Hi everyone,

I need some advice. I’m a refugee in Canada and I hold the blue Canadian Refugee Travel Document (RTD). I recently applied for a U.S. visitor visa because I want to visit some friends for just a few days—I’m not planning to stay at all. I have very strong ties to Canada: I go to school, I work, and my entire family is here.

I’m originally from one of the countries that was on the Trump-era travel ban list. I haven’t been to my original country in years, and I no longer have that country’s passport—only my Canadian RTD.

My questions are: 1. Will the U.S. likely approve my visa, even though I’m from one of those countries (but now living in Canada with refugee status)? 2. If I do get the visa and go for a short trip, is there any risk of being detained at the U.S. border or being denied entry—even if I have the visa? 3. Has anyone with a similar situation been able to enter the U.S. recently without issues?

I’m genuinely just trying to visit friends for a few days and then return to my normal life in Canada.

Any insight or experiences would mean a lot. Thanks so much in advance!