You’re Free To Travel

Planning international travel in your first year as an Amerikaner in the U.S. requires careful attention to maintain your legal status, distinct from the travel rights you’ll gain later as a Permanent Resident or U.S. citizen.

Travelling to South Africa

This will not be feasible until you become a citizen, for reasons that the basis for being granted refugee status was that you were persecuted in South Africa. Whereas you can fly to South Africa, upon your return there will be questions raised about the truthfulness of your original application for protection.

Navigating Travelling out of the US to Other Countries

The U.S. has clear guidelines for new residents traveling abroad, with practical steps to protect your status.

Verify Your Travel Documents for Compliance

Ensure your refugee travel document or other entry documents are valid before leaving. A refugee travel document, if needed, costs $135 to apply for through USCIS and takes about 3-5 months to process, so plan ahead.

Limit Trip Duration for Status Protection

Keep your trip under 6 months to avoid risking your residency status. Staying abroad longer may lead to questions about your intent to reside in the U.S., potentially requiring a re-entry permit ($630, applied via Form I-131).

Update USCIS for Record Accuracy

If you’re away for more than 30 days, notify USCIS of your travel by filing Form AR-11 online at no cost. This keeps your records current and helps avoid issues upon return.

Avoid Travel to SA Until Residency

Do not return to South Africa, the country you fled due to fear of persecution, until you’ve secured Permanent Residency. Traveling back could negatively impact your residency case by suggesting your claim of persecution may no longer apply.

Managing Travelling out of the US

These actionable steps ensure Amerikaners can travel internationally while maintaining their status.

Verify Documents Early to Travel Confidently

Check your travel documents’ validity at least 6 months before your trip and apply for a refugee travel document if needed via 0

Plan Short Trips to Protect Status

Schedule your travel to be less than 6 months, and apply for a re-entry permit through USCIS if you need more time.

Update USCIS Promptly to Stay Compliant

File Form AR-11 online within 10 days of leaving if your trip exceeds 30 days to keep your records updated.

Avoid Travel to SA Until Residency to Safeguard Case

Refrain from visiting South Africa until you have Permanent Residency, focusing instead on travel to other destinations if needed.

A Smooth Journey in Your First Year

Travelling out of the U.S. as a new resident ensures Amerikaners can visit loved ones while protecting your status, supporting your Amerikaner life.

Verify your documents, plan short trips, update USCIS, and avoid travel to SA until residency is secured—whether you’re heading to other countries from the cities of Florida or the plains of Nebraska, you’ll travel with confidence. It’s a new beginning where your first year balances connection and compliance in your Amerikaner journey.