Applying for RTD while other is valid

W

wantmygcnow

Volunteer Moderator
I think this has been answered before and I did a search but couldnt find my answer....Can i apply for a new RTD while the other one is still valid? My blue one expires July 20, 2004 and I need to travel to Germany on May 31st and then back on July 01....isnt there something that you can apply for immigration benefits 3 months before expiry...anyone can answer? Gilbert? Should i write them a letter explaining my situation? Thanks..
 
wantmygcnow said:
I think this has been answered before and I did a search but couldnt find my answer....Can i apply for a new RTD while the other one is still valid? My blue one expires July 20, 2004 and I need to travel to Germany on May 31st and then back on July 01....isnt there something that you can apply for immigration benefits 3 months before expiry...anyone can answer? Gilbert? Should i write them a letter explaining my situation? Thanks..
Click to expand...

Anyway, even if you apply today, if you're lucky, you'll receive it by December 2004. The date has been frozen for a couple of months in Nov/03.
 
wantmygcnow said:
I think this has been answered before and I did a search but couldnt find my answer....Can i apply for a new RTD while the other one is still valid? My blue one expires July 20, 2004 and I need to travel to Germany on May 31st and then back on July 01....isnt there something that you can apply for immigration benefits 3 months before expiry...anyone can answer? Gilbert? Should i write them a letter explaining my situation? Thanks..
Click to expand...

wantmygcnow,

Last time, I did apply a new RTD while my existing one is still valid. The different was I surrenderred my existing RTD when I submitted my application.

You mention that your RTD expires on July 20, 2004, you might want to verify with the Germany Consulate if you can actually travel with your existing RTD.

My understanding is that your travel document should be valid for 3 months at the time you complete your trip.
 
wantmygcnow,

It says on the RTD application form (I-131) that if you are applying for a Travel Document and your current TD is valid, you must surrender it to USCIS. They want you to include it with the application package. Otherwise, you need to wait until the TD expires and then apply for a new one.

"C. A refugee travel document may not be issued to you if:

1. You have already been issued such a document
and it is still valid, unless the prior document has
been returned to the CIS, or you can demonstrate
that it was lost; or

2. A notice was published in the Federal Register that
precludes the issuance of such a document for
travel to the area where you intend to go."


Unfortunately, the rule was made under the assumption that RTDs would be processed in an orderly and timely fashion. Basically the USCIS does not want you to have two valid TDs in your possession. This would make perfect sense, IF we were not placed under extreme waiting conditions for our TDs.
 
LolaLi said:
wantmygcnow,

It says on the RTD application form (I-131) that if you are applying for a Travel Document and your current TD is valid, you must surrender it to USCIS. They want you to include it with the application package. Otherwise, you need to wait until the TD expires and then apply for a new one.

"C. A refugee travel document may not be issued to you if:

1. You have already been issued such a document
and it is still valid, unless the prior document has
been returned to the CIS, or you can demonstrate
that it was lost; or

2. A notice was published in the Federal Register that
precludes the issuance of such a document for
travel to the area where you intend to go."


Unfortunately, the rule was made under the assumption that RTDs would be processed in an orderly and timely fashion. Basically the USCIS does not want you to have two valid TDs in your possession. This would make perfect sense, IF we were not placed under extreme waiting conditions for our TDs.
Click to expand...


This is true, but probably you don't have to surrend your RTD because by the time they review your application it will be expired, let say that you apply 4 months before the expiration date, that way you'll be without RTD just 2 months instead of 6.
 
I went to my local CIS office in Arlington, VA and told them about my case. They advised to keep my RTD and apply for a new one and explaining them my situation. Lets see if it works...
 
wantmygcnow said:
I went to my local CIS office in Arlington, VA and told them about my case. They advised to keep my RTD and apply for a new one and explaining them my situation. Lets see if it works...
Click to expand...


I think it should it work unless the application is read by an officer in a bad mood.
 
I have always applied for new RTD prior previous RTD's expiration. There is a question on the application regarding the previously issued RTD and response to that question can be "ATTACHED" "LOST" etc ... I always responded by writing "Misplaced at Home"

I have always received my RTD without any further questions...


Regards,
 
if u write Lost..wouldn't they put the passport number in the computers as lost? Doesnt that mean You can't use that RTD?
have u used the one u said lost without any problems?
 
wantmygcnow said:
if u write Lost..wouldn't they put the passport number in the computers as lost? Doesnt that mean You can't use that RTD?
have u used the one u said lost without any problems?
Click to expand...


I was able to travel on my old unexpired RTD after submitting an application for RTD. RTD was never an issue in my travel and I do travel extensively ...

Regards,
 
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