This study examines the relationship between the temporality of refugees and migration by analysing the process through which Tibetan refugees in India obtain the requisite identification cards, papers, and documents to emigrate from the country. The lives of refugees are filled with uncertainty, which is especially prominent when it comes to migration. Refugees, who are not recognised as citizens of any country, are chronically forced to wait for long periods of time to obtain the documents required to travel abroad. This paper acknowledges that waiting highlights the vulnerability of refugees and systemic problems that compel them to wait. However, more importantly, this paper also argues that waiting can be viewed as an opportunity for refugees to engage in strategic activities to improve their situation. This paper investigates what kinds of documentation Tibetan refugees are required to leave India, what procedures they must follow to receive those papers, how they overcome the restrictions imposed on refugees, and what ‘waiting’ for papers means to them.