How to Get a Refugee Passport

Currently, you cannot receive a refugee passport in the United States. You can, however, receive refugee status which grants you asylum, allowing you to remain in the U.S. If you have refugee status, you may then apply for an immigrant's passport or permanent residence. Some individuals do receive refugee status and are later denied immigrant passports, so the two do not go hand-in-hand. If you wish to obtain refugee status, you must presently be in the United States.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Explanation document Form I-589 Passport photos

1. Confirm you are eligible for refugee status. To qualify, you must not be willing or able to return to your country of origin due to fear of torment or persecution. Those who obtain refugee status often fear persecution from their home country on the basis of their religion, political views, society memberships or race.

2. Write a detailed explanation of why you need refugee status. Include as many specifics as possible in your document. You are essentially presenting your case in this document.

3. Complete the I-589 form, found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services site.

4. Get two passport photos taken.

5. Send your completed application, explanation document, passport photos and a copy of your passport to your local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office.

6. Know that USCIS may schedule an interview with you. This will serve to verify your application information.

Tips & Warnings

• Confirm you have completed the entire I-589 form prior to sending it.
• Do not lie or stretch the truth on your application. If you are caught lying, you will be immediately referred for deportation.

Resources

• I-589 Form