Travel Safely: Refugee Rights And Protections

A Refugee Travel Document is a crucial form of identification for refugees and asylees seeking to travel abroad and return to their host country. Issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it serves as a re-entry permit, allowing refugees to return to the US as long as they have not abandoned their residence, lost their refugee status, or become excludable. The document is also essential for those wishing to enter other countries, functioning similarly to a passport. In the UK, for instance, refugees with indefinite leave to remain can obtain a travel document valid for up to ten years, while those with permission to stay will have a document valid until the end of their permitted stay. Obtaining a Refugee Travel Document is a vital step for refugees and asylees to ensure their ability to travel internationally and return safely to their host country without facing removal proceedings.

Refugee travel documents are valid for up to a year

A refugee travel document is a small booklet, similar to a passport, that is used by refugees and asylees to re-enter the United States after travelling abroad. It is necessary for refugees and asylees to have this document if they plan to travel outside of the United States, as they may be unable to re-enter the country without it and may face removal proceedings.

Refugee travel documents are typically valid for up to one year from the date of issue. However, the length of validity can vary depending on the country issuing the document and the individual's circumstances. For example, in the UK, if you are settled in the country (known as 'indefinite leave to remain'), your refugee travel document will usually be valid for up to 10 years. If you are 15 or under and settled in the UK, it will typically be valid for up to 5 years. If you have permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain'), your document will be valid until the end of your permission to stay in the country.

It is important to note that a refugee travel document does not guarantee re-entry into the United States. Upon return, individuals must still undergo inspection by a Customs and Border Patrol officer. Additionally, a refugee travel document may not be valid for travel to all countries. It is the responsibility of the individual to check the entry requirements of their destination country and ensure they have the necessary documentation.

The process of obtaining a refugee travel document typically involves several steps, including filing an application, attending a biometrics appointment, and waiting for the document to be issued. The time taken to receive a refugee travel document can vary, but it generally takes around 2 to 5 months from the date of filing the application.

You can't travel to the country that you sought asylum from

If you have refugee status in a country, you will need to apply for a refugee travel document if you wish to travel outside your country of residence. This is the case in the UK and the US, and the rules are similar in both countries.

A refugee travel document allows you to travel to most countries in the world, except for the country you are from and any country you have sought asylum from. This means that if you have fled your country of origin and sought asylum in another country, you cannot use a refugee travel document to return to your country of origin. The refugee travel document is a protection that allows you to travel internationally, but it does not permit travel to a country where you may be at risk of persecution or danger.

In the UK, a refugee travel document is valid for up to 10 years if you are settled in the country. If you are under 15 and settled in the UK, it is usually valid for up to 5 years. In the US, a refugee travel document is required for refugees who are not lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) or those who are derivative asylees or refugees. This document must be obtained before leaving the US, and failure to do so may result in denied re-entry or removal proceedings.

The protection offered by a refugee travel document is limited to international travel outside of the restricted countries. It is important to note that this document does not replace your passport and is subject to the inspection and approval of border authorities upon re-entry to your country of residence.

You must have a refugee travel document to re-enter the US

If you are a refugee seeking to re-enter the US after traveling outside of the country, you must obtain a refugee travel document. This is a requirement for those with refugee or asylee status who are not lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders). Derivative asylees or refugees must also obtain this document.

To apply for a refugee travel document, you need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This form can be used to request several types of travel documents, including advance parole documents, re-entry permits, and refugee travel documents. You must apply for this before leaving the US, and it is recommended that you consider USCIS processing times before planning your travel.

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been outside of the US for less than a year, you only need to show your Green Card upon re-entry. However, if you plan to be outside of the US for a year or longer, you must apply for a re-entry permit before traveling. This can also be done using Form I-131.

It is important to note that even with the appropriate documents, admission back into the US is not guaranteed. All individuals seeking to re-enter are subject to immigration inspection or examination at a port of entry to determine their eligibility for re-entry and their immigration status.

Lawful permanent residents can enter the US with a green card

A refugee travel document is a special form of legal identification that allows individuals with refugee status or asylum seekers to travel internationally. In the UK, you can apply for a refugee travel document if you have refugee status or if you joined someone in the UK on a family reunion visa who has refugee status. This document is typically valid for up to 10 years for those settled in the UK and 5 years for those under 15.

In the United States, lawful permanent residents, also known as Green Card holders, have the right to live and work permanently in the country, provided they abide by immigration laws and fulfil their responsibilities as residents. This includes obeying all laws, filing income tax returns, and registering with the Selective Service for males between 18 and 25 years old.

To enter the US, lawful permanent residents must carry a valid entry document, such as a Green Card. An expired Green Card may also be presented along with a receipt notice as evidence of continued status. Additionally, permanent residents can apply for a re-entry permit if they plan to be outside the US for a year or more. This permit allows them to seek admission into the US without obtaining a returning resident visa.

It is important to note that travel outside the US may have severe immigration-related consequences, and admission back into the country is not guaranteed, even with the appropriate documents. Therefore, permanent residents should carefully consider USCIS processing times and any applicable cautions before planning international travel.

You can apply for a refugee travel document if you have refugee status in the UK

If you have refugee status in the UK, you can apply for a refugee travel document. This also applies if you originally came to the UK on a family reunion visa to join someone who has refugee status.

To apply for a refugee travel document, you must be living in the UK and have permission to stay as a refugee. You can also apply if you have humanitarian protection and it has been officially accepted that you have a fear of your country's national authorities. Additionally, if you are not recognised as a citizen of any country (a 'stateless person') and have permission to stay or are settled in the UK, you can apply.

The validity of your refugee travel document depends on your status in the UK. If you are settled in the UK (known as 'indefinite leave to remain'), your document will usually be valid for up to 10 years. If you are 15 or under and settled in the UK, it will typically be valid for up to 5 years. If you have permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain'), your document will be valid until the end of your permission to stay in the UK.

It is important to note that your refugee travel document may be valid for a shorter time in certain cases, such as if your previous document has been lost. Additionally, there are restrictions on the countries you can travel to with this document. You can usually travel to all countries except the country you are from and any country from which you sought asylum.

Before booking your travel, it is recommended to check which documents you need and whether the country you are visiting or travelling through accepts refugee travel documents. You should also enquire about any visa requirements with the authorities of the country.

Frequently asked questions