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07/30/2003 Entry: "BCIS Redesigns the Permit to Reenter and Refugee Travel Document"
The BCIS will begin issuing redesigned Permits to Reenter and Refugee Travel Documents which will look similar to a United States Passport, except that they will have a new light green cover. The inside page of the front cover will note whether the document is a Permit to Reenter or a Refugee Travel Document. Please see attached for questions and answers.
Who Uses the Forms I-327 and I-571? Form I-327, Permit to Reenter the United States. The Form I-327
allows a lawful permanent or conditional permanent resident of the
United States to apply for admission into the United States upon
returning from abroad without having to obtain a returning resident
visa.
Form I-571, Refugee Travel Document. A refugee travel document is
issued pursuant to Article 28 of the United Nations Convention of July
29, 1951, for the purpose of travel. It may be issued to a person who
is in the United States as a refugee pursuant to section 207 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (Act), as an asylee pursuant to section
208 of the Act, or as a permanent resident who received such status as
a direct result of refugee or asylee status. A lawfully obtained,
currently valid Form I-571, shall be accepted in lieu of any travel
document which otherwise would be required from such person under the
Act. How Can a Person Apply for Forms I-327 or I-571? An application for a Form I-327 or Form I-571 must be filed on Form
I-131, Application for Travel Document, with the fee as required in 8
CFR 103.7(b)(1) and with the initial evidence required on the
application form. The applicant must state the length of intended
absence or absences, and the reasons for travel. Except as provided in
8 CFR 223.2(b)(2)(ii), the application may be approved if filed by an
eligible person who is within the United States at the time of
submission. Will the fee For Filing Form I-131 Change? Until the BCIS conducts a new fee study, the current fee of $110
will not change as a result of issuing the single passport-style travel
document. Where Should the Form I-131 Be Filed? Applicants must file the application according to the instructions
on Form I-131 at the Nebraska Service Center. May an Applicant Request Expedited Processing of the Travel Document in
an Emergency? To deal fairly and equitably with applicants for travel documents,
it is BCIS policy that cases be processed in chronological order by
date of receipt.
However, an exception may be permitted in emergency situations if
the request is approved by the Nebraska Service Center director, deputy
director or an official acting in such capacity. How Does the BCIS Plan To Implement the Production of the New Travel
Document? The document will be produced at the Nebraska Service Center where
the separate travel booklets are now prepared. [[Page 44806]] What Will the New Travel Document Look Like? Other than a new light green cover, the redesigned travel document
will look similar to a United States Passport. The title, ``Travel
Document Issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of
Citizenship and Immigration Services,'' will appear on the front cover.
The type of travel document issued will appear on the inside page of
the front cover, showing either Form I-327, Permit to Reenter the
United States, or Form I-571, Refugee Travel Document. Biographical
information and a photograph related to the approved applicant that
appears on the current Forms I-327 or I-571 will also be shown in the
new travel document. The remaining pages will look similar to the
current Forms I-327 and I-571. How Will the Travel Document Be Issued? Once the appropriate travel document is produced, the Nebraska
Service Center will mail it to the approved applicant according to his
or her instructions.
Except as provided in 8 CFR 223.3(b)(2), while an applicant must be
physically present in the United States at the time of filing, the
Nebraska Service Center may mail the travel document in care of a
United States embassy or consulate or a BCIS overseas office, if the
applicant requests such service at the time of filing. What Is the Validity of the Travel Document? Permit To Reenter the United States. Except as provided in 8 CFR
223.2(c)(2), Form I-327 issued to a Permanent Resident shall be valid
for 2 years from the date of issuance. Form I-327 issued to a
conditional permanent resident shall be valid for 2 years from the date
of issuance, or until the date the conditional permanent resident must
apply for removal of the conditions on his or her status, whichever
date is earlier.
Refugee travel document. Form I-571 shall be valid for one year, or
until the date the refugee or asylee status expires, whichever date is
earlier. Will Those Who Possess Unexpired Forms I-327 or I-571 Be Required To
Apply for a New Travel Document When BCIS Starts Producing the Newly
Designed Document? No. Authorized users may continue to travel on their previously
issued Form I-327 or Form I-571 until its expiration date. If an
applicant applies thereafter for a travel document, he or she will be
issued the newly designed document. Can a Travel Document Be Extended? No. A permit to reenter the United States or refugee travel
document cannot be extended. Will the New Travel Document Affect the Process for Applying for
Advance Parole? No. Applicants will continue to use the Form I-131 to apply for
advance parole. Upon BCIS approval of the application, a Form I-512,
Authorization of Parole of an Alien Into the United States, shall be
issued to the applicant.
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