Asylum Based i-485

[Asylee Expert]

I won't join the misinformation information campaign, I am originally an ASYLEE and now I am a LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT and will apply to become a U.S. Citizenship in 2021. I travel internationally several times for vacation, and I only use a US REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT, FORM I-571. I have been to several destinations including Dominican Republic, Canada, Kingdom of Netherlands, Bahamas and a few other countries and never had an issue. The law as I know it, You shouldn't be using the Passport of your Native Homeland, and you should use a US REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT, FORM I-571 until you are granted US Citizenship by NATURALIZATION and issued a US PASSPORT. It is essential that you don't return to your home country until you become a US CITIZEN. The DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, DHS could refuse to allow you to re-enter the United States on the grounds that you implicitly no longer fear persecution.

ASYLEES must ONLY travel with a UNITED STATES REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT, FORM I-571. If an asylee travels with a passport issued by the country from which he/she has been granted asylum, he/she can be seen as availing him/herself of the protections of his/her government which could lead to a finding by the U.S. government that she no longer needs asylum protection.

ASYLEES should understand, however, that even after obtaining legal permanent residence, they will have to use a US REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT, FORM I-571 to travel abroad. It is only after an asylee becomes a US Citizen that he/she will be eligible for a US Passport.

ASYLEES should also understand that until they obtain US citizenship they cannot travel back to their home countries. When you apply to naturalize, you will have to list all international travel after obtaining legal permanent residence in the United States, and a DHS official could re-open the asylum grant upon learning that the applicant travelled back to his/her home country.

[Sunny1122]

I won't join the misinformation information campaign, I am originally an ASYLEE and now I am a LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT and will apply to become a U.S. Citizenship in 2021. I travel internationally several times for vacation, and I only use a US REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT, FORM I-571. I have been to several destinations including Dominican Republic, Canada, Kingdom of Netherlands, Bahamas and a few other countries and never had an issue. The law as I know it, You shouldn't be using the Passport of your Native Homeland, and you should use a US REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT, FORM I-571 until you are granted US Citizenship by NATURALIZATION and issued a US PASSPORT. It is essential that you don't return to your home country until you become a US CITIZEN. The DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, DHS could refuse to allow you to re-enter the United States on the grounds that you implicitly no longer fear persecution.

ASYLEES must ONLY travel with a UNITED STATES REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT, FORM I-571. If an asylee travels with a passport issued by the country from which he/she has been granted asylum, he/she can be seen as availing him/herself of the protections of his/her government which could lead to a finding by the U.S. government that she no longer needs asylum protection.

ASYLEES should understand, however, that even after obtaining legal permanent residence, they will have to use a US REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT, FORM I-571 to travel abroad. It is only after an asylee becomes a US Citizen that he/she will be eligible for a US Passport.

ASYLEES should also understand that until they obtain US citizenship they cannot travel back to their home countries. When you apply to naturalize, you will have to list all international travel after obtaining legal permanent residence in the United States, and a DHS official could re-open the asylum grant upon learning that the applicant travelled back to his/her home country.

THANKYOU This information is really help ful I am waiting for my green card and I have RTD so after I get green card what is the process to visit Canada o plz explain me since you alreday travels and can I travel to uae?

[Trinity01]

So true

[gtaid1]

THANKYOU This information is really help ful I am waiting for my green card and I have RTD so after I get green card what is the process to visit Canada o plz explain me since you alreday travels and can I travel to uae?

As far as I know UAE doesn't accept RTD so you cannot travel there.

Canada needs a visa to travel with RTD but I think GC holders don't need visa

So basically for any country you'll have to first check :

1 - does the country accept RTD?
2 - do they need visa with RTD (only few countries don't need visa with RTD) ?
3 - check their embassy website on how to apply for tourist visa

[gtaid1]

so true

happy halloween ! :d

[Asylee Expert]

THANKYOU This information is really help ful I am waiting for my green card and I have RTD so after I get green card what is the process to visit Canada o plz explain me since you alreday travels and can I travel to uae?

You are welcome! Unfortunately, You CANNOT travel to United Arab Emirates with a U.S. Refugee Travel, Form I-571. If you visit the United Arab Emirates Consulate Website, they make it explicitly clear that they don't accept TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. You have a choice to travel to another country in the region that accepts the US Refugee Travel Document, FORM I-571 or delay travel until you become a NATURALIZED US CITIZEN, and then you can apply for US PASSPORT and travel to the United Arab Emirates under American protection.

TRAVELLING TO CANADA WITH A US REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT, FORM I-571 (ASYLEES ONLY)

If you possess a US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571 and you are an ASYLEE. Please bear in mind that a VISA is required to travel to Canada. (At this time, most foreign nationals CANNOT travel to Canada including you even if you have a valid VISA or ETA, Electronic Travel Authorization to protect Canadians from the Coronavirus Outbreak as outlined by their Prime Minister). Canada accepts Passengers with the U.S. Refugee Travel Document FORM I-571 issued to refugees and it must be valid for the period of intended stay. You will need a VISITORS VISA to travel to Canada. You don't need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Please note: The visa is an official document stamped in your US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571. It costs $100 Canadian dollars. You may need to give biometrics with your application.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENTS THAT OBTAINED SUCH STATUS THROUGH ASYLYM TRAVELLING TO CANADA

If you possess a US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571 and you are a PERMANENT RESIDENT that obtained such a status through asylum, You have VISA FREE ACCESS to Canada. Please bear in mind although you have a VISA FREE ACCESS to Canada. If you are flying or transiting through Canadian airport. You will need a eTA, Electronic Travel Authorization. YOU DON'T NEED A VISITORS VISA. An eTA costs $7 Canadian dollars, It will be electrically linked to your US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571. Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes, like I did. However, some request can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents. To apply for a eTA to travel to Canada, visit ...

THIS IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE, CANADA & CRIMINAL RECORD ⬇

A Canadian Immigration Officer will decide if you can enter Canada when you apply for a visa, or a eTA or in this case when you arrive at the Canadian port of entry. Under Canada's Immigration law, if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed entry into Canada even if you are a US citizen. In other words, you may be "criminally inadmissible". This includes both minor and serious crimes, such as theft, assault, manslaughter, dangerous driving, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and possession of a or trafficking in drugs or controlled substances. You can find a list of criminal offenses in the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Also, note, if you were convicted of a crime when you were under the age of 18,r you may still be able to enter Canada.

Depending on the crime, how long ago it was and how you have behaved since, you may still be allowed to visit Canada. If you can convince an immigration officer that you meet the legal terms to be deemed rehabilitated or applied for rehabilitation and were approved or were granted a record suspension or have a temporary resident permit.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The information contained above is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. I am a Permanent Resident who obtained such a status through asylum, I am an avid user of the US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571, my responses are usually from own personal experience and the travel information is provided from TIMATIC, it is the Travel Information Manual Automatic it is the same system Passenger Services Agent use at the airport to determine if you are able to travel to a destination.

[Asylee Expert]

As far as I know UAE doesn't accept RTD so you cannot travel there.

Canada needs a visa to travel with RTD but I think GC holders don't need visa

So basically for any country you'll have to first check :

1 - does the country accept RTD?
2 - do they need visa with RTD (only few countries don't need visa with RTD) ?
3 - check their embassy website on how to apply for tourist visa

You are correct, the UAE, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES doesn't accept the US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571. Permanent Residents of the United States who obtained such a status through asylum don't require a VISA to travel to Canada, however, Canada does ACCEPT the US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571 with an eTA for travel via AIR.

[Goldbear in CA]

You are welcome! Unfortunately, You CANNOT travel to United Arab Emirates with a U.S. Refugee Travel, Form I-571. If you visit the United Arab Emirates Consulate Website, they make it explicitly clear that they don't accept TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. You have a choice to travel to another country in the region that accepts the US Refugee Travel Document, FORM I-571 or delay travel until you become a NATURALIZED US CITIZEN, and then you can apply for US PASSPORT and travel to the United Arab Emirates under American protection.

TRAVELLING TO CANADA WITH A US REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT, FORM I-571 (ASYLEES ONLY)

If you possess a US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571 and you are an ASYLEE. Please bear in mind that a VISA is required to travel to Canada. (At this time, most foreign nationals CANNOT travel to Canada including you even if you have a valid VISA or ETA, Electronic Travel Authorization to protect Canadians from the Coronavirus Outbreak as outlined by their Prime Minister). Canada accepts Passengers with the U.S. Refugee Travel Document FORM I-571 issued to refugees and it must be valid for the period of intended stay. You will need a VISITORS VISA to travel to Canada. You don't need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Please note: The visa is an official document stamped in your US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571. It costs $100 Canadian dollars. You may need to give biometrics with your application.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENTS THAT OBTAINED SUCH STATUS THROUGH ASYLYM TRAVELLING TO CANADA

If you possess a US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571 and you are a PERMANENT RESIDENT that obtained such a status through asylum, You have VISA FREE ACCESS to Canada. Please bear in mind although you have a VISA FREE ACCESS to Canada. If you are flying or transiting through Canadian airport. You will need a eTA, Electronic Travel Authorization. YOU DON'T NEED A VISITORS VISA. An eTA costs $7 Canadian dollars, It will be electrically linked to your US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571. Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes, like I did. However, some request can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents. To apply for a eTA to travel to Canada, visit ...

THIS IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE, CANADA & CRIMINAL RECORD ⬇

A Canadian Immigration Officer will decide if you can enter Canada when you apply for a visa, or a eTA or in this case when you arrive at the Canadian port of entry. Under Canada's Immigration law, if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed entry into Canada even if you are a US citizen. In other words, you may be "criminally inadmissible". This includes both minor and serious crimes, such as theft, assault, manslaughter, dangerous driving, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and possession of a or trafficking in drugs or controlled substances. You can find a list of criminal offenses in the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Also, note, if you were convicted of a crime when you were under the age of 18,r you may still be able to enter Canada.

Depending on the crime, how long ago it was and how you have behaved since, you may still be allowed to visit Canada. If you can convince an immigration officer that you meet the legal terms to be deemed rehabilitated or applied for rehabilitation and were approved or were granted a record suspension or have a temporary resident permit.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The information contained above is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. I am a Permanent Resident who obtained such a status through asylum, I am an avid user of the US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571, my responses are usually from own personal experience and the travel information is provided from TIMATIC, it is the Travel Information Manual Automatic it is the same system Passenger Services Agent use at the airport to determine if you are able to travel to a destination.

Very useful guide for asylee international travelling! Thank you for sharing.

[flando]

There's a reason USCIS provides Refugee Travel Document to Green Holders that obtained GC through asylum. If using home country passport was ok, they wouldn't do that.

I think everyone has their own opinion here, it depends if you are willing to take risk of being questioned later or not.

But for sure, using home country passport means you are receiving a benefit from that country. However you want to justify that in future if you are questioned about it , is up to you!


I checked many lawyers website and I do see many contradictory answers. Some lawyers say it's ok for Asylum GC to use their passport but some lawyers say no do not use home country passport .

I would take more conservative approach and won't use my home country passport, because this is era of crack down on immigration. I don't want to give government any excuse to question your credibility.

This is a huge misunderstanding.

The main reason why USCIS issue RTD to asylum based LPRs is because some LPR's passport expired, they either not willing or not able to get a passport from their country of origin.

The BIA decision is right there, black and white, specifically outlined that LPRs DO NOT need RTD to travel.

I cannot believe you are still here arguing otherwise. USCIS cannot terminate your status nor deny your future applications on the sole finding that you used your passport. They CANNOT. Period.

On a technical terms, what the decision really mean is that, once you adjudicated to LPR, you transferred your status from an Asylee to LPR. You are no longer an asylee. That means, any termination grounds specific to that of an asylee no longer applies to you. For example, you DO NOT need to continue to meet the defination of a refugee to maintain your LPR status. This could happen when your country condition changed, for example. Nor are you required to not receive any benfits from your country of origin. Only termination / inadmissibility grounds of a regular LPR applies to you.

Of course if they find evidence of fraud they can still deport you even if you become USC, but using your original passport is far from solid evidence that you committed any fraud unless you did not disclose (i.e. lied about ) your original passport (if you have one during the asylum process). Even in that case it might or might not be material.

[Sahiaman]

This is a huge misunderstanding.

The main reason why USCIS issue RTD to asylum based LPRs is because some LPR's passport expired, they either not willing or not able to get a passport from their country of origin.

The BIA decision is right there, black and white, specifically outlined that LPRs DO NOT need RTD to travel.

I cannot believe you are still here arguing otherwise. USCIS cannot terminate your status nor deny your future applications on the sole finding that you used your passport. They CANNOT. Period.

On a technical terms, what the decision really mean is that, once you adjudicated to LPR, you transferred your status from an Asylee to LPR. You are no longer an asylee. That means, any termination grounds specific to that of an asylee no longer applies to you. For example, you DO NOT need to continue to meet the defination of a refugee to maintain your LPR status. This could happen when your country condition changed, for example. Nor are you required to not receive any benfits from your country of origin. Only termination / inadmissibility grounds of a regular LPR applies to you.

Of course if they find evidence of fraud they can still deport you even if you become USC, but using your original passport is far from solid evidence that you committed any fraud unless you did not disclose (i.e. lied about ) your original passport (if you have one during the asylum process). Even in that case it might or might not be material.

Uscis have mixed my name with someone else. They asked for an RFE to prove wether i was in the United States the whole time. Where as it was the other person same name and date of birth as mine. She is the one who must have traveled outside US. Although i have sent out all my pay stubs. Bank statements my Rental agreement and a letter from my son’s school and a letter from my employer that i was present in the country whole time and also my tax return. Would that be enough to prove my presence. I m afraid they wont come out anything new to surprise me. I never ever went outside of my state. Traveling abroad is no question for me. Would they approve my i485???

[gtaid1]

Today I noticed two major "processing time" updates on UCIS website : (


For Nebraska :

Refugee Travel Document increased from "4 to 6 months" >>>> to >>> " 5.5 Months to 7.5 Months"

Green Card application increased from "8 to 31 months" >>>> to >>>> "14 Months to 45 Months"

[Trinity01]

Today I noticed two major "processing time" updates on UCIS website : (


For Nebraska :

Refugee Travel Document increased from "4 to 6 months" >>>> to >>> " 5.5 Months to 7.5 Months"

Green Card application increased from "8 to 31 months" >>>> to >>>> "14 Months to 45 Months"

Taxes has the same GC processing time 45 month...in 45 month I could apply for citizenship if I my GC came on time...

[Sunny1122]

You are welcome! Unfortunately, You CANNOT travel to United Arab Emirates with a U.S. Refugee Travel, Form I-571. If you visit the United Arab Emirates Consulate Website, they make it explicitly clear that they don't accept TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. You have a choice to travel to another country in the region that accepts the US Refugee Travel Document, FORM I-571 or delay travel until you become a NATURALIZED US CITIZEN, and then you can apply for US PASSPORT and travel to the United Arab Emirates under American protection.

TRAVELLING TO CANADA WITH A US REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT, FORM I-571 (ASYLEES ONLY)

If you possess a US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571 and you are an ASYLEE. Please bear in mind that a VISA is required to travel to Canada. (At this time, most foreign nationals CANNOT travel to Canada including you even if you have a valid VISA or ETA, Electronic Travel Authorization to protect Canadians from the Coronavirus Outbreak as outlined by their Prime Minister). Canada accepts Passengers with the U.S. Refugee Travel Document FORM I-571 issued to refugees and it must be valid for the period of intended stay. You will need a VISITORS VISA to travel to Canada. You don't need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Please note: The visa is an official document stamped in your US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571. It costs $100 Canadian dollars. You may need to give biometrics with your application.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENTS THAT OBTAINED SUCH STATUS THROUGH ASYLYM TRAVELLING TO CANADA

If you possess a US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571 and you are a PERMANENT RESIDENT that obtained such a status through asylum, You have VISA FREE ACCESS to Canada. Please bear in mind although you have a VISA FREE ACCESS to Canada. If you are flying or transiting through Canadian airport. You will need a eTA, Electronic Travel Authorization. YOU DON'T NEED A VISITORS VISA. An eTA costs $7 Canadian dollars, It will be electrically linked to your US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571. Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes, like I did. However, some request can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents. To apply for a eTA to travel to Canada, visit ...

THIS IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE, CANADA & CRIMINAL RECORD ⬇

A Canadian Immigration Officer will decide if you can enter Canada when you apply for a visa, or a eTA or in this case when you arrive at the Canadian port of entry. Under Canada's Immigration law, if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed entry into Canada even if you are a US citizen. In other words, you may be "criminally inadmissible". This includes both minor and serious crimes, such as theft, assault, manslaughter, dangerous driving, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and possession of a or trafficking in drugs or controlled substances. You can find a list of criminal offenses in the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Also, note, if you were convicted of a crime when you were under the age of 18,r you may still be able to enter Canada.

Depending on the crime, how long ago it was and how you have behaved since, you may still be allowed to visit Canada. If you can convince an immigration officer that you meet the legal terms to be deemed rehabilitated or applied for rehabilitation and were approved or were granted a record suspension or have a temporary resident permit.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The information contained above is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. I am a Permanent Resident who obtained such a status through asylum, I am an avid user of the US Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571, my responses are usually from own personal experience and the travel information is provided from TIMATIC, it is the Travel Information Manual Automatic it is the same system Passenger Services Agent use at the airport to determine if you are able to travel to a destination.

Thank you vvv use ful information I am v satisfied and understand Thanku again
you have lot of correct information

[Hatori1980]

My case still say case was approved so how long I have to wait the card. It has been showing for 6days

[Jasmine22]

Taxeshas the same GC processing time 45 month...in 45 month I could apply for citizenship if I my GC came on time...

I just don’t know how to cope with this anymore. I haven’t seen my family for 4 years. I have patiently waited for this card for 2 years soon, just to figure out that is not enough. I’m all cried out, helpless and mad.