Tweet
Originally posted by Dnanix
View Post
Since most people on this thread are going through the painful process of asylum, I'd like to share my experience travelling as an asylee as it might be helpful.
I filed for asylum in 2013 and it took about 3 years and a half to get the interview and a month for processing and approval (granted in Dec 2016). I filed for a travel document (I-131) in January 2017 and received the document (I-571) in June 2017.
As an asylee your travel document is the same as a refugee travel document and it's valid for one year only. The fee for the document is around $500.
I traveled for work purposes to South Korea and Mexico and I needed a visa for both countries.
The Korean visa process was easy and I had no issues going in and out of Korea. They would just pause for a second or ask someone and then send me on my way in less than 5 mins.
The Mexican visa was easy, however, I've been to Mexico twice on the same visa and I was held at a room for 3 hours in each of Guadalajara and Cancun airports. I was interviewed and they had to write a 3 pages report each times, after signing the document I was cleared to go in.
Coming back to the U.S. was very smooth. I had to go to a secondary room twice until the officers confirmed some info, never asked anything, and I was cleared in 10-15 minutes. The third time I was cleared right away. I was told once by an officer that I should carry my original passport even if it's expired, but never gave me any trouble getting back in on the travel document alone.
After the first travel document expired, I applied for another in January 2019 as there is no renewal process, however, if you have a pending I-485 the fees for the travel document and biometrics are waved. I received the document early April 2019.
I'm trying to travel to Europe this summer, however, Spain does not recognize the U.S. travel document and would not accept it for a visa application. France and Italy both recognize the document and will process the Schengen visa. Germany and the Netherlands do not require a visa for a U.S. travel document holder. It's difficult to find information online about which countries do recognize the U.S. travel document, so I'd check with the country's consulate before going.
After receiving becoming a permanent resident you can get the travel document valid for 2 years and can go to Mexico and Canada visa free.
I hope this helps
I filed for asylum in 2013 and it took about 3 years and a half to get the interview and a month for processing and approval (granted in Dec 2016). I filed for a travel document (I-131) in January 2017 and received the document (I-571) in June 2017.
As an asylee your travel document is the same as a refugee travel document and it's valid for one year only. The fee for the document is around $500.
I traveled for work purposes to South Korea and Mexico and I needed a visa for both countries.
The Korean visa process was easy and I had no issues going in and out of Korea. They would just pause for a second or ask someone and then send me on my way in less than 5 mins.
The Mexican visa was easy, however, I've been to Mexico twice on the same visa and I was held at a room for 3 hours in each of Guadalajara and Cancun airports. I was interviewed and they had to write a 3 pages report each times, after signing the document I was cleared to go in.
Coming back to the U.S. was very smooth. I had to go to a secondary room twice until the officers confirmed some info, never asked anything, and I was cleared in 10-15 minutes. The third time I was cleared right away. I was told once by an officer that I should carry my original passport even if it's expired, but never gave me any trouble getting back in on the travel document alone.
After the first travel document expired, I applied for another in January 2019 as there is no renewal process, however, if you have a pending I-485 the fees for the travel document and biometrics are waved. I received the document early April 2019.
I'm trying to travel to Europe this summer, however, Spain does not recognize the U.S. travel document and would not accept it for a visa application. France and Italy both recognize the document and will process the Schengen visa. Germany and the Netherlands do not require a visa for a U.S. travel document holder. It's difficult to find information online about which countries do recognize the U.S. travel document, so I'd check with the country's consulate before going.
After receiving becoming a permanent resident you can get the travel document valid for 2 years and can go to Mexico and Canada visa free.
I hope this helps
Comment