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What is a Refugee Travel Document?

Home » What is a Refugee Travel Document?

July 5, 2021

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues Refugee Travel Documents to persons with refugee or asylum status (and in some cases to lawful permanent residents who obtained their permanent residence through refugee or asylum status).

Who Needs a Refugee Travel Document

You must have a Refugee Travel Document to return to the United States if you:

• Have refugee or asylum status but are not a lawful permanent resident (green card holder); or
• Are a derivative asylee or refugee.

If you do not obtain a travel document before you leave the U.S., you may be unable to re-enter the United States or you may be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

Lawful permanent residents who obtained their status through refugee or asylum status may also apply for a travel document. Although permanent residents can generally enter the United States with the green card (after an absence of less than one year), a travel document may be needed to enter other countries. In this way, the travel document is much like a passport.

An asylum “applicant” cannot obtain a Refugee Travel Document. Instead, asylum applicants may apply for an Advance Parole Document . Advance Parole allows certain aliens to return to the United States without a visa after traveling abroad.

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

To apply for a Refugee Travel Document, file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document . You should file a Form I-131 before you leave the United States and expect processing times of approximately three months. However, it may take longer. Expedited processing may be available for your situation.

Should you need to leave the United States before USCIS grants the travel document or you want to apply outside the United States, please consult with an immigration attorney .

Mistakes on your Form I-131 can cause costly delays or a denial.

Period of validity.

A Refugee Travel Document is valid for up to one year. During this time you can use the document multiple times.

USCIS will not renew your travel document. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a new one with Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

Traveling to the Country of Persecution

Traveling back to the country where you experienced past persecution or claim a fear of future persecution is highly discouraged.

RECOMMENDED: Dangers of Refugee/Asylee Travel to Home Country

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Traveling With Your Passport When You Have Asylum

A common question for asylees (people who have been granted asylum) is whether they can travel using their home country passport. If all were right in the world, this would never be an issue. Asylees and Green Card holders who received their status based on asylum are eligible for a Refugee Travel Document , and it is best to use the RTD instead of your home country passport.

Unfortunately, the RTD is valid for only one year, takes 10 or 11 months to renew, and is not accepted by many countries. For these reasons, asylees (and people who received a Green Card based on asylum) are often unable to use the RTD and are left with a difficult choice: Either skip the trip or travel using the home country passport, which can potentially have negative implications for a person’s status in the United States.

In this post, we will talk about the RTD and then discuss travel using a passport from your home country.

For asylees, the best way to travel and return to the U.S. is with an RTD. But the problems with the RTD are many. First, not all countries accept the RTD. You can find websites that purport to list nations that accept the RTD (with or without a visa), but it is unclear whether such information is reliable. The better approach is to contact the country’s embassy and ask directly. Some embassy websites even have information about whether they recognize the RTD and whether a visa is required.

A second problem is that the RTD is valid for only one year and renewals currently take almost a year. If your RTD is valid and you want to renew it, you need to send the original RTD along with your application for a new travel document. While I have heard about people applying for a new RTD without sending the original, the instructions are clear on this point, and if you have a valid RTD and fail to include it with your application to renew, you risk rejection. The solution would be for USCIS to extend the validity of the RTD, an idea that has been floating around for years and whose time is long overdue.

Despite these issues, for asylees who do not yet have a Green Card, the RTD is usually the only option, since that document is required to re-enter the United States (an exception might be an asylee who also has TPS or who has applied for a Green Card based on a family relationship or employment–such people can obtain Advance Parole ).

What about an asylee who has an RTD, but who uses her passport to enter a third country? This is a common scenario, since some countries do not recognize the RTD. Would an asylee be at risk of losing her status if she travels with her passport?

There are several reasons that a person’s asylum status can be terminated, including two that might be relevant for our purposes: (1) if there is “a showing of fraud in the alien’s application such that he or she was not eligible for asylum at the time it was granted” and (2) if the asylee “voluntarily availed himself or herself of the protection of the country of nationality… by returning to such country with permanent resident status or the reasonable possibility of obtaining such status….”

Using a passport issued by a government that seeks to harm you may raise suspicions about fraud. You could be asked to explain why you used the passport and why your home government issued you a passport in the first place. It is worth thinking about these questions before they come up, and having an explanation ready in case it is needed. One common explanation is that the home government issues passports to everyone and does not have the capacity to track political opponents and deny them passports. Evidence for this might include news stories about opposition political figures who travel abroad (presumably using their passport). If you do not fear your home government, but instead fear non-state actors (such as terrorists or violent family members), this is obviously less of a concern. Even so, be prepared to explain the situation, just in case you are asked.

There is also the issue of voluntarily availing yourself of the protection of your home country by using your passport (and thus placing yourself under the home government’s protection). However, this provision only applies if you return to your home country and does not apply when you use your passport to travel to a third country. So unless you go to your home country, this should not be an issue.

Here’s another scenario: You have a Green Card and a valid passport, but you do not have an RTD. Can you travel and return to the United States?

First, you can re-enter the U.S. using your Green Card, as long as your trip was for less than six months (keep in mind that any Green Card holder can abandon his residency if he spends too much time outside the United States). 

Second, in terms of a risk to your status based on use of your passport, the only real issue here is whether your original asylum case was fraudulent, as discussed above. As long as the U.S. government does not conclude that the asylum case was fake, you should be fine.

In general, the risk to your status caused by using your passport is probably minimal, though it is not zero. In my own practice, I have many clients who received a Green Card based on asylum and who traveled using their passport. None has had a problem re-entering the U.S. or during the naturalization process.

For asylees and Green Card holders who received status based on asylum, it will always be better to use the RTD. However, where you must use your passport, you should be prepared to explain the situation. In this way, you can minimize any risk to your immigration status in the United States.

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Hello Jason,

Recently, I short visited third country with reentry permit(travel document)and back to USA with green card and along with this documents. Now, CBP did not entry and exit stamp on travel documents. As a green card holders, I wanted to keep my travel record for future Naturalization application. How to get my travel records? Could you provide resources website along with instructions?

Thank You Hasan

I think there is a way to do a Freedom of Information Act request to get a copy of entries and exists for GC holders, but I have not done that and I am not sure. For the N-400 form, we just have our clients do their best to remember the travel history and if there are some uncertainties, we explain that in the cover letter of the form. It has never been a problem for our clients, so I think as long as you do your best to remember, and let them know if you are not sure, you will be fine. Take care, Jason

Hi Sir I’m from Hong Kong my wife is the Applicant of asylums , We got the Green card I got Category AS7 green card. We have RTD I need to visit Dubai for a business meeting, I have my passport which is still valid and not renewe , me and wife planning to visit Dubai with our Green card and home country passport without renewing for new passport. Please advise when we return will it be a problem also when we apply for citizenship will it be any issues ? We can explain Dubai doesn’t accept RTD

The article above discusses this, and if your wife fears harm from the home government, she should be prepared to explain why she used her passport. I doubt this will cause a problem, but if she can get the Refugee Travel Document, that is better. Otherwise, she should be prepared to explain why she used the passport, just in case she is asked. Take care, Jason

Hi Jason. I am green card holder based on asylum. I never applied to RTD, it was not my intention to travel outside of USA, however my father is not getting younger and he asked to see him in a third country because he wants to see his grandkids. I am inclining towards traveling with my country’s password which i still have and its valid for few more years. Can officer question me at the border? I will be applying to naturalization in 3 years, will that create a problem? We are planning to travel just for one week to a third country

I have not had a client who used their passport and then had any real problems at the border or during naturalization, as long as you do not go to your country. It would be better if you had the RTD, especially if the next Administration is more hostile to immigrants, and so maybe you want to apply for it and ask to expedite (I wrote about expediting on January 29, 2020). Probably, you will not get it in time to travel, but at least you can then say you tried to get it, if anyone asks. Take care, Jason

thank you, Jason, its a good idea, I will apply for RTD, I can still use it in a future if they ll process quickly. Do I need to apply for my husband as well? He is not part of my case, just derivative asylum

It is less important for derivatives, as they are not asylees and there is no issue for them to use their passport. It does not hurt to have it, as it is a good travel document (for the one year it is valid), but it is not really needed. Take care, Jason

It makes sense. Thank you, Jason

Hello Jason!

I am a green card holder based asylum . I applied for the 2 years re-entery permit travel documents. I keep asking if this will serve as a valid passport to enter another country and no one was able to help me. I don’t wish to renew my home country passport as I don’t want to take risk while applying for citizenship. My Question is can I travel using the re-entery permit I327 as valid passport? I got it after waiting 12 months.

The Refugee Travel Document is the document that is designed to serve in place of a passport. Many (but not all) countries accept that. The Re-Entry Permit is designed to allow you to re-enter the US. I have heard that some countries accept that as a passport, but I am not sure. Once you have the document, maybe you should use it to apply for a visa in the country that you want to visit. If you get the visa, you should be good to go (hopefully). I do think you would be wise to carry your passport with you, just in case you need that. Take care, Jason

My passport is expired, all I have is re entery permit travel documents, I was waiting for it for 14 min so I travel. I supposed to go to Canada this week but when I asked canada border they said, they only accept passport and green card and i am so upset. USCIS told me that I can travel but it depends on the country I want to visit if they accept it as travel documents. Then USCIS told me to contact CBP for more informations .I talked to CBP and they told me that travel documents are not valid as passport. It’s so sad how they are not familiar with the RTD or Re entery permit and all they say is PASSPORT. I don’t want to travel with stress not knowing for sure if they will allow me to enter the country I want to visit. Canada don’t require visa but another country yes. So do you think if I get visa the travel documents will be accepted? I don’t think visa matter over passport if needed. Let me know thank you

I think if you have a GC and a travel document (either the Re-Entry Permit or the RTD), Canada will probably allow you to enter. However, I do not know for certain. I thought the Canadian embassy website had some info about this. If so, maybe you can print that and bring it with you (along with the GC and travel document). The purpose of trying to get a visa is so that the decision about entry is made before you go to the border. If they issue you a visa in your travel document, you should be able to enter the country. Without the visa, and without any specific info about your travel document from the Canadian embassy, I think your last options are to contact an immigration lawyer in Canada to ask or to just go to the border and hope for the best. Take care, Jason

I could use your advice. I have an RTD and am considering applying for Global Entry. The application form, like those for a green card or citizenship, asks if you’ve ever been arrested. My asylum case is against the government, and I was detained during a rally.

I’m concerned that this detention might lead to a denial of my Global Entry application, and potentially cause issues during my naturalization process. I’ve heard of people being denied citizenship due to similar situations.

I know it’s difficult to provide definitive advice, but I would appreciate your thoughts. Specifically:

1) Is there a risk in applying for Global Entry given my detention? If I get denied, could it also pose a risk to my future citizenship application (N-400)? 2) If I indicate on the citizenship form that I’ve never been arrested but include a note about being detained during a protest, would that be helpful?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

1 – I do not know about Global Entry, sorry. I do not think there is a risk for naturalization, as long as you explain what happened. I have had many clients who had political arrests, and it has never affected anyone’s N-400 case. 2 – I think that is ok. We always circle the question (assuming you use the paper form) and write “see cover letter,” but you could also just write a note on the supplement page of the form. You can say that it was not a legal arrest, but rather an illegal detention. As long as you mention it and explain, you should be fine. Take care, Jason

I am a derivative asylee, AS7 category.

I wasn’t listed in my wife’s case, and my wife case wasn’t against gouvernement but against a person and a groupe.

My dad is extremely sick and I’m planning to go back to my home country for two weeks. I do have a valid home country passport That I will use to travel, I’m traveling with my 2 kids that are US citizen a 5 years old and 2 years old.

Am I going to be in trouble when traveling back to the US?

Thanks for you in advance.

Under these circumstances, I do not see why you would have a problem returning to your country and coming back to the US, as long as you have a Refugee Travel Documents or a green card. I suppose if anyone asks, you should be prepared to explain that you do not face danger in your country and that you were a dependent on your wife’s asylum case. Take care, Jason

Hello Jason, first thank you for what you’re doing for people like us!! 1. What’s the new validity period of the Refugee Travel Document? 2. It’s been almost a year I applied for RTD, I haven’t received it yet. Can I refiling since it is taking too long? 3. If I re file it does it going to start over the time? 4. What are the requirements for naturalization for Asylees?

Please and thank you.

1 – It is still one year. 2 – It takes more than one year to get the RTD, so this wait time is “normal.” If you need to expedite, you can try that. I wrote about expediting in general on January 29, 2020. I think it will not help to file for a new RTD. 3 – There would be a 1+ year wait for the second RTD and the application could be denied, since you cannot have two RTDs at the same time. 4 – They are the same as for everyone – enough time in the US with a GC, no serious criminal issues, fill the form and pay the fees. I wrote about naturalization for asylees on December 2, 2020. Take care, Jason

I am a derivative asylee, AS7 category. I was not listed in my wife’s case to be in fear of prosecution. Currently, I have applied for a travel document which is taking extremely long. I do have a valid home country passport, and have an urgent need to travel to Europe for a business meeting, my understanding is that I should not have any major risk with traveling to the UK with home country passport, is my assumption correct.

Thanks for you your guidance in advance.

As a dependent, I highly doubt you would have any issues. I guess if your spouse’s case indicated that the home government wants to persecute you too, you should be prepared to explain why you used the passport. But this is pretty far-fetched and I imagine you will be fine. Take care, Jason

Hi Jason Trust you are doing great. I have a pending asylum case. I hav a brother who is getting married in Canada late this year. So I want to confirm my doubt on about traveling to attend his wedding. I have to apply for Advance parole and a travel document right since my country of origin passport has expired and I cannot renew it anymore right. This is just to confirm about getting these two documents. Thanks

You need Advance Parole to return to the US (I wrote about that on September 11, 2017), but there is no way to get a travel document (i.e., a document you can use instead of a passport) from the US government while the asylum case is pending. Maybe you can somehow get permission from Canada, but I kind of doubt it – I guess you can contact their embassy to ask. Take care, Jason

I filled combo application (I-485,I-765, I-131) when I was a granted asylum. My I-485 and I-765 was already approved. But, I-131 is still pending more than 1 years. Now, I am permanent resident holder(GC). Should I refilled I-131(re-entry) application or waiting current case result? Should I get re-entry permit or refugee travel documents since my immigration status was changed? Thanks for your time.

I always recommend the RTD for asylees, even if they have a GC, but some people try to use the Re-Entry Permit instead of a passport. Whether that works as well as the RTD, I do not know. In practical terms, I doubt it would be much faster to apply now for the Re-Entry Permit, since you will (hopefully) get the RTD in the next few months. I do think you could have both documents, and so if you didn’t mind spending the money, you could apply for the Re-Entry Permit as well. Take care, Jason

Hello Jason, My GC was issued last years on October and RTD is still pending which is part of combo application(I-485, I-765, I-131). I applied Re-entry permit( I-131) on April this years. Today, I received request for evidence mail from USCIS that an applicant cannot have a valid reentry permit and refugee travel document simultaneously, even if he/she is eligible for both. I applied re-entry permit before issued RTD, I have to chose one type of travel document and another one need to be withdraw. I did not extra paid RTD due to combo application and I paid $630 for Re-entry permit. If I choose RTD and withdraw re-entry permit, the fee will not be refunded. RTD is valid for 1 years and re-entry permit is valid for 2 years. Should USCIS make decision re-entry permit soon even I applied on this April? I submitted RTD on December 2022. Both case status is RFE now. I am planing to use either type of documents instead of a passport. Could You give me some suggestion, choose which one is better? Thank you.

The RTD is the normal document for asylees and it is designed to be used in place of a passport. The Re-Entry Permit is not designed to be used as a passport, even though it looks like a passport and some people are able to use it that way. Also, the Re-Entry Permit is not always issued for two years; sometimes, it is one year – you can check the instructions, which I think discuss this. Generally, I recommend the RTD for asylees, and since you have already waited 1.5 years for that document, USCIS should issue it soon. But if you are not in a hurry to travel and prefer the Re-Entry Permit because it may be issued for two years, I guess you could do that. Again, though, since it is not designed to be used instead of a passport and it sounds like that is something you need, maybe the RTD is the better choice. Take care, Jason

Both refugee travel documents and re-entry permit are same as Travel document booklet, just inside headline is re-entry permit or refugee travel documents. Looks, both designed to be used as a passport. Thank you.

I have heard that, but my understanding is that the RTD is specifically designed to be used as a passport, whereas the Re-Entry Permit is meant to be used when you re-enter the US, and was not designed to serve as a passport. People do use it that way, but for asylees, I think the more appropriate document is the RTD. Take care, Jason

Hello, would you please help me with an advice in my situation. I’m in asylee status with I485 pending and as Ukrainian I’m eligible for TPS status. My RTD will expire next year. Can I use TPS travel authorization document I-512T to reenter U.S. after my RTD goes for 17 month renewal.

Hey Jason!! Do you think I could have any issues if I get global entry I’m an As6 green card holder!! I already applied and I’m just waiting for my interview!!! I’m gonna have to use my home country passport for global entry but I got my passport 5 years before my asylum was granted… thank you for your answer

I doubt you will have issues, but you should be prepared to explain why you are using a passport from a country that wants to persecute you (of course, if you fear non-state actors, like terrorists, this is easy to explain). Of course, it would be better to get the RTD (as discussed in the above article), but that takes along time and is only good for a year. Take care, Jason

Did you get your global entry yet? I am planning on doing this too

Btw, I am a green card holder through asylum and I just finished my trip in Mexico and re-entered to USA. When I presented the customs officer my green card he asks for my passport as well. Then he asked my like 10 questions like why you visited Mexico, how long did you stay there, which cities did you visit .

Then he asked me to stay still and left to negotiate with a higher ranking officer in other counter before letting me in.

My friend said this is very normal since any green card holder would be asked with these questions and since this is my first time travelling abroad with my green card they had to make sure I am the right person.

For those people wondering about global entry I applied on December 7th 2023 and was conditionally approved the same day, then I schedule an appointment on February 2 2024 and I was approved I’ll get my global entry card in two weeks!!! I used my home country passport!!! The officer told me that there’s no issue in using your HC passport besides you have use your green card for global entry not your passport!!!!

Thank you for sharing this. Take care, Jason

I guess if you have TPS and get Advance Parole, you can use that to re-enter the US for as long as it is valid. You would need to use your passport to travel, and that could raise red flags as discussed in the above article (probably not, but you should at least be prepared to explain why you used a passport from a country that wants to persecute you). The RTD would be better, but takes forever. Take care, Jason

Hello! I have a pending asylum and eligible for TPS. I got TPS approved. I don’t have a passport. I want to get the TPS travel doument but I read that the TPS advance parole is not a substitute for a passport. Can I use the TPS travel document alone by itself without a passport? Since I’m pending asylum only I cannot get the refugee travel document I think. Any suggestions? Thank you so much!

If you have TPS, you can apply for Advance Parole (you can also do this based on pending asylum, but it is more difficult). However, that only serves as a re-entry document (like a US visa) and cannot be used as a passport. Also, the RTD is only for people who have been granted asylum. As far as I know, your only option is to use your country passport, and that could maybe have implications for your asylum case. At a minimum, you should be prepared to explain why you used or renewed your passport when you fear harm from your home government, and why your government was willing to renew your passport. If you fear non-state actors, like terrorists, this is much easier to explain than if you fear your government. Take care, Jason

Hello Jason! Hoping you’re having a good day!! Well I’m an As6 green card holder I’m planning on traveling to a third country but my RTD hasn’t been approved yet!!! I want to travel with my passport!!! My asylum was approved on 2021 and got my greencard on 2022 three months after the year and one day!!! But my passport was issued on 2015 so I already had my passport before my asylum was approved

The article above discusses the implications of travel, but I have not had a client who had trouble because he traveled to a third country with his passport. I think you should be prepared to explain why you used the passport (since the RTD takes forever), just in case you are asked. Take care, Jason

Thank you so much for this informative article. I’m green card holder for 2 years through asylum. I visited a few countries this year with RTD and no issue at all. But I’m told by an officer at airport that I should use my national passport. But I think he was not sure about that. My RTD will be expired in 3 months and I will apply to get a new one. But the problem is it takes 17 months to get a new one. That’s why I’m considering of renewing my national passport and need to visit another country(not my home country) for my brother mental issues(he feel much better when he see me).

If an officer ask me “why I’m using my national passport instead of RTD”, I’m thinking of explaning them: 1-) a new RTD takes longer time, 2-) my brother health documents(including mental issues) 3-) I’m told by another officer that I should use my national passport. But I don’t have any proof for this

I was very honest and clear during asylum interview,I explained them at asylum interview that I wasn’t jailed, wasn’t beaten and I didn’t have any serious issue in my country but I don’t feel safe there because of Human Rights. And in that time, I didn’t prefer to renew my passport and I’m not sure if I told them that I don’t feel comfortable to renew it. I still feeling uncomfortable about renewing my national passport but I have to take risk for my brother and my other family members. I wanted to check with you to hear your opinion on my case.

Do you think that my reasons are acceptable? Do you have any client that had any issue at airport or during naturalization because of renewing national passport? Does an officer have a right to terminate my green card?

Thank you for your time in advance.

I have not had any client who had an issue due to renewing the passport or using it to travel. Nevertheless, I think you should be able to explain why you renewed and used your passport. I think numbers 1 and 2 are good reasons; I think # 3 is not really a good reason and I would not mention that, as you have no proof and it is basically incorrect info (not too surprising, as officers sometimes do not know the rules very well). I think if you have the RTD receipt, it will be evidence that you at least tried to get an RTD. I think all this may be a bit over cautious, but it seems to me that it is better to be safe than sorry, and if a more hostile administration comes into office, it will be good to have evidence to explain why you renewed and used your passport. Take care, Jason

Hello Jason. Thanks for your blog and taking time to respond to questions.

I got my green card as an asylee and later became a citizen by naturalization. I have traveled to my home country twice using my U.S. passport with a visa issued by my home country embassy in the U.S.

Will I have a problem (revocation of Citizenship) as a U.S. citizen if I renew my country’s passport and use it to travel to my home country instead of using my U.S. issued passport and a visa.

Based on your experience, have you had any asylee client who obtained and used his/her home country’s passport to visit their home country after becoming a U.S. citizen.

Thank you in advance for your response.

I have never had a client who had trouble under these circumstances, and the only cases I know of where this happened involved people who were war criminals. That said, the Trump Administration created a de-naturalization task force that was designed to root out cases where a person obtained US citizenship through fraud. I do not know that the task force is still operating, but if Trump (or someone similar) returns to office, it could be revived. While I highly doubt you would have trouble, I would be prepared to explain why you traveled to your country and how you stayed safe, just in case you are ever asked. Also, I would keep all the documents related to the asylum case, in the event that you ever need them. Take care, Jason

Hi Jason, Thank you for your time and guidance. My mother got her GC through asylum this year. Her case is because of non-state actors (Taliban). Now I got my citizenship and also her other two children became U.S citizens. Can we apply to change her status in her green card through our citizenship via her existing AS6 GC type so she can travel to home country freely to visit her sister who is in dead-bed and return back to the U.S. without any problem. or can she travel to home country with her back home country passport and asylee Green card to have a quick goodby with her sister. Thank you!

I know of no way to change the GC, and even if you could, it would not erase the fact that she once sought asylum. Also, the Taliban were non-state actors, but now they are the de facto government. If she returns to Afghanistan, she will need to be able to explain why she returned and how she stayed safe. My guess is that she will not have a problem re-entering the US (at least not under the current Biden Administration – if Trump returns, that might change), but she could be asked about this at the her citizenship interview if she applies to naturalize. Either way, she should be prepared to explain her travel and how she stayed safe. I wrote more about this issue on January 6, 2016 and that may give you more ideas. Take care, Jason

Hi Jason I have a couple of questions and would appreciate if you would like to answer them.

I am a green card holder through asylum and I am planning on visiting Mexico with the passport of my home country that of course is not Mexico. The application of this passport was submitted before my asylum interview that actually passed before I received the passport by mail due to delays caused by pandemic.

So when I exit the US customs, when I show the officer this brand new passport, will he allow me to leave the country in the first place? I assume I have to show my green card to him as well?

And if I do end up making my trip in Mexico and when I re-enter the US two weeks after, can I only show my green card and state ID without showing that passport?

I doubt this will cause problems. However, you should be prepared to explain why you are using the passport from a government that wants to persecute you. This is easy to explain if you fear non-state actors like terrorists, as opposed to the government, but even so, you can provide an explanation. Of course, it would be better to get a Refugee Travel Document (form I-131, available at http://www.uscis.gov ), though that can take a long time. You should be prepared to show your GC and passport when you return to the US. I discuss this more in the article above. Take care, Jason

Hi Jason! Fellow immigration attorney here.Your posts are so informative and really explain things well. I send them to my clients! I just have one question. Here, you state that people can travel on their passports without obtaining an RTD. How do you square that with 8 CFR § 223.1(b) (“Except as provided in § 223.3(d)(2)(i), a person who holds refugee status pursuant to section 207 of the Act, or asylum status pursuant to section 208 of the Act, *must* have a refugee travel document to return to the United States after temporary travel abroad unless he or she is in possession of a valid advance parole document”)? It would be great if people don’t need the RTD, but I am wary of having them travel without it even if they understand the risks. Have your clients successfully been readmitted as asylees without the RTD? Thank you for considering this question.

Thank you. An asylee does need an RTD to re-enter the US. I have never had a client leave and return without the RTD (or Advance Parole). I think the above-article is talking about using the passport to visit other countries and then returning to the US with the RTD, or for asylees who have a GC, using the passport to travel (which I don’t love, but it is difficult to avoid given the limits of the RTD) and then returning to the US with the GC. Otherwise, I agree with you that an asylee cannot re-enter the US just based on the fact of having asylum alone. Take care, Jason

Hi sir, i am from Africa and i have a pending asylum application, i was recently approved of my green card through marriage. I had send a withdrawal letter for the asylum case and I never heard anything back, can I travel to the UK (not my country of prosecution) with my home country passport and the green card without having a problem coming to the States. Thank you sir for all you do.

You should be able to do that. As discussed in the above article, you should be prepared to explain why you used your passport, just in case you are asked. Also, you can follow up with the asylum office by email – you can find their email address if you follow the link under Resources called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason

Hey, Jason Thank you for your time first to even reply, not everyone does that.

I had 2 traveld documents so far and applied for 3d one. I have green card also. Travel document is taking forever for no reason. My home country passport expired and I did renew in embassy in August. I need to travel for a short trip in Europe, which is not close to my country of persecution.I will have to use my home country passport. Will they revoke my green card if they see I did renew my passport and I did use it. I have won the asylum as homosexual persecution, so belong to the group memeber. I am super stressed and people am asking are freaking me out that once your back they will revoke and not let you in US.

Thank you again

It is discussed in more detail in the above article, but I have had many clients travel and it has never been an issue. You should be prepared to explain why your country was willing to issue the passport and why you got it, but for LGBT cases, it should not be difficult to explain – often times, the most dangerous harm is not from the government, but from community members (the government will not protect you). Even if you fear the government, the embassy may still issue a passport, as they are not aware that the government back home wants to harm you. Take care, Jason

Hi Jason my husband has applied for assylum I am dependent on him. We applied in 2016 but have not received any interview date. Now my mother is sick and on death bed I want to visit her to see her for the last time. Even my passport of my home country has been expired. Can you please guide what should I do. Thanks

You can try to expedite your asylum case, but that likely will not work and then you would have to file a mandamus lawsuit. I wrote about expediting on March 23, 2022 and that might help. You can also get a passport and then get permission to travel and return to the US. This is called Advance Parole, and I wrote about it on September 11, 2017. You will need to expedite the AP request, which is difficult to do, but you can try – I wrote about expediting in general on January 29, 2020, but basically, you call USCIS at 800-375-5283 and if you can reach a person, you can ask about emergency AP. At the asylum interview, your spouse may need to explain why you got a passport from a government that wants to persecute him (assuming he is seeking asylum from the government), but that depends on the case. In any event, you can try to expedite asylum and apply for emergency AP (and get a passport) and hopefully, something will work. Good luck, Jason

Thank you Jason for such a detailed reply and guiding us.

Hey Jason , I am a green card holder through asylum and I work for a company that requires a travel document – passport. It is really difficult to keep my RTD current since it takes about 17 months to get it and it is only valid for 12 months. Do you think in this case is better if I get my country of citizenship passport here at the embassy just for the propuse of work I won’t be traveling to my country of citizenship at all

People do that, but there is some risk, as discussed in the article above. It sounds like you can explain why you need to use the passport. You should also be prepared to explain why the government that wants to persecute you was willing to renew your passport. Of course, if you fear non-state actors (like terrorists), this is easy to explain, but if you fear your home government, there may be some risk if renewing the passport causes USCIS to suspect that the asylum case was fake. In short, you need to balance your need for the passport with the risk that it will cause problems with USCIS, and if you are not sure, maybe talk to a lawyer to better evaluate any risk. Take care, Jason

Hi Jason! Thanks for taking the time to reply to all those questions. Asylum approved and green card application pending. Do I need an advance parole or a refugee travel document to travel abroad ?

Refugee Travel Document is the better document for someone with asylum. Take care, Jason

Hi there – I came here on a student visa and later on filed for asylum. I was then placed in removal proceedings. I am married and recently the judge terminated the removal proceedings based on a I-130 form. I have a pending marriage based Greencard and my combo card has been recently approved. Can I use my combo card and my home country’s passport considering the fact that I once applied for asylum to travel to a different country without any legal issues?

I think it is very unlikely you would have issues as long as you do not go to your home country. Nevertheless, you should be prepared to explain why you used your passport, if asked. Remember that even though your asylum case was withdrawn, it does not erase the fact that you filed for asylum at one time. Take care, Jason

Thank you for taking your time to respond to my question.

I read a lot of contracting articles regarding case terminations and dismissals.

When the Chief counsel joins the motion to dismiss removal proceedings and the judge dismisses the case, does that it is terminated? In my case, the immigration judge ordered “Dismissal”.I wanted to better understand the language behind these two terms.

Dismissal is the technical term. Some people call it termination, but as far as I know, that is not a legal term in immigration law (at least in the court context). It means that the case is no longer pending before the court and the court does not have jurisdiction over you. A new case could be initiated by DHS, but if the case is dismissed, there is no more case, meaning you can apply for relief with USCIS if that is an option. An alternative to this is “Administrative Closure” which means the court still has the case, but it is set aside and a court date is not currently scheduled. Take care, Jason

Hello Jason!! Hope you’re having a great day!!

I am a permanent resident through asylum!! And I’m planning on traveling to a country next to my home to country to reunite with my mom!!! Will I have any issues whenever I wanna become a US citizen???

If you use a Refugee Travel Document and do not go to the home country, there should be no effect at all. If you use your passport, check out the article above, as that issue is discussed above. Take care, Jason

Hi Jason! Happy 4th of July and thank you so much for this blog! I have a question, I am a green card holder through Asylum, and I recently renew my home country passport as they don’t require in-person appointment and they issue to everyone, another reason is I have a wedding to attend to in Europe( 3rd country and not the country of persecution ) and the travel document processing time is over a year. I already got the visa from that country on my home country passport, do you think if there will be risk to travel with my home country passport? Thank you so much!

Happy Fourth! I doubt there will be any issues. As I discuss in the above article, if you fear the home government, it does not hurt to be prepared to answer why you traveled with the passport and why the country issued you a passport, in the event that anyone asks. If you fear non-state actors, like terrorists, and not the home government, there should be no issue at all (or if you are asked, there is a very easy explanation). Take care, Jason

Will there be an issue if i renewed my passport with the country of persecution through embassy in US, and then attempt to use it to travel to a third country while having a green card based on asylum to reenter US? Thank you!

Probably there will be no issue, but if the asylum case indicated that the government of your country wants to harm you, the US government may want to know why that same government issued you a passport and why you chose to use that passport, so you should be prepared to explain this. If you do not fear your home government, but rather fear non-state actors (like terrorists), using your passport is not really an issue at all. Take care, Jason

Hello Jason! I hope everything is going well. I have a question related to this subject. If an individual obtains a Green Card through a different process and concurrently has a pending asylum application, I understand they should withdraw the pending process. Also, after the withdrawal is there an issue with using their home country passport or renewing it? Would it be preferable to travel after becoming a U.S. citizen? I know they should not go back to their home country.

You do not have to withdraw the asylum if you get a GC (for example, maybe you need a Refugee Travel Document or want to get status for a dependent). If you withdraw, it does not erase the fact that you filed for asylum, and so if you do travel with the passport, you should be prepared to explain why you did that. I wrote more about this issue (for asylees, but the idea is the same) on May 25, 2022. Take care, Jason

hi there! I have a hypothetical immigration question. Suppose someone had a grant of asylum due to a future fear of persecution by govt if they were to live openly as LGBT in country of persecution (but they never lived openly because of that fear). If they adjust to LPR, their underlying asylum status is technically terminated (Matter of N-A-I). If they were to then travel to their country of persecution for a very short trip (1 week) to visit family but still remain closeted in that trip, how big of a risk is it to their LPR status + future naturalization?

I think there is some risk – I wrote about this issue on January 6, 2016. The person should be prepared to explain why they returned and how they stayed safe. If the US government concludes that the asylum case was fake, it could cause problems. Take care, Jason

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Guide for Undocumented Individuals Traveling in the U.S.

Themes/Topics: Law & Policy

Geography: California, National

Audience: Ally, Educator, Undocumented Youth

Introduction

Traveling in the U.S. can be a complicated and stressful process for anyone—even more so if you’re undocumented! But it doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re thinking of traveling as an undocumented person (with or without DACA) and are curious about how to travel safely, read on. Safe travels, undocu-travelers!

Introduction Domestic Flights Ground Transportation: Public Buses & Trains Ground Transportation: Driving Traveling to U.S. Territories

Domestic Flights

All travelers flying on a domestic flight must present a valid (unexpired) photo ID issued by the state or federal government. Undocumented individuals may use the following forms of ID accepted by TSA:

• State photo identity card
• State driver’s license
• Military ID
• Foreign passport (must be unexpired 1 )
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Employment Authorization Card
• Trusted traveler cards such as the NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST cards issued by the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”)
• Border-crossing cards
• Native American tribal ID cards
• Airline or airport photo ID cards issued in compliance with TSA regulations and transportation worker ID credential

For a full list of TSA-acceptable forms of ID click here .

FAQ Regarding Domestic Flights

Yes, as noted above, the list of approved identification to fly domestically includes foreign government-issued passports (must be valid) and/or a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766). There have been reports of individuals who were not able to fly with these documents due to erroneous TSA agent denials. In such instances, inform the TSA agent that according to posted Transportation Security Administration guidelines, these are acceptable documents. Here is the link: tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

We recommend that you review TSA’s most up-to-date guidelines before your domestic flight.

Ground Transportation: Public Buses & Trains

There have been reports, especially during the Trump Administration, of Border Patrol agents conducting immigration checks without warrants on buses and trains, such as Greyhound and Amtrak. Although Customs Border Patrol (CBP) has publicly said that its agents are prohibited from boarding buses/trains and questioning passengers without warrants or a company’s consent, it’s a good idea for any passenger to be aware of the following rights:

• You have the right to remain silent.
• When in doubt, do not answer questions about your citizenship or immigration status or sign any paperwork without the advice of a lawyer. Do not lie – silence is often better.
• If you have valid immigration papers, you can provide them. Never provide false documents.
• You can refuse a search of your belongings by saying “I do not consent to a search.”
• You have the right to record video of immigration agents.
• If you are stopped or searched, you have the right to ask for the officer’s name / ID number.

FAQ Regarding Ground Transportation

Ground transportation: driving.

Like citizens, certain non-citizens may be eligible to drive legally. In some states, certain non-citizens are eligible to apply for a driver’s license. Check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine if you are eligible to apply for a driver’s license regardless of your immigration status. If you are stopped by either law enforcement or immigration enforcement while in your car, consider the following recommendations:

• Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible. Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way, and place your hands on the wheel.
• Upon request, show the police your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
• If an officer or immigration agent asks to search your car, you can refuse. However, if the police believe your car contains evidence of a crime, they can search it without your consent.
• Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent. If you’re a passenger, you can also ask if you’re free to leave. If yes, silently leave.

FAQ Regarding Driving

Below are some noted checkpoints within California. Be prepared. Plan your route of travel and check before traveling.

• San Clemente: located 7 miles south of San Clemente on Interstate 5.
• Temecula: located 24 miles north of Escondido on Interstate 15.
• Highway 79: located 1 mile west of Sunshine Summit.
• I-8 West: located 3 miles east of Pine Valley on Interstate 8.
• Highway 94: located 24 miles east of San Diego on California State Route 94.
• Highway 78/86: located just south of the intersection of California State Routes 78 and 86, just west of the Salton Sea, controlling northbound traffic only.
• Highway 111: located between Niland and Bombay Beach.
• Highway S2: located 7 miles north of Ocotillo and I-8 in eastern San Diego County on S2 (Imperial Hwy/Sweeney Pass Road) between I-8 and State Route 78.

Traveling to U.S. Territories

Undocumented individuals who hold a temporary protection (e.g. TPS/DACA-recipients) may travel to the U.S. Territories without Advance Parole. However, it’s important to know where and how to safely travel overseas to the U.S. Territories.

IMPORTANT : Traveling to the U.S Territories without DACA, even though a person has never technically left the U.S., could result in a referral to ICE for removal.

You may also find the following information on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) website helpful.

[1] If you’re traveling with an expired license or passport you may still be able to fly. Acceptable forms of ID cannot be more than 12 months past the identified expiration date. Click here for more information.

This resource was created by Jesús Flores Rodríguez with editing support from Claire Calderón and Denia Pérez, Esq.

Immigrants Rising helps you make decisions based on your potential, not your perceived limits. Visit our website so you can see what’s possible: immigrantsrising.org . For inquiries regarding this resource, please contact Jesus Flores, Career Services Lead, at [email protected] . Revised 9/2023.

Related Resource:

• Guía para personas indocumentadas que viajan en EE.UU.

Know your rights and options for immigration relief! Immigrant students, faculty, and staff from CA community colleges can get free immigration legal services through the Higher Education Legal Services Project.

Refugee Travel Document Guide: How to Get a Refugee Travel Document

If you are in the United States in refugee or asylum status, you will need to apply for a refugee travel document if you wish to travel outside of the United States. A refugee travel document is a small booklet, similar to a passport, and is used by refugees and asylees to reenter the United States after traveling abroad. If you are in the U.S. on refugee or asylum status and you leave without a refugee travel document, you may be unable to reenter the U.S., or you may be placed in removal proceedings .

In this guide, I’ll explain how to apply for a refugee travel document. If you have any questions, feel free to email me directly at [email protected] .

• What is a Refugee Travel Document and Why Do You Need One?
• Who is Eligible to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document?
• What are the Requirements to Get a Refugee Travel Document?
• How to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document (Step-by-Step)
• How Long is a Refugee Travel Document Valid For?
• Refugee Travel Document Processing Time
• Is There Any Way to Speed-Up the Refugee Travel Document Processing Time?
• What Documents to Submit with Your Refugee Travel Document Application
• What is the Refugee Travel Document Fee?
• Traveling Back to the Country of Claimed Persecution

1. What is a Refugee Travel Document and Why Do You Need One?

A refugee travel document is a small booklet, similar to a passport. It has multiple pages and in certain situations, can be used instead of a passport. If you are lawfully present in the United States in refugee of asylum status, and you plan to travel abroad, you need a refugee travel document to reenter the United States. Without a refugee travel document, you may be unable to reenter the country and you may even face removal proceedings.

Please keep in mind that a refugee travel document does not guarantee that you will be readmitted to the United States. You still must undergo inspection by a Customs and Border Patrol officer.

2. Who is Eligible to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document?

• Individuals in refugee or asylum status
• Lawful permanent residents who obtained their permanent resident status as a refugee or asylee in the U.S.

3. What are the Requirements to Get a Refugee Travel Document?

1. must be a refugee or asylee or lawful permanent resident.

To apply for a refugee travel document, you must either be in the U.S. in refugee or asylum status . Alternatively, you must be a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) who obtained their lawful permanent resident status as a refugee or alysee.

If you have applied for refugee or asylum status and it is not yet approved, you are not eligible for a refugee travel document. If you are in any other status, you are ineligible for a refugee travel document.

2. Must be physically present in the U.S. when your refugee travel document application is filed

To qualify for a refugee travel document, you should be in the United States when your refugee travel document is filed, received, and accepted by USCIS. Additionally, you should remain in the U.S. until your biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment is completed. Leaving the U.S. before your biometrics appointment may result in a denial of your case.

In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for a refugee travel document if you are outside of the United States. To do this, your application must be filed within 1 year of your last departure from the United States. If you are applying from outside of the United States, you will have to include with your application an explanation of why you left the U.S. without first applying for a refugee travel document. The USCIS Overseas District Director with jurisdiction over your region will have discretion regarding whether to approve or deny your application. For this reason, it is best practice to apply for a refugee travel document before you leave the U.S.

3. Must file Form I-131, submit the required supporting documents, and attend a biometrics appointment

To be eligible for a refugee travel document you must submit a Form I-131 to USCIS and include the required documentation with your case. We will discuss this in more detail later in this guide.

To qualify for a refugee travel document, you must also attend a mandatory biometrics appointment. The biometrics appointment is where your digital fingerprints are taken.

4. How Long is a Refugee Travel Document Valid For?

A refugee travel document is valid for 1 year from the date it is issued.

5. How to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document (Step-by-Step)

Step 1. file form i-131 along with supporting documents.

To apply for a refugee travel document, you must file a Form I-131 with USCIS. The Form I-131 is Application for Travel Document. As mentioned earlier, it is best practice to be physically present in the U.S. when this form is filed. Otherwise, there is greater potential for the application to be denied.

Step 2. Attend Biometrics Appointment

After the I-131 is filed, USCIS will send you a notice requiring you to attend a mandatory biometrics appointment. The biometrics appointment I where your digital fingerprints are recorded. This is a mandatory step to get a refugee travel document.

6. Refugee Travel Document Processing Time

This answer is best divided into 4 separate segments:

1. Issuance of USCIS Receipt Notice (1 to 3 Weeks from Filing)

Once you file the Form I-131 with USCIS, you are issued a receipt notice. The receipt notice is the confirmation from USCIS that your application was received and accepted. In addition, the receipt notice contains a unique receipt number. You can use your receipt number to track the progress of your application through the USCIS case status checker . You should receive the receipt notice within 1 to 3 weeks of filing the refugee travel document application.

2. Issuance of Biometrics Appointment Notice (6 Weeks from Filing)

About 6 weeks after filing your refugee travel document application, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice from USCIS. The biometrics appointment notice contains the time, date, and location of the biometrics appointment. This notice also contains instructions regarding what you must bring with you to the biometrics appointment. If needed, you may reschedule the biometrics appointment by following the instructions on the appointment notice.

3. Biometrics Appointment Date (8 Weeks from Filing)

Your actual biometrics appointment will take place about 8 weeks after filing your refugee travel document application. Make sure to bring a valid I.D. along with the actual biometrics appointment notice with you to the appointment (along with any other documents specified on the appointment notice).

4. Issuance of Refugee Travel Document (2 to 5 Months from Filing)

Your actual refugee travel document will be issued about 2 to 5 months from the date you file the Form I-131. You may choose to have the travel document delivered to your U.S. address, to a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad, or to your immigration lawyers office (if you are working with an immigration lawyer).

You are not required to remain in the U.S. until you receive the physical travel document. If necessary, you may leave after completing your biometrics appointment. You can then have the travel document sent to a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad as mentioned above.

7. Is There Any Way to Speed-Up the Refugee Travel Document Processing Time?

Yes, in certain situations, USCIS may grant expedited processing of a refugee travel document application. Here is a link that goes over the situations in which USICS may grant expedited processing of a case . It is at the discretion of USCIS whether or not to expedite a case.

Here are some reasons USCIS may expedite a case:

• Severe financial loss to a company or individual
• USCIS error
• Compelling USCIS interest
• Humanitarian reasons

8. What Documents to Submit with Your Refugee Travel Document Application

The specific documents you should submit with your refugee travel document application will depend on your particular case. With that disclaimer, here are some general document you should include:

• Copy of valid government issued photo I.D. (such as passport, lawful permanent resident card, driver’s license)
• Copy of USCIS document showing your status as a refugee or asylee and the date the status expires.
• 2 passport photos

9. What is the Refugee Travel Document Fee?

There are 2 fees associated with applying for a refugee travel document:

• I-131 Filing Fee: ($135 for people age 16 and older and $105 for people under 16 years old)
• Biometrics Fee: $85 (the biometrics fee is only required for people from the ages of 14 to 79 years old)

10. Traveling Back to the Country of Claimed Persecution

Traveling back to your country of claimed persecution can have severe consequences to your refugee or asylum status in the United States.

If you have asylum status in the United States and you travel back to your country of claimed persecution, your asylum status may be terminated. Traveling back to your country of claimed persecution could be seen as a change of circumstances surrounding your grant of asylum. Alternatively, it could be seen as a demonstration that your fear of persecution is not genuine. In addition, it may be seen that you have voluntarily availed yourself of the protection of your country of nationality.

Due to these potential consequences, it is best practice to avoid travel back to your country of claimed persecution.

11. Conclusion

A refugee travel document is necessary if you are in refugee or asylum status in the U.S. and you plan to leave the country. Without a refugee travel document, travel outside of the U.S. could result in an inability to return to the U.S. and may also result in being placed in removal proceedings. For these reasons, a refugee travel document is highly important. If you need assistance applying for your refugee travel document, feel free to email me directly at [email protected] . I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer, and I would be happy to help you.

• USCIS Expedite Criteria
• INA Act 208 - Asylum
• USCIS Case Status Tracker
• USCIS – Form I-131
• USCIS Fact Sheet Re: Traveling Outside the United States as an Asylum Applicant, an Asylee, or a Lawful Permanent Resident Who Obtained Such Status Based on Asylum Status
• I-131 Instructions  

Related Posts

Michael Ashoori, Esq.

President of ashoori law.

I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.

Since starting my law firm, I’ve helped thousands of people from all over the world with their immigration needs. I’m very passionate, hard-working, and committed to my clients.

Got a question?  Send me an email.

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• For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents

Advance Parole, Reentry Permit, and Refugee Travel Documentation for Returning Aliens Residing in the U.S

How to File The alien must file Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document, complete with supporting documentation, photos and applicable fees. This form can be downloaded from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) website. See the application for specific filing instructions.

How to File For a Re-Entry Permit If the alien is a permanent resident or conditional resident, he or she must attach:

• A copy of the alien registration receipt card; or
• If he has not yet received his alien registration receipt card, a copy of the biographic page of his passport and the page of his passport indicating initial admission as a permanent resident, or other evidence that the alien is a permanent resident; or
• A copy of the approval notice of a separate application for replacement of the alien registration receipt card or temporary evidence of permanent resident status.

How to File For Advance Parole An alien in the United States and applying for an Advance Parole document for him or herself must attach:

• A copy of any document issued to the alien by DHS showing present status in the United States;
• An explanation or other evidence demonstrating the circumstances that warrant issuance of Advance Parole.
• If the alien is basing his or her eligibility for Advance Parole on a separate application for adjustment of status or asylum, he must also attach a copy of the filing receipt for that application.
• If the alien is traveling to Canada to apply for an immigrant visa, he or she must also attach a copy of the consular appointment.

How to File For a Refugee Travel Document If the alien is a refugee or asylee applying for a refugee travel document, he or she must attach:

• A copy of the document issued by DHS showing the alien's refugee or asylee status and indicating the expiration of such status.

Where to File Where to file the Form I-131 depends upon the benefit sought. See the form instruction page for details.

When to File The alien must apply for the travel document before leaving the United States. Failure to do so may cause the alien to lose permission to re-enter the country, and lead to the denial of any other applications.

Political Asylum USA: Asylum Immigration Status in United States

Our multi-lingual Immigration experts are waiting for you to start your Asylum application. Or, visit your local site:

Common Questions About Asylum | Travel

One concern a lot of   people have when they apply for asylum in the United States — or once they receive asylum here — is if or how it affects their ability to travel to other countries. In this section, we will provide the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this issue.

Can I travel as an asylee?

If you are an asylee, your application for asylum in the United States has been approved. That also means you have certain rights, including the right to travel outside of the United States. However, there are certain rules you must follow in order to do so.

Specifically, you must get a special travel document called a Refugee Travel Document, which can be used instead of a U.S. Passport. This is important because if you fail to do so before you leave the United States, you may not be able to re-enter the country upon your return. Depending on your situation, you may even be placed in removal (deportation) proceedings.

You can apply for a Refugee Travel Document by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The agency recommends that you do so at least 60 days (two months) prior to leaving the United States.

If you do not file for a Refugee Travel Document prior to leaving the United States, a USCIS office overseas may accept your application. However, a USCIS office in another country   is not legally obligated to do so, and may not accept your application if there is any evidence you could have filed while you were still in the United States. Finally, you may only pursue this option if you have been outside the United States for at least one (1) year.

You can use a Refugee Travel Document for up to one year.

Can I travel to my country with asylum?

Yes, you can — but it really isn’t a good idea and you should avoid doing so unless absolutely necessary.

This is because the U.S. government granted your asylum based on your claims of past persecution or fear of future persecution in your home country. If you ask to go back without providing a valid reason, or if you can’t explain how you were able to go there without being harmed, the U.S. government may simply conclude that your asylum claim was invalid. It may also terminate your asylum status in the United States.

Can I travel while my asylum application is pending?

Again, the answer to this question is technically, “yes.” You can travel outside of the United States while you are waiting for the government to make a decision about your request for asylum. However, most immigration experts advise against doing so unless it is absolutely necessary. This is because the authorities can question you and there is no guarantee you’ll be allowed to come back into the country upon your return.

If you must travel to another country while your asylum application is pending, you must apply for Advance Parole before you leave the United States. You can do so by completing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. If your request is granted, you will be allowed to re-enter the United States prior to approval of your asylum application.

Immigration experts also advise against returning to the country where you claim that you were persecuted or have fear of being persecuted while your asylum application is pending. If you do so, the government will assume that you either abandoned your asylum application or submitted a fake one. If the government determines that you filed a fraudulent asylum application, you may never be allowed to set foot in the United States again.

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Yang N. China I was lost when I arrived to the United States, and scared for my life in my home country. I knew I couldn't go back, but I also didn't know what to do. I found Political Asylum USA and luckily they gave me all the information I needed, to fully investigate my options. I would recommend their services to anyone that does not know how to proceed with asylum

Dmitry G. Belarus Political Asylum USA helped me to understand how asylum works in the United States. It is extremely complicated, so it was nice to have experts to guide me. They even referred me to a top New York-based Immigration Attorney, who handled my case from start to finish.

Igor M., Russia I knew that I needed asylum, but I did not know where to start. Political Asylum USA ended up being a great help to me. I called and was provided free information about the process. This allowed me to begin my asylum journey with confidence!

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Laith S. Jordan I had always been persecuted because I was a Christian in an Muslim country. I fled my country to the  United States with zero idea what I was going to do. Luckily, Political Asylum USA was there to help!

Huang J. China Political Asylum USA offered me the information that I needed, free and over the phone, to let me make an informed decision about my case. Highly recommended!

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Follow-to-Join Refugees and Asylees

Important notice about presidential proclamation 9645, important announcement: follow-to-join refugee case processing now centralized.

Due to processing changes, follow-to-join refugee cases processed by Department of State embassies and consulates will only be processed at embassies or consulates offering immigrant visa services, or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) international field offices.  This will mean that cases currently being processed at posts that only adjudicate nonimmigrant visa applications will be transferred and follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries may need to travel to another country in order to be interviewed.  If your case is being transferred, you will be notified by the Department of State. 

The list of U.S. embassies and consulates below reflect some of the processing locations that will no longer process follow-to-join refugee cases, along with the newly designated embassy, consulate , or USCIS international field office to which the cases will be transferred.  For example, a follow-to-join refugee case arising in the consular district of the U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali, will now be processed at the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. 

For a more complete list, you can visit Visa Issuing Posts in order to confirm whether an embassy or consulate nearest to your residence will process your follow-to-join refugee case. If the location provides “All” visa services, then your follow-to-join refugee case can be processed there, unless there is a USCIS international field office in that country.  Locations marked only as “NIV” will no longer process follow-to-join refugee cases.  Embassies or consulates that only offer nonimmigrant visa (NIV) services will note the designated processing post for immigrant visas (and follow-to-join refugees) on their websites https://www.usembassy.gov/ .  

Please note that the change only impacts follow-to-join refugees.  Follow-to-join asylees can still be processed at locations offering just NIV services.

Is there a process for beneficiaries located in a country without a Dept. of State presence (e.g., Afghanistan)?

USCIS is working closely with the Department of State (DOS) to identify how to process Form I-730 petitions in locations abroad where there is not a U.S. government presence. In situations where the Form I-730 beneficiary has departed a country without the U.S. government presence, we ask that Form I-730 petitioners and beneficiaries provide updated information on the beneficiary's location so either USCIS or DOS can process them in a third country. USCIS has revised the  Form I-730 webpage  with information on contacting USCIS or DOS if the beneficiary’s address has changed. To update your or your spouse or child’s address in the United States, submit a  Form AR-11 online . If the beneficiary is located outside of the United States, you should also contact the  National Visa Center (NVC)  and the U.S. embassy or consulate or USCIS international field office processing the case. Find contact information for USCIS international field offices at the  International Immigration Offices  webpage. Find contact information for the U.S. embassy or consulate at the DOS US Embassy webpage, which includes details on whether the U.S. embassy or consulate is open for interviews and additional processing.

What if I was already interviewed?

If you have not been issued a boarding foil, then your case file will be transferred to the regional processing location noted above or on the Visa Issuing Posts page.  

How will I know if my case has been transferred?

The Department of State will notify you if your case is transferred to another location.

What if I choose to have my case transferred to another location, since I am unable to travel to this NEW designated location?

Follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries may request to process their cases at another immigrant visa processing U.S. embassy or consulate that is different than the one designated.  If you would like to have your case transferred to a different embassy, consulate, or USCIS international field office, then you must provide justification for the case transfer and show that you can legally be present in the country while your case is being processed.  You will first need to submit a request directly with the National Visa Center (NVC) through the Ask NVC online submission form.  You should select the “How can I request to have my interview scheduled at a different U.S. Embassy overseas?” in the question dropdown list.  In the box entitled “Additional comments or questions not in the above list”, you should include a justification for requesting the different location and note that it is in regards to “follow-to-join refugee centralization.”

Can I use my still valid medical exam at a new processing location?

Yes, the results of a still valid medical exam completed in another location can be transferred to another embassy, consulate, or USCIS international field office.

Spouse and Unmarried Minor Children Abroad Following to Join a Refugee or Asylee in the United States

Welcome to the webpage dedicated to follow-to-join refugee and asylee processing. You have come to this webpage if you have a USCIS approved I-730 petition, and you received an email or letter from the National Visa Center (NVC) telling you that your petition was sent overseas for processing. Find the subject in the list below and click to visit that section of the page.

Overview – Follow-to-Join Refugees and Asylees

Follow-to-join overseas processing steps, overseas interview appointment scheduling, documentation needed for the overseas interview, medical examination and vaccination requirements, how long will it take to process a case overseas.

• Ineligibilities - What if a Beneficiary is Ineligible?

Case Inquiries

Using a Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, a person who has been granted asylum or refugee status in the United States (the petitioner) may petition to have his or her spouse and/or unmarried children, who are called beneficiaries, join him or her in the United States. Overseas, the beneficiaries of Forms I-730 filed by asylees in the United States are known as  follow-to-join asylees . Beneficiaries of Forms I-730 filed by refugees are known as  follow-to-join refugees .

1.  Petition Filing:  An individual (petitioner) who was granted asylum in the United States as a principal asylee or who was resettled to the United States as a principal refugee can file an I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, within the first two years of arrival, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), on behalf of his or her spouse and unmarried child(ren) (beneficiary). Further details on petition filing are available on the USCIS website under  Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition .

2.  National Visa Center (NVC) Pre-Processing Case Assignment:  If the beneficiary of an approved petition is located overseas, USCIS sends the approved Form I-730 petition to the  National Visa Center (NVC) . NVC then forwards the case file to the overseas location where the beneficiary will interview. NVC sends the petitioner a letter or email telling him/her which office will interview the beneficiary, how to get in touch with that office, and what steps to take next.   

3.  Beneficiary Interview:  The beneficiary will be interviewed by either a Department of State consular officer or USCIS officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas. This interview will confirm the beneficiary’s identity, claimed relationship to the petitioner, and eligibility to travel to the United States. During the interview process, the beneficiary must provide ink-free, digital fingerprint scans. The beneficiary interview requires careful preparation, including having all required original documents available for the interview. Some beneficiaries also must complete a  medical examination  prior to interview. See the “Documentation Needed for the Overseas Interview” section below for details on what to bring to the interview.

4.  Approval to Travel as a Follow-to-Join Refugee or Follow-to-Join Asylee:  The interviewing officer will tell the beneficiary if he or she has been found eligible to travel to the United States.

5.  After Interview Processing:  Some cases require further  administrative processing , which takes additional time after the beneficiary’s interview. Follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries, for example, undergo post-approval processing to arrange for sponsorship by a voluntary resettlement agency in the United States upon arrival. (NOTE: All follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries are required to have a sponsorship assurance from a resettlement agency before travel to the United States in order to receive refugee benefits.)

6.   Issuance of Boarding Foil and Travel Packet:  An officer will place a boarding foil in the approved beneficiary’s passport or other travel document. The beneficiary also will receive a sealed envelope – called a "travel packet" – containing the documents for review by a DHS immigration official when the beneficiary enters the United States.

7.  Travel Arrangements : The beneficiary must enter the United States before the expiration date printed on the boarding foil. The officer who conducted the interview will advise the beneficiary about travel arrangements to the United States. Typically, follow-to-join asylee beneficiaries are instructed to make their own travel arrangements. Travel arrangements for follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries, on the other hand, are required to be arranged and managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries who arrive in the United States without IOM coordination will not receive the reception and placement benefits to which they are entitled.

8.   Entering the United States : The boarding foil issued to the beneficiary allows him or her to travel to the U.S. port of entry to request permission to enter the United States. However, the boarding foil does not guarantee entry into the United States. The DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the U.S. port-of-entry have the authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. Upon arrival at the port-of-entry, the beneficiary must give the CBP officer his or her passport (or other travel document) with boarding foil and the unopened/sealed travel packet envelope. Beneficiaries should review important information about admission and entry requirements on the CBP website under  Travel .

All follow-to-join refugee and asylee beneficiaries must be interviewed by a USCIS officer or Department of State consular officer at a U.S. Embassy. When a case is ready for interview, the embassy will send the applicant or petitioner a letter with instructions explaining how to schedule an interview appointment. 

Failure by a beneficiary to schedule an interview appointment will result in processing delays. It is critical that the overseas office conducting the beneficiary interview has the current contact information – including physical and mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses – for the petitioner, beneficiary, and if applicable, the representative of record on the case.

For interviews conducted by the Consular Section: Please follow the instructions the U.S. Embassy sends you and the guidance in the below section titled “Documentation Needed for the Overseas Interview.” You can also visit  Interview Preparation – Interview Guidelines  for general information on how to prepare for an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  Important: Not all of the documents required for immigrant visa applicants are necessary for beneficiaries of I-730 petitions. The information on this link should be used as a general outline of what an interview is like.

For interviews conducted by an overseas USCIS office: After the interview is scheduled, the USCIS office will send the beneficiary a confirmation notice, which will outline the requirements that the beneficiary must fulfill before his or her interview.

1.  The original and a photocopy of the following civil documents for each beneficiary, as applicable. These documents confirm the beneficiary’s identity and relationship to the petitioner in the United States:

    a. Birth certificate;

    b. Marriage certificate;

    c. Certified adoption decree;

    d. Divorce certificate         (if needed to prove the legal termination of previous marriages);

    e. Death certificate         (if needed to prove the legal termination of previous marriages); and

    f. Documentation of any legal name change.

    g. Six photographs of the beneficiary         (see the photograph requirements); and

    h. A photocopy of the biographical data page of the beneficiary’s passport, if available.

Note: Documents written in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. When the beneficiary is interviewed overseas, the interviewing officer may ask for additional information, such as photographs and other proof that the relationship with the U.S. petitioner is genuine. 

2.  One or more travel document(s) , such as a passport, with a validity date at least six months beyond the beneficiary’s intended date of entry into the United States and/or picture identity card (for example, a refugee travel document).

3.  Other evidence of relationship between the beneficiary and petitioner, such as photographs, available school records, family correspondence, phone bills, documentation demonstrating financial support, and other proof that the relationship is genuine.

4.  Completed Medical Examination Report , which will be provided by an embassy-approved panel physician after the beneficiary has successfully completed a medical examination and vaccinations (see below). 

Important Notice : Follow-to-join asylee beneficiaries must complete their medical exam  before  their interviews with a USCIS officer or Department of State consular officer, and they are responsible for paying the cost of the medical examination. Follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries typically are instructed to complete their medical exams after their interviews, and the U.S. Government pays all costs associated with the medical examination.

Before the issuance of a follow-to-join refugee or asylee boarding foil, every beneficiary, regardless of age, must undergo a medical examination, which  must be performed by an authorized panel physician. See  Medical Examination  for more information. You can find a list of approved panel physicians by country on our Interview Preparation – Interview Guidelines web page. 

Follow-to-join refugee and asylee beneficiaries are encouraged to get certain vaccinations. Although vaccinations are not required prior to travel to the United States, they will be required when adjusting status to that of lawful permanent resident. Beneficiaries are therefore encouraged to fulfill these vaccination requirements at the time of the medical examination. See  Vaccination Requirements for IV Applicants  for the list of vaccinations.

Once a case has been transferred by NVC to the appropriate USCIS office or U.S. Embassy Consular Section, the length of time needed to complete the case varies according to its circumstances, and cannot be predicted with any accuracy. (It is important to provide correct postal addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses for both the petitioner and the beneficiary to the U.S. Embassy or USCIS office processing the case. See  Case Inquiries  below). Some cases require further  administrative processing , which takes additional time after the beneficiary’s interview.

Please visit  My Case Status  on the USCIS website to obtain a status on an I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. If the case has been transferred overseas by NVC, the petitioner or beneficiary may contact the USCIS office or U.S. embassy processing the case for information.

Ineligibilities

Certain conditions and activities may make the beneficiary ineligible for admission to the United States. If a beneficiary is ineligible, he or she will be informed by the USCIS officer or Department of State consular officer at the time of interview, and advised whether there is a  waiver  of ineligibility and what the waiver process is. Ineligible cases are returned to the USCIS Service Centers that initially approved them for further action.

There is no cost to file a Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. There is no cost to schedule a Form I-730 beneficiary interview. 

If petitioners, beneficiaries, or representatives have a question concerning a follow-to-join refugee or asylee case in progress at a USCIS office or U.S. Embassy, first contact the appropriate USCIS office or U.S. Embassy for status information. Case status information also is available on the USCIS website under  My Case Status .

Before making an inquiry, petitioners and representatives should carefully review this website for answers to questions. Because of the volume of inquiries received, USCIS and the Department of State cannot promise an immediate reply to an inquiry.

Department of State contact information is available at  Contact Us . USCIS contact information is available at  Contact Us .

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How to seek asylum in the U.S.

To seek asylum, you must already be in the U.S. and believe you will be in danger of persecution if you return to your country. Learn how to seek asylum and sponsor someone else.

Learn if you are eligible and how to apply for asylum

To be eligible for asylum, you must be:

• Inside the United States
• Nationality
• Social group
• Political opinion

In most cases, a decision will be made on your asylum application within 180 days after you file. Learn more about the process of seeking asylum in the U.S. , including:

• Filing asylum application Form I-589 within 1 year of arriving in the U.S.
• Working in the U.S.
• Helping family members seek asylum
• Filing for permanent residence (Green Card)

How to sponsor an asylum seeker

If you came to the U.S. in the last 2 years as an asylee, you may be able to sponsor your spouse and qualifying children to join you.

Find out how to sponsor your family member for asylum. Learn:

• How to qualify as a sponsor
• Who is eligible to be sponsored to come to the U.S.
• How to download and fill out Form I-730 to request asylum for your family member

LAST UPDATED: December 12, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Moving and Traveling

If you move, it is important to update your address with the U.S. government. That way, you will make sure to receive important documents in the mail like hearing or interview notices. You need to update your address separately with every immigration agency you interact with.

Scroll down or click on the links below to read questions and answers from the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP).

Can I move while my asylum application is pending?

I moved. what should i do, how do i change my address with uscis, how do i change my address with the immigration court, how do i change my address with the board of immigration appeals (bia), how do i change my address with ice or isap, i applied for asylum with uscis and then moved far away. what will happen next, i moved far away from my immigration court. how do i file a motion to change venue, if my case is not in the immigration court system yet, can i still update my address with the immigration court, can i travel within the united states while my asylum case is pending, can i travel outside of the united states while my asylum case is pending, can i travel outside of the united states if i win asylum.

• See other questions.
• Find legal help.

Yes, you can move while your asylum application is pending, unless ICE has told you that you cannot move.

When you move, it is very important that you update your address as soon as possible. You need to update your address separately with every immigration agency you interact with. This can include one or more of these immigration agencies: USCIS, immigration court, and ICE or ISAP. Unfortunately, these agencies will not update each other when somebody moves, so you have to update each of them. If you update every agency, you will make sure to receive important documents in the mail like hearing or interview notices. Please keep reading for instructions.

When you move, it is important to update your address with the U.S. government if you want to pursue your immigration case. That way, you will receive important documents in the mail such as hearing or interview notices, or your work permit card.

You need to update your address separately with every immigration agency you interact with.

• You can update your address through an online USCIS account or by mail .
• Find more instructions here .
• You can update your address online on this immigration court website or f ind more options .
• If you moved far away, you may also wish to submit a Motion to Change Venue to request to move your case to a court closer to you. This is optional.
• If you are not sure if you have a case in immigration court, read more here .
• You can update your address online on this BIA website .
• Find more options here .
• You can update your address in person during your next check-in, using the online tool to update your address with ICE , or by phone at 833-383-1465.

If you are an ASAP member, you do NOT need to change your address with ASAP. The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is a nonprofit organization and is not part of the U.S. government.

If you have an application pending with USCIS, such as a work permit application or an asylum application, there are two ways to change your address: online or by mail. It is best for each family member to update their address separately. You may also need to change your address with other immigration agencies . 

Please note: There are special considerations for some people who applied for asylum with USCIS and moved far away from their current asylum office. Find more information . 

Option 1: Online USCIS Account 

• Go to the myUSCIS website . 
• Log in to your existing online account or create a new account . 
• If you are using a phone, click “Menu” in the top right corner, click “Account actions,” then click “Change your address.” 
• If you are using a computer, click “My Account” at the top, and then click “Change your address.” 
• Click the blue button at the bottom of the page that says “Change my address” to start the form. 
• Follow the instructions to complete and submit the form. 
• After a few days, confirm that USCIS has accepted your form. Go back to the change of address page. Scroll to the bottom and click “View my submissions” to check the status of your form.
• Note: In the past, it was possible to change your address online without creating an USCIS online account. Now, USCIS is requiring an online account.  

Option 2: By Mail

• Go to this USCIS webpage and download Form AR-11. 
• Complete the form in English. Use black ink, and put your signature and the date at the bottom. 
• Send it by mail to the USCIS address on the second page of the form.
• You can find tips on mailing your form here .

You can change your address with the immigration court by submitting Form EOIR-33 by mail or online. Read below for more detailed instructions! If you moved far away , you may also wish to submit a Motion to Change Venue to ask your judge to move your case to an immigration court closer to you.

You may also need to change your address with other immigration agencies .

Option 1: Online

• Go to this immigration court website .
• You can change the language of the form in the top right corner, but you must enter all answers in English .
• Follow the instructions on the website to complete the online form.
• You need to complete a separate form for each of the family members included in your case. For example, if you have 2 children and they are included in your case, you would need to complete the form 3 times.
• For “ Assigned Immigration Court ,” you should select the city where your current immigration court is located, not the city that you moved to.
• After filling out your personal information, click the button that says “CLICK TO REVIEW.” Check that all the answers are accurate. Then, type your name in the “Signature” space.
• In the “PROOF OF SERVICE” section, make a selection in the drop down menu for the “Office of the Chief Counsel for DHS.” This is the official name for the office of the government attorney. Select the office location that matches your current immigration court.
• At the bottom of the form, type your name again in the “Signature” space.
• Click “Submit.” This sends the form electronically to the immigration court.
• After submitting the form, print 2 copies. The first copy is for your own records.
• Note: You can also submit the form online by registering on this separate government website . However, sending by mail is usually easier, because the government may take several weeks to approve your registration. After your registration is approved, you have to go back to the website and follow the instructions to send a copy of the Form EOIR-33 to the government attorney.

Option 2: By mail  

• Go to this immigration court website . You can click on your preferred language (if available) from the list of languages under the blue “Share” button. 
• Next, scroll down to where it says “EOIR-33/IC” (if listed for the language you chose) and click it to open the form. Make sure to choose Form EOIR-33/IC (which stands for “Immigration Court”) and not EOIR-33/BIA (which stands for “Board of Immigration Appeals”).
• On the second page of the form, there is a drop down menu that says “Select Immigration Court.” Choose the city where your current immigration court is located. This should automatically fill in the mailing address for your immigration court. 
• You can complete the rest of the form on the computer and print it. Or you can print it first and hand-write your answers. You should write your answers in English. You can see a copy of a Form EOIR-33/IC with instructions here . You can also watch this video .
• You will need the government attorney’s address to fill out the last section of Form EOIR-33/IC. You can find their address here .
• You need to complete a separate Form EOIR-33/IC for each of the family members included in your case. If your child is under 14 years old, you can sign for your child. If your child is 14 years old or older, the child must sign the form.
• After you have filled out and printed Form EOIR-33/IC, sign it in both required places, then make 2 extra copies. You can mail the original to your current immigration court. You can use the second page with the immigration court address as an envelope, by folding and taping the edges and placing a stamp. You can also submit it in person at the filing window in the immigration court.
• Keep the first copy for your own records.
• Send the second copy to the government attorney by mail. You can find their address here .

You can change your address with the BIA by submitting Form EOIR-33/ BIA by mail or online. Read below for more detailed instructions! You may also need to change your address with other immigration agencies .

• Open this online form .
• You need to complete a separate form for each of the family members included in your case.
• After filling out your personal information, click the button that says “Click to Review.” Check that all the answers are accurate. Then, type your name in the “Signature” space.
• In the “PROOF OF SERVICE” section, make a selection in the drop down menu for the “Office of the Chief Counsel for DHS.” This is the official name for the office of the government attorney. Select the office location that matches the immigration court where you had your immigration case.
• Click “Submit.” This sends the form electronically to the BIA.
• Note: You can also submit the form online by registering on this separate government website . However, sending by mail is usually easier, because the government may take several weeks to approve your registration. After your registration is approved, you have to go back to the website and follow the instructions to send a copy of the Form EOIR-33/BIA to the government attorney.
• Go to this BIA website . You can click on your preferred language (if available) from the list of languages under the blue “Share” button. 
• Next, scroll down to where it says “EOIR-33/BIA” (if listed for the language you chose) and click it to open the form. You should make sure to choose Form EOIR-33/BIA (which stands for “Board of Immigration Appeals”) and not Form EOIR-33/IC (which stands for “Immigration Court”). 
• You can complete the form on the computer and print it. Or you can print it first and hand-write your answers. You should write your answers in English. 
• You need to complete a separate Form EOIR-33/BIA for each of the family members included in your case. If your child is under 14 years old, you can sign for your child. If your child is 14 years old or older, the child must sign the form.
• You will need the government attorney’s address to fill out the last section of Form EOIR-33/BIA. You can find their address here .
• After you have filled out and printed Form EOIR-33/BIA, sign it in both required places, then make 2 extra copies. You can mail the original to the BIA. The second page of the form has BIA’s address. You can use this second page as an envelope, by folding and taping the edges and placing a stamp.

If you have check-in appointments with ICE or ISAP, you can tell an official about your new address during your next check-in or by phone. It can help to bring proof of your new address to the check-in, such as a utility bill or mail.

You can also use this online tool to update your address with ICE , or call ICE at 833-383-1465 to update your address.

ICE tells some people that they should notify their ICE officer before they move. You can find more information on this ICE website .

After you move, you may also need to change your address with other immigration agencies .

If you applied for asylum with USCIS, you moved far away, and there is a different asylum office closer to your new address, changing your address can be more complicated. You can check which asylum office is closest to your new address by entering your new zip code on this USCIS webpage .

If you applied for asylum more than 180 days ago, and you have not received an asylum interview notice: You should update your address following the steps above . After you update your address, USCIS may automatically change your asylum office to one closer to you.

If you applied for asylum less than 180 days ago: You may want to consider waiting to move and update your address until you have reached 180 days. If you moved far away, after you update your address, USCIS could change your asylum office and then will probably stop your “asylum clock.” This can delay when you can apply for your first work permit as an asylum seeker. If your clock has been stopped, you can try contacting your new asylum office to ask them to re-start your clock. You can find contact information for asylum offices here . Read more about the asylum clock here .

If you already received an asylum interview notice : you can go to your asylum interview and tell the asylum officer about your new address in person, instead of submitting a change of address request online or by mail. If you are not able to attend the interview, you should request to reschedule your interview as soon as possible. However, it is best to go to your asylum interview at the scheduled time. If you ask to reschedule your interview, you may have to wait a long time for a new interview.

If you moved far away from your immigration court, you can request to change your immigration court to one that is closer to you if necessary. The way to do this is by submitting a “Motion to Change Venue” to the immigration court where you currently have a hearing scheduled. You do not need an attorney to do this: we have included detailed steps and a template below. But if you would like legal assistance, you can find help here .

First, how do I know if I should file a Motion to Change Venue?

A Motion to Change Venue is not necessary every time you move. You should only submit a Motion to Change Venue if you are not able to go to your hearings because your current immigration court is too far away, and there is a different immigration court that is closer to your new address. If you submit a Motion to Change Venue and the judge approves it, your case will be moved to an immigration court closer to your new address.

You do not have to submit a Motion to Change Venue if you moved, but your current immigration court is still the closest one to you. You also do not have to submit a Motion to Change Venue if you moved far away, but you are still able to go to your hearings and you want to keep your case at your current immigration court. However, every time you move, you still need to update your address to ensure that you receive important mail.

As of April 2023, a Motion to Change Venue no longer stops the “ asylum clock .”  The asylum clock must reach 150 days after filing asylum before you can apply for a work permit.

How do I file a Motion to Change Venue?

If you want to request to move your immigration court, follow the steps below. You can see a template Motion to Change Venue here .

• Check the immigration court automated system to get some information. Write the answers down.
• Where is your current immigration court?
• Who is your immigration judge?
• When is your next hearing?
• Get proof of your new address. 
• For example, this can be a rent agreement, a utility bill, or your child’s records from their new school. The document should show your name and new address. Make a copy of this document to attach to your request.
• If you do not have any other proof, you can ask for a letter from someone who lives with you at your new address. If the letter is not in English, you will need to include a translation into English and a certificate of translation . You also need to include a copy of this person’s ID and proof of address. You can download a blank letter that the person can fill out here . You can see a copy of a letter with instructions here (page 6 of this packet).
• Fill out a Form EOIR-33. This is a form that tells the immigration court that you have moved to a new address.
• Download the correct Form EOIR-33 for your immigration court here . Select the city where your current immigration court is located, not the new city that you are trying to move your case to.
• See a copy of a Form EOIR-33 with instructions here . You can also watch  this video .
• You need to complete a separate Form EOIR-33 for each of the family members included in your case. For example, if you have 2 children and they are included in your case, you would need 3 forms in total. If your child is under 14 years old, you can sign for your child. If your child is 14 years old or older, it is best for the child to sign the form.
• You will need the government attorney’s address to fill out the last section of this form. You can find their address here .
• Fill out a “Motion to Change Venue.” This is a request that asks an immigration judge to move your case to the court closest to you. This document must be in English. If you choose to complete this document by handwriting, you should use black pen. 
• Download a blank copy of a Motion to Change Venue that you can fill out . This document was adapted from a sample provided by the U.S. government.
• See a copy of a Motion to Change Venue with instructions here .
• (1) If you read your Notice to Appear and you agree with what is written there, you can write: “I concede the allegations in the Notice to Appear.”
• (2) If you do NOT agree with what is written in your Notice to Appear, or you believe that immigration officials may have violated your rights when they arrested you, or you have any other doubts, it is best to talk with an attorney. You can also try to submit the Motion to Change Venue without mentioning the Notice to Appear. Some judges will still grant a Motion to Change Venue without this information. If the judge denies your Motion to Change Venue, you may want to speak with an attorney before trying again.
• (3) If you do not have a copy of your Notice to Appear, you can write: “I do not understand the allegations in my Notice to Appear because I do not have a copy of this document and I do not have an attorney.” Some judges will still grant a Motion to Change Venue in this situation. If the judge denies your Motion to Change Venue, you can try to get a copy of your Notice to Appear and submit again.
• To fill out the Proof of Service, which is on the last page, you will need the government attorney’s address. You can find their address here . The Proof of Service is a document that shows the immigration judge that you sent a copy of your documents to the government attorney.
• Put the completed documents together in this order:
• Form EOIR-33. You need to complete a separate form for yourself and each person included in your case.
• Motion to Change Venue cover page and explanation of why you need to change your immigration court.
• Proof of your new address.
• Proposed order of the immigration judge.
• Proof of service.
• Review the package.
• Read through all the pages to make sure everything is accurate.
• Make sure that you wrote your correct name, A Number, old address, and new address.
• Make sure you have signed and put in the date on: (1) Form EOIR-33, (2) the Motion to Change Venue, and (3) the Proof of Service.
• Make 2 copies of the package. You should have 1 original and 2 copies.
• The original should be mailed to your current immigration court. You can find the immigration court’s address here .
• The first copy should be mailed to the government attorney. You can find the government attorney’s address here .
• The second copy should be kept in a safe place for your records.
• Wait for the immigration judge’s decision. The immigration judge’s decision will be mailed to your new address. Check your mail and the immigration court system regularly.
• Sometimes judges can take a long time to decide on a Motion to Change Venue. If you have been waiting for a long time, or if your scheduled hearing date is coming up, you can try calling the court for an update on your case. You can find immigration court phone numbers here . Please note that sometimes it is very hard to get somebody on the phone. You should keep trying.
• If you do not get a decision in time, you should go to your scheduled hearing. If you do not go to your hearing, you will likely receive a deportation order for missing your hearing. (If you do miss your hearing, do not give up! Read about steps you can take .)
• You may also need to change your address with other immigration agencies. If you also have an application pending with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or check-ins with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you also need to separately update your address with those agencies .

You can try, although it does not always work. If you think you have a case in immigration court , but your case does not appear when you try to check the automated court system , you can still try to update your address using Form EOIR-33 online or by mail.

To confirm which immigration court to send the Form EOIR-33 to, you can check to see if you have a document called a “Notice to Appear.” Some of these documents have the date and place you will appear for your first immigration court hearing, but not all documents have this information.

Unfortunately, even if you send in your Form EOIR-33, there is still a chance that the immigration court will send important documents to your old address. So it is very important to check the court system every week to find out when your first immigration court hearing is scheduled. If you want to pursue your asylum case, it is very important that you attend your immigration court hearings! If you miss any hearing , you will likely receive a deportation order.

If you want to submit your asylum application, you can submit it to USCIS instead . In general, you must submit an asylum application within one year of arriving in the United States.

If you have a pending asylum case, you can travel within the United States with an ID or your passport. You should also carry the documents that you were given when you first entered the country, just in case.

If you have appointments with ICE or ISAP , the official often requires you to tell them before you travel outside the state.

Generally, if you want to continue to pursue your asylum case, it is best not to travel outside the United States.

Your asylum case can be denied if you travel to your country of origin.

If you need to travel to a country that is not your country of origin, you can try to apply for advance parole from the U.S. government. But getting advance parole can be difficult.

• If you are applying for asylum with USCIS , you can try to apply for advance parole with USCIS using Form I-131 . However, the advance parole application may be denied and it can take several months or longer to receive a decision.
• If you are applying for asylum in immigration court , you can try to request advance parole from ICE. However, this is even more difficult than requesting advance parole from USCIS. Also, if an immigration judge has ordered your removal or your case is on appeal, leaving the United States might be considered an act of self-deportation, and you may lose the right to continue fighting for asylum.

If you travel outside the United States without advance parole, your asylum case can be denied.

If you are considering traveling outside the United States, you may wish to find an attorney to discuss your options.

Yes! The documents you need to travel depend on your current immigration status.

If you have won asylum but are not yet a U.S. permanent resident , you should apply for a refugee travel document to travel outside the United States. You can apply for a refugee travel document by submitting Form I-131 to USCIS. You can find more information on this USCIS page .

Also, please know that there are risks if you travel to your country of origin after you win asylum. If you do this, the U.S. government can end your asylum status. The U.S. government can also deny your green card (permanent residence) application because you traveled to your country of origin.

If you are a U.S. permanent resident, you can travel outside of the United States with your Permanent Resident card and a passport from your country of origin. But if you prefer not to use your passport or cannot safely get or renew a passport , you can apply for a refugee travel document to travel outside the United States. You can apply for a refugee travel document by submitting Form I-131 to USCIS. You can find more information on this USCIS page .

Again, there are risks if you travel to your country of origin. The U.S. government can end your permanent residence, and it can also negatively affect your U.S. citizenship application if you apply.

If you become a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a U.S. passport in order to travel outside the United States.

Note: This page is for adults who are interested in seeking asylum in the United States. Our hope is that you will use the information to better understand the asylum process and take control of your case. However, this information is not a substitute for legal advice about your particular case. To look for legal assistance, visit ASAP’s find help page . 

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I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal

ALERT : Applying for Asylum with USCIS for Ms. L. Settlement Class Members

On Dec. 11, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California approved a class action settlement agreement in Ms. L. v. ICE , 18-cv-00428 (S.D. Cal.) (“Settlement Agreement”). This lawsuit relates to families who were apprehended together by the U.S. government at the U.S.-Mexico border between Jan. 20, 2017 and Jan. 20, 2021, but were then separated and kept apart. The Settlement Agreement provides benefits for Ms. L.  Settlement Class members applying for asylum. For more information, please visit our   Applying for Asylum with USCIS for Ms. L. Settlement Class Members page.

ALERT:  Important Information About Where to File Form I-589

Effective May 9, 2024, we will reject affirmative asylum applications improperly filed at service centers instead of at the lockbox with jurisdiction over your place of residence. We  announced this change in filing location on May 31, 2023, and finalized the associated Form I-589 revision in the Federal Register, 88 FR 60703 (Sept. 5, 2023).  We expect this change to help streamline asylum processing and improve adjudication efficiency by digitizing paper filings.

Certain categories of affirmative asylum applicants must continue to mail their applications directly to the Asylum Vetting Center. Unaccompanied children (UCs) in immigration court proceedings must mail their applications to the lockbox. Online filing is also available to affirmative asylum applicants who are not in immigration court proceedings and who do not have to submit their application to the Asylum Vetting Center. See the “Where to File” and “Special instructions” sections below for more information and to learn where to file your application. You can also use our  Filing Instructions Tool  to determine where to file your Form I-589.

ALERT: Filing Tips for Affirmative Asylum Applications

USCIS is seeing an increase in the submission of paper-filed affirmative asylum applications that we must reject because they are incomplete or improperly filed. To avoid rejections and processing delays when filing Form I-589 with USCIS, it is important to properly submit a complete and signed application to the correct location.

• Carefully review the Form I-589 Instructions and ‘Form Filing Tips’ section below to ensure your asylum application is complete and on the correct 03/01/2023 edition of the form.
• File your Form I-589 in the correct location. See the ‘Where to File’ section below for more information. You can also use our Filing Instructions Tool to determine where to file your Form I-589.

ALERT:  Expeditious Asylum Adjudication for Certain Afghans

On Sept. 30, 2021, the president signed the  Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act . At the direction of Congress, citizens and nationals of Afghanistan or persons with no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan, and who meet eligibility criteria, are entitled to certain benefits, including rapid adjudication of asylum applications.

Please follow the specific instructions on our Information for Afghans page.

Use this form to apply for asylum in the United States and for withholding of removal (formerly called “withholding of deportation”). You may file for asylum if you are physically present in the United States and you are not a U.S. citizen.

Obtain asylum in the United States by:

• Filing for affirmative asylum if you are not in proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR); or
• Filing for asylum defensively if you are in proceedings in front of an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) at EOIR. See “Where to File” section below for information about how to determine if you are in proceedings before EOIR.

If you fail to file Form I-589 within 1 year of your arrival in the United States, you may not be eligible to apply for asylum under section 208(a)(2)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

May I file my Form I-589 with USCIS?

Filing Instructions Tool

The Filing Instructions Tool provides information about where to file Form I-589 based on the information that you provide. The tool does not determine whether you are eligible for asylum.

For more information on whether you may file Form I-589 with USCIS, review the “Where to File” section below.

If you are eligible to file Form I-589 with USCIS, review the “Where to File” and “Special Instructions” sections below to learn whether you may file your Form I-589 online, or if you must file by mail.

Form Details

Form I-589 (PDF, 391.82 KB)

Instructions for Form I-589 (PDF, 143.49 KB)

03/01/23 . You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Dates are listed in mm/dd/yy format.

If you complete and print this form to mail it, make sure that the form edition date and page numbers are visible at the bottom of all pages and that all pages are from the same form edition. If any of the form’s pages are missing or are from a different form edition, we may reject your form.

If you need help downloading and printing forms, read our instructions . 

Who May File with USCIS

You may file your affirmative Form I-589 with USCIS if you are not a U.S. citizen, are physically present in the United States, and:

• You have never been issued an A-Number; or
• You have been issued an A-Number, but you are not currently in Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) proceedings (see below for more information about how to check whether you are in EOIR proceedings); or
• You are in removal proceedings and are currently, or were previously determined to be, an "unaccompanied alien child" (UAC).

You may not file your Form I-589 with USCIS if you are currently in proceedings with EOIR, unless you are currently, or were previously determined to be, a UAC as defined in 6 U.S.C. § 279(g)(2). You must file your Form I-589 with EOIR if you are in proceedings before an immigration judge or before the Board of Immigration Appeals and you are not and were never determined to be a UAC.

These steps will help you determine whether you are in EOIR proceedings:

• Have you been issued an "Alien Number" (A-Number)? The A-Number begins with the letter “A” and is followed by 8 or 9 digits (for example, A123456789). This number is printed on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and EOIR correspondence and documents, including USCIS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) documents.
• Calling the EOIR Automated Case Information Hotline toll-free in the United States at 800-898-7180 (TDD 800-828-1120) or 304-625-2050 (local toll call); or
• Checking the  EOIR Automated Case Information  online system.
• Use the EOIR hotline or online system to locate an address for the immigration court where you must file your Form I-589; or
• Find immigration court information on the  Department of Justice’s  website.
• If you are currently in EOIR proceedings and you were asked to provide your biometric and biographical information to USCIS for your Form I-589 filed with EOIR, please refer to the  Instructions for Submitting Certain Applications in Immigration Court and for Providing Biometric and Biographic Information to U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (PDF, 279.49 KB)  and the  Instructions for Form I-589 (PDF, 143.49 KB)  at Part 1, Section XII. Where to File, about how to submit this information.

Important:  If you file your Form I-589 anywhere other than the immigration court identified by the EOIR hotline or online system, EOIR will reject your Form I-589 and send you a notice that specifies the address where you should file your Form I-589. If you do not follow these instructions and any additional instructions from DHS or EOIR, your Form I-589 may be rejected or closed or it may take longer to process your Form I-589.

For more information about applying for asylum while in EOIR proceedings, see the section on Defensive Asylum Processing with EOIR on the  Obtaining Asylum in the United States  webpage.

Filing with USCIS

If you are eligible to apply for asylum with USCIS as outlined in the section above, you may file your Form I-589 with USCIS online or by mail depending on your situation. The mailing address to file your paper Form I-589 will depend on where you live and whether you are subject to the Special Instructions (see section below).

To determine whether you may file your Form I-589 with USCIS online or by mail, use our  Filing Instructions Tool .

Note:  You cannot file online and must file your Form I-589 by mail if:

• You are currently, or were previously determined to be, an unaccompanied alien child (UAC) as defined in 6 U.S.C. § 279(g)(2). UACs must file by mail to the address listed in the “Where to File with USCIS by Mail” chart below to ensure we identify their Form I-589 appropriately.
• You were previously in removal proceedings, but your removal proceedings were dismissed or terminated. Individual whose removal proceedings were dismissed or terminated and who seek to file a Form I-589 with USCIS must file by mail to the address listed in the “Where to File with USCIS by Mail” chart below to ensure their application is not rejected and the appropriate filing date is applied to the application. See the “Special Filing Instructions if EOIR Dismissed or Terminated Your Removal Proceedings, and You Want to Apply for Asylum with USCIS” section for additional information regarding the filing of Form I-589 for those applicants whose removal proceedings were dismissed or terminated by EOIR, including for applicants who previously filed a Form I-589 with EOIR before the dismissal or termination of their removal proceedings.
• DHS previously issued you a Form I-862, Notice to Appear (NTA), but the NTA was not filed with EOIR and you have never been in EOIR proceedings. You may file your Form I-589 with USCIS by mail using the address listed in the chart below. For more information about how we will process your Form I-589, see our  What Happens After You File Form I-589 With USCIS  page.
• Loss of Derivative Status After Asylum Approval but Before Adjustment of Status (Nunc Pro Tunc)
• Loss of Derivative Status After Initial Filing but Before Final Decision
• Simultaneous Filing as a Principal Applicant and a Derivative Applicant
• Previously Issued a Final Action by USCIS on a Form I-589

Note:  See the “Special Instructions” section below for additional information about specific filings as well as more information about when Form I-589 must be filed at the Asylum Vetting Center and the mailing instructions. If you must submit Form I-589 to the Asylum Vetting Center, you cannot submit it online or by mail to the locations listed in the chart below.

Where to File with USCIS by Mail

If you are not required to file your Form I-589 with the Asylum Vetting Center as indicated in the Special Instructions section of this page, then use this chart to determine where to mail your Form I-589.

You can find the filing fee for Form I-589 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.  

See our Filing Instructions Tool to determine whether to file your Form I-589 with USCIS online or by mail.

General Filing Tips for filing Form I-589 by mail:

• Review the instructions for eligibility requirements for yourself, spouse, and children.
• Use the 03/01/23 edition of the form. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
• Complete the form in English. This includes explanation fields on the form.
• Do not  submit passport-style photos, multiple copies of the form, or multiple copies of supporting documentation.
• If you already have a Form I-589 pending with USCIS, do not submit another Form I-589. Submitting another Form I-589 will not result in faster processing of your case and may cause additional delays.
• Once we have accepted your Form I-589 for processing, do not submit additional correspondence or evidence to the Lockbox or the Atlanta Vetting Center. You must submit these items to the local asylum office where we are processing your case.

Required Form Fields : We may reject your Form I-589 if the following form fields are blank:

• Complete Last Name (Question 4.)
• Residence in the U.S. (where you physically reside) (Question 8.). A complete address includes Street Number and Street Name, City, State, and Zip Code.  Applicants must reside in the United States.
• Date of Birth (Question 12.)
• Country of Birth (Question 13.)
• If you have more than 4 children, you must supply information about each additional child on Form I-589, Supplement A. Use additional copies of the Form I-589 Supplement A as needed to list all of your children.
• Questions 1. – 1.B.
• Questions 2. – 3.A.
• Question 4.
• Question 1.
• Questions 2.A. and 2.B., or
• The Explanation Box under Question 2.B.
• Questions 3. – 6.
• Signature of the Applicant (The person in Part A.1.)

Filing Tips:  Review our  Tips for Filing Forms by Mail  page for information on how to ensure we will accept your form.

We will reject any Form I-589 that is missing the explanation of why you are applying for asylum or that is missing any addendums that you reference in your Form I-589.

Do not forget to sign your Form I-589.  We will reject any unsigned form.

Applications that Must be Filed with the Asylum Vetting Center

Below are instructions for filing Form I-589 if you cannot file at the locations listed in the “Where to File” section above because your Form I-589 requires special handling.

When you file your Form I-589, you must include a letter explaining why you are filing with the Asylum Vetting Center and identifying which category below applies to your Form I-589. If your Form I-589 does not match any of the categories listed below, we will reject it, with instructions to file with the appropriate lockbox.

The following Forms I-589 must be filed with the Asylum Vetting Center:

• Loss of Derivative Status After Asylum Approval but Before Adjustment of Status (Nunc Pro Tunc):  If you are currently a derivative asylee, but you are unable to adjust status to lawful permanent resident due to a loss of derivative relationship, then you may submit a new Form I-589 and request a grant of asylum nunc pro tunc. In your letter, please provide information about your previous Form I-589 and explain that you are now filing independently as a principal applicant.
• Loss of Derivative Status After Initial Filing but Before Final Decision:  If you withdrew from a principal’s Form I-589 as a dependent, or if you lost derivative status by marriage, divorce, or death of the principal applicant, then you may submit Form I-589 as a principal applicant. In your letter, please provide information about your previous Form I-589 and explain that you are now filing independently as a principal applicant.
• Simultaneous Filing as a Principal Applicant and a Derivative Applicant:  If you are already listed as a derivative applicant on another pending Form I-589, you may file Form I-589 as a principal applicant. Also, you and your spouse may file separate Forms I-589 at the same time as principal applicants and list each other as derivative applicants. In your letter, please provide information about any previous Form I-589 and explain that you are now filing independently as a principal applicant.
• Previously Issued a Final Action by USCIS on a Form I-589:  If you previously filed Form I-589 with USCIS, you may be eligible to file a new Form I-589 with USCIS if you have not been placed into immigration court proceedings after USCIS denied or dismissed your Form I-589, including if we dismissed it after you withdrew your Form I-589.

If your Form I-589 matches a category listed above, you must mail your Form I-589 to USCIS at the address below:

Mailing by U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

USCIS Asylum Vetting Center P.O. Box 57100 Atlanta, GA 30308-0506

Mailing by FedEx, UPS or DHL:

DHS-USCIS Asylum Vetting Center 401 W. Peachtree St. NW, Suite 2500 Atlanta, GA 30308

Special Filing Instructions if EOIR Dismissed or Terminated Your Removal Proceedings, and You Want to Apply for Asylum with USCIS

If EOIR dismissed or terminated your removal proceedings, you may apply for asylum with USCIS by mail using the location listed in the “Where to File with USCIS by Mail” chart above in the “Where to File” section. You may not file online. Please see the How USCIS Processes a Form I-589 Filed After Removal Proceedings are Dismissed or Terminated  webpage for additional information on the handling of a Form I-589 filed with USCIS after your removal proceedings were dismissed or terminated:

For information about employment authorization based on a pending Form I-589 after dismissal or termination of your removal proceedings, see the “Special Instructions” section of the Form I-765 page.

• Affirmative Asylum Frequently Asked Questions
• The Affirmative Asylum Process
• Types of Affirmative Asylum Decisions
• Obtaining Asylum in the United States
• What Happens After You File Form I-589 with USCIS
• Revised Guidance on Informal (“Camp”) Marriages (PDF, 997.34 KB)
• Asylum Merits Interview with USCIS: Processing After a Positive Credible Fear Determination