Biometrics Now Required for Reentry Permits and Refugee Travel Documents  Posted Mar 14, 2008
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The USCIS has recently changed the system and procedure for processing reentry permits and refugee travel documents. These applications are made on Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Under the new procedures, effective March 5, 2008, applicants for reentry permits and refugee travel documents must provide biometrics information before departing the United States. This is done via an appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC), scheduled after the filing of Form I-131. The I-131 is more commonly used for advance parole applications, which is familiar to many adjustment-of-status applicants. The new procedures do not pertain to the advance parole, as they only pertain to the somewhat less common reentry permit and refugee travel document.
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Appointments before Departure
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The new procedures apply to individuals between the ages of 14 and 79 who are applying for reentry permits and refugee travel documents. They are advised to apply well in advance of their need to travel and, with limited exception, the fingerprinting and photographing must occur before departure. The USCIS indicates that the filing receipt and notice of appointment at the ASC are mailed to the applicant shortly after the I-131 is filed. There is an option for providing the USCIS with pre-paid express mailers, for transmitting the receipt and appointment notices as well as the reentry permit more quickly. However, this apparently requires a specific request for expedited processing and justification for that request.
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Definition of Reentry Permit
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The reentry permit is a document used by a "green card" holder (permanent resident) who needs to travel outside of the U.S. for an extended period of time. The "green card" is the proper document for requesting reentry to the U.S. if one has been absent for less than one year. A permanent resident who plans to be outside of the U.S. for a year or more, but who will continue to maintain U.S. permanent residence nonetheless, will need a reentry permit to request a return to the U.S. as a permanent resident. More information on this topic is available in our April 19, 2002 MurthyBulletin article, Immigration Rumor: Travel by Permanent Resident.
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Definition of Refugee Travel Document
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A refugee travel document is used by persons in refugee or asylee status who wish to travel outside the U.S. Such a document, in certain instances, can take the place of a passport for persons with refugee or asylee status. Its appearance is similar to a passport. The USCIS has issued a fact sheet (PDF 433KB) on these travel documents.
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Conclusion
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The exact rules and procedures for travel document applications, as for other immigration applications and procedures, are subject to change. Failure to follow the procedures can result in the denial of one's case. This can be an even greater problem when individuals are traveling abroad. Thus, people seeking reentry permits, refugee travel documents, or any other travel documents should carefully review the detailed instructions and, if appropriate, get qualified advice before leaving the United States.