Re-entry Permit or Refugee Travel Document??

A

asyleechris

New Member
I just spoke on the phone with the immigration (a very nice lady). She told me that since I have received my green card, I'm considered as a permanent resident, not an asylee anymore. Therefore, I should apply for the Re-Entry Permit Document instead of the Refugee Travel Document. Is this right? I haven't seen this discussed on this board.

I'm planning to go to Germany this Christmas. I understand from this board that you don't need a German visa if you hold the Refugee Travel Document. But how about the Re-Entry Permit? Does it also exclude you from the visa requirement?

She also mentions that Re-Entry Permit is valid for 2 years while the Refugee Document is only 1 year. So it's better.

Thanks.
 
I know you may need reentry permit when you think staying between 6 months and 2 years abroad. If this is not your case, you just need a RTD or a valid passport of your Country.
Travelco
 
asyleechris said:
I just spoke on the phone with the immigration (a very nice lady). She told me that since I have received my green card, I'm considered as a permanent resident, not an asylee anymore. Therefore, I should apply for the Re-Entry Permit Document instead of the Refugee Travel Document. Is this right? I haven't seen this discussed on this board.

I'm planning to go to Germany this Christmas. I understand from this board that you don't need a German visa if you hold the Refugee Travel Document. But how about the Re-Entry Permit? Does it also exclude you from the visa requirement?

She also mentions that Re-Entry Permit is valid for 2 years while the Refugee Document is only 1 year. So it's better.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

She is right: you don't need it. But you may want it. The application for the refugee travel document clearly states that this is also for GC holders who got their GC through asylum.

Further complicating things, in theory it is possible to have both of these at the same time, since they serve two different purposes. But I was asked to return my RTD before CIS issued a RP, while I also know people who have both valid at the same time.

It takes the same amount of time to issue both, and of course the RP has longer validity. So if you dont mind waiting and paying for the visa, thats a better doc to have.

Then again, some countries dont recognize the RP, some dont recognize the RTD, and some dont recognize either. :confused:
 
If you were an or are an asylee, You can get a RTD no matter if you have a GC or don't have a GC considerng. COnsidering countries that follow the United Nations standards accept RTD.

Rentry Permit is a document made for USCIS for USCIS for their immigrants. Most countries recognize it but countires like Switzerland etc don't recognize it.

RTD doesn't require a visa to Germany but RP requires a visa for every country.
 
I am GC holder thru asylum, and my lawyer told me to apply for a re-entry permit( and I am not planning to travel more than 6 months).
 
iam a green card holder from asylum, i use re entry travel document for all my

vacations and i travel alot overseas 3 times a year
 
I'm a GC holder thru asylum and I went to France one time for 2 weeks on Reentry Permit.To avoid visas since I travel a lot,my Reentry Permit has been switched to RTD.Two months ago,I came back from France via Germany on RTD.
 
cadel said:
I'm a GC holder thru asylum and I went to France one time for 2 weeks on Reentry Permit.To avoid visas since I travel a lot,my Reentry Permit has been switched to RTD.Two months ago,I came back from France via Germany on RTD.
Click to expand...
Just a word of caution about this: while it is clearly possible to travel through the entire Shengen area by entering through Germany (since no visa is required for Germany) I would not advise it since it is clearly against the law. You still should have a visa if you plan to visit any other country in the Shengen area besides Germany, although I don't know if anyone has any negative experience they could share. I would actually be curious to hear if anyone has ever had any problems traveling through the Shengen area without a visa after having entered through Germany.
 
cadel said:
I'm a GC holder thru asylum and I went to France one time for 2 weeks on Reentry Permit.To avoid visas since I travel a lot,my Reentry Permit has been switched to RTD.Two months ago,I came back from France via Germany on RTD.
Click to expand...

Cadel, and other members:

Thanks for sharing. Questions:

1. In either case you didn't use your NP, right ?

2. Can we apply for RTD this time and apply for RP next time and then switch back to RTD or RP later as long as we do not have two documents in hand in the same time ?

3. With GC but no NP, do you know if France and U.K. prefer GC+ RTD or GC+ RP ?

4. When applying for RP, how can you assure CIS is going to approve RP if your overseas stay is less than 6 months ?

5. Any web site or Sticky that show the RP applicability in various countries ( with GC but without NP ) ?

Thanks,
 
GrassRoot said:
Cadel, and other members:

Thanks for sharing. Questions:

1. In either case you didn't use your NP, right ?

2. Can we apply for RTD this time and apply for RP next time and then switch back to RTD or RP later as long as we do not have two documents in hand in the same time ?

3. With GC but no NP, do you know if France and U.K. prefer GC+ RTD or GC+ RP ?

4. When applying for RP, how can you assure CIS is going to approve RP if your overseas stay is less than 6 months ?

5. Any web site or Sticky that show the RP applicability in various countries ( with GC but without NP ) ?

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Switzerland does not accept Rentry Permit. Most of the countries other than 3rd world countries do not accept RTD..they do not know the world meaning of Refugees like the UAE who does not accept any RTD.
 
wantmygcnow said:
Switzerland does not accept Rentry Permit. Most of the countries other than 3rd world countries do not accept RTD..they do not know the world meaning of Refugees like the UAE who does not accept any RTD.
Click to expand...

Thank you, Mr. Moderator !

Do you have answers to my other questions ?

Do most countries just put their visa stamps on to your RP ? or do they also require NP ( valid or expired ) ?

Is Germany the only nation that accept RTD nothing else ( no visa, no NP, no GC )..?
 
GrassRoot said:
Thank you, Mr. Moderator !

Do you have answers to my other questions ?

Do most countries just put their visa stamps on to your RP ? or do they also require NP ( valid or expired ) ?

Is Germany the only nation that accept RTD nothing else ( no visa, no NP, no GC )..?
Click to expand...

RP or RTD acts like a NP. You get a visa on it..they stamp on it..its your passport. Germany accepts all 3...RTD, RP, NP.
 
GrassRoot said:
Cadel, and other members:

Thanks for sharing. Questions:

1. In either case you didn't use your NP, right ?

2. Can we apply for RTD this time and apply for RP next time and then switch back to RTD or RP later as long as we do not have two documents in hand in the same time ?

3. With GC but no NP, do you know if France and U.K. prefer GC+ RTD or GC+ RP ?

4. When applying for RP, how can you assure CIS is going to approve RP if your overseas stay is less than 6 months ?

5. Any web site or Sticky that show the RP applicability in various countries ( with GC but without NP ) ?

Thanks,
Click to expand...

1- Yes
2-Yes
3-France and UK axccept both documents
4-No matter how long will last your trip,since your are a PR,CIS will issue your RP without any problem.
5- See other members for this question
 
cadel said:
1- Yes
2-Yes
3-France and UK axccept both documents
4-No matter how long will last your trip,since your are a PR,CIS will issue your RP without any problem.
5- See other members for this question
Click to expand...

Thank you Cadel and Mr Moderator. Two more questions:

1. Basically you are saying for these foreign travels you do NOT even need to physically bring NP ( expired or valid ) with you as long as you have GC + RP or GC+RTD. During your visa application, your trip within these countries and in the Customs, people NEVER asked about your nationality... Am I correct or incorrect ?

2. After Jan 1, 2007, all returned PRs or USC from Canada or Mexico from land border crossing will need to show passport, per DHS. Then what can we show to US CIS officials ? RTD ? RP ? or GC alone is enough ? or an expired NP ?

3. After Jan 1, 2007, what will be requried from Canadian side ? GC alone is still valid entry permit for Canada ?

Thanks !
 
GrassRoot said:
Thank you Cadel and Mr Moderator. Two more questions:

1. Basically you are saying for these foreign travels you do NOT even need to physically bring NP ( expired or valid ) with you as long as you have GC + RP or GC+RTD. During your visa application, your trip within these countries and in the Customs, people NEVER asked about your nationality... Am I correct or incorrect ?

2. After Jan 1, 2007, all returned PRs or USC from Canada or Mexico from land border crossing will need to show passport, per DHS. Then what can we show to US CIS officials ? RTD ? RP ? or GC alone is enough ? or an expired NP ?

3. After Jan 1, 2007, what will be requried from Canadian side ? GC alone is still valid entry permit for Canada ?

Thanks !
Click to expand...

Ok you are getting confused. So please read this carefully.

1)RP or RTD act like a passport. Consulates put a visa in them..there are pages that say "VISA" as your national passport does. Your nationality is already known by the USCIS in the GC they issue you and country of birth is also on the GC. When you show your GC, the officer can find out what county you are from.

2)If you have a Green Card, You do not need a RTD, RP or NP if you are travelling by car. This doesnt affect us until you become a U.S Citizen. This was put in place for U.S Citizens and Canadian Citizens who used to cross teh border by showing their Birth Certificates or even DL. It doest not concern you. If you go to canada after Jan 1, 2007, you would still need your GC and need your GC when you come back..When you show them your GC, they will know your not a US Citizen and would not ask for a passport. If you go by air, a passport is required.

3)After Jan 01, 2007, your GC is wha tyou need if you travel by road. The new requirements are for U.S Citizens who used to get out of bed and took it for granted that if they showed their DL, they would be allowed back..now they need a passport or a US Citizen card which USCIS is planning to issue soon to USC.
 
wantmygcnow said:
Ok you are getting confused. So please read this carefully.

1)RP or RTD act like a passport. Consulates put a visa in them..there are pages that say "VISA" as your national passport does. Your nationality is already known by the USCIS in the GC they issue you and country of birth is also on the GC. When you show your GC, the officer can find out what county you are from.

2)If you have a Green Card, You do not need a RTD, RP or NP if you are travelling by car. This doesnt affect us until you become a U.S Citizen. This was put in place for U.S Citizens and Canadian Citizens who used to cross teh border by showing their Birth Certificates or even DL. It doest not concern you. If you go to canada after Jan 1, 2007, you would still need your GC and need your GC when you come back..When you show them your GC, they will know your not a US Citizen and would not ask for a passport. If you go by air, a passport is required.

3)After Jan 01, 2007, your GC is wha tyou need if you travel by road. The new requirements are for U.S Citizens who used to get out of bed and took it for granted that if they showed their DL, they would be allowed back..now they need a passport or a US Citizen card which USCIS is planning to issue soon to USC.
Click to expand...

Thank you Mr. Moderator for your clarification. Now I understand when you stayed within Germany or other countries, officials there NEVER asked your passport after viewing "Country of Origin" from your RTD or RP or GC. So you didn't PHYSICALLY bring your NP. NP can now stay in bedroom shelf or trash bin ( for AS based GC ) if not planning back to COP.

People think they can permanently get rid of CIS after naturalization... Per your posting, USCIS is still in charge of issuing USC card... even for a US-born USC !

Since Canada didn't and will not change their requirement for USC and US GC's land entry ( for tourists ), and DHS's 2007-1-1 new requirement does NOT affect US GC holders, why did people in this forum show their concern on this "Canada tour" ? I remember one post by Lazerthegreat regarding his visit to Canada - I got the impression that everything will be changed after 2007-1-1.
 
wantmygcnow said:
Ok you are getting confused. So please read this carefully.

1)RP or RTD act like a passport. Consulates put a visa in them..there are pages that say "VISA" as your national passport does. Your nationality is already known by the USCIS in the GC they issue you and country of birth is also on the GC. When you show your GC, the officer can find out what county you are from.

2)If you have a Green Card, You do not need a RTD, RP or NP if you are travelling by car. This doesnt affect us until you become a U.S Citizen. This was put in place for U.S Citizens and Canadian Citizens who used to cross teh border by showing their Birth Certificates or even DL. It doest not concern you. If you go to canada after Jan 1, 2007, you would still need your GC and need your GC when you come back..When you show them your GC, they will know your not a US Citizen and would not ask for a passport. If you go by air, a passport is required.

3)After Jan 01, 2007, your GC is wha tyou need if you travel by road. The new requirements are for U.S Citizens who used to get out of bed and took it for granted that if they showed their DL, they would be allowed back..now they need a passport or a US Citizen card which USCIS is planning to issue soon to USC.
Click to expand...

Regarding your " a passport is required" in your reply 2), I suppose you referred it to " US passport", not our "NP" ( expired or unexpired). If my destination is Canada by air, say from LA to Toronto, do I need to get RTD or RP for Canadian official ? GC alone is not enough for them ( by air ) ?
 
RP v/s RTD

Hi, I'm so grateful for all the insight I've gathered from this site. In my case, I entered the US legally in 1990 from the USSR, and applied for political asylum in 1991. However, it took USCIS 16 years to process my application. I got my first asylum interview only a few months ago. By then, they informed me that I qualified for NACARA and the asylum case was dismissed and I was given a green card under NACARA.

After 16+ years of immigration limbo, I am hoping I will now be able to see my family again. They live in Ukraine.

The Asylum Officer told me I could apply for a Re-Entry Permit or Refugee Travel Document (even though I am not exactly an asylee) since all I have is an expired passport from the Soviet Union. I am not sure if I am stateless, or if Ukraine automatically considers me a citizen de facto by birth.

Not sure what is safer for me to use...RP or RTD.
any other ex-soviets in similar predicaments?
 
kostya2 said:
Hi, I'm so grateful for all the insight I've gathered from this site. In my case, I entered the US legally in 1990 from the USSR, and applied for political asylum in 1991. However, it took USCIS 16 years to process my application. I got my first asylum interview only a few months ago. By then, they informed me that I qualified for NACARA and the asylum case was dismissed and I was given a green card under NACARA.

After 16+ years of immigration limbo, I am hoping I will now be able to see my family again. They live in Ukraine.

The Asylum Officer told me I could apply for a Re-Entry Permit or Refugee Travel Document (even though I am not exactly an asylee) since all I have is an expired passport from the Soviet Union. I am not sure if I am stateless, or if Ukraine automatically considers me a citizen de facto by birth.

Not sure what is safer for me to use...RP or RTD.
any other ex-soviets in similar predicaments?
Click to expand...

You may want to wait for 5~6 months to get USC then use US NP to travel to COP.

What is NACARA ?

What stay so long in GC without applying for USC ?
 
Last citizenship I had was USSR, I don't have a passport except an expired soviet one. I still have to wait the full 5 yrs before I can be USC. After so many yars of waiting to see my family, I can't fathom another 5.

I'm concerned about what effect applying for Ukrainian nationality and passport would have on a future naturalization application. So for me, I think RTD or RP is a better bet, just wonder which one is easier to travel with in this case back to Ukraine.

[It took the government 16 years to send me a biometric appt and first asylum interview. NACARA (Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act) was passed in 97 to help others like me who's asylum application got "lost" so to speak due to overwhelming response in early 90s. NACARA is also available to nationals of ex-soviet bloc countries under certain conditions.]
 
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