain your itinerary
DO NOT attempt to enter without valid documentation - your RTD is essential.
After You Get Your Green Card
• You can travel with your green card for trips under 1 year
• For trips over 1 year, apply for a Re-entry Permit (also Form I-131)
• You no longer need a Refugee Travel Document
• Consider applying for citizenship after eligibility to get a U.S. passport
• Green card holders can generally visit their home country (unlike asylees)
Rialto RTD Application Help
- •I-131 form preparation and review
- •Document gathering and organization
- •Arabic translation and interpretation
- •Expedite request preparation when qualified
- •Travel counseling about safe destinations
- •Guidance on protecting your status while traveling
- •Green card application assistance
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long is a Refugee Travel Document valid?
A: A Refugee Travel Document is typically valid for 1 year from the date of issuance, or until your green card is issued if that happens sooner. You'll need to apply for a new one before it expires if you plan to travel.
Q:Can I travel to my home country with a Refugee Travel Document?
A: This is extremely risky. Returning to the country you fled may lead USCIS to conclude your fear of persecution was not genuine, potentially revoking your asylum status. Only travel to your home country in rare emergencies after legal consultation.
Q:How long does it take to get a Refugee Travel Document from Rialto?
A: Currently, processing takes 4-6 months. Apply well in advance of your planned travel. Emergency expedite requests may be processed in 2-4 weeks if USCIS approves the request.
Q:Do I need a Refugee Travel Document if I have a green card?
A: No. Once you have your green card, you can travel internationally with just your green card for trips under 1 year. For longer trips, you need a Re-entry Permit instead.
Q:Can my children travel on my Refugee Travel Document?
A: No. Each family member needs their own Refugee Travel Document. Children, even infants, must have a separate RTD to travel internationally.
Q:What if my Refugee Travel Document expires while I'm abroad?
A: This is a serious situation. You may need to visit a U.S. Embassy for an emergency travel document to return. Always ensure your RTD is valid for your entire trip plus extra time for unexpected delays.
Need a Refugee Travel Document in Rialto?
Plan your international travel safely with proper documentation. Our Arabic-speaking team helps asylees and refugees throughout the Inland Empire protect their status while traveling.
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