What is an "Alien Passport"? Reentry Permit? I am Green Card Holder.

Z

zamkim

New Member
Hello all,

I am a university student here in the United States. I am also a green card holder since July 2007 and a few months shy from applying for US citizenship (CAN'T WAIT!). I am planning to study abroad this spring semester (Jan.) for 4 months in Austria. On the website of the Austrian embassy it says they do not accept refugee travel document issued by the U.S to travel to Austria with. But, it also say "Holders of Alien Passports issued by the United States (USA), need a visa for Austria."

"Holders of Alien Passports, issued by the United States (USA), need a visa for Austria.
Refugees' Travel Documents, issued by the United States (USA), cannot be accepted for travelling to Austria."

I am wondering what is an "Alien Passport" that is issued by the U.S? The only travel documents that I know which can act as passports that are issued by the U.S are Refugee travel document and the Re-entry permit. I have not applied for any yet, and I am just wondering what is an "Alien Passport" and how do I apply for it?

I am a Somali national, and got the Green card through a refugee status. I can't get my hands on a Somali passport, and to be frank the passport is useless for traveling or it will cause major headaches if you travel using it. I will appreciate any help you guys can offer. Thanks!
 
It might be a lost-in-translation issue caused by the people who designed the web site not being fluent enough in English. The US doesn't issue "Alien Passports". And perhaps the RTD restriction doesn't apply to green card holders ... some countries don't want non-GC refugees visiting because they're afraid you're going to seek refugee status in their country or otherwise overstay, but when you have a green card they are OK with allowing you to visit because the green card shows you have a solid status that you're not likely to give up.

You should contact the embassy directly and explain your situation. You'll probably need a student visa, as I doubt a regular tourist visa would be sufficient to allow you to study there. And ask if a US reentry permit or RTD will be accepted, given that you have a green card.
 
cafeconleche said:
The US equivalent of an Aliens Passport is the Re-Entry Permit.
Click to expand...
Alien passport denotes XXX as the nationality (statelessness), but the re-entry permit denotes the actual nationality of the GC holder. The OP needs to contact the Austrian consulate and ask them what they mean by "Alien passport" as it does not formally exist in the USA.
 
cafeconleche said:
The US equivalent of an Aliens Passport is the Re-Entry Permit.
Click to expand...
Alien passport denotes XXX as the nationality (statelessness), but the re-entry permit denotes the actual nationality of the GC holder. The OP needs to contact the Austrian consulate and ask them what they mean by "Alien passport" as it does not formally exist in the USA.
 
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