Don't have AP yet but planning a trip for next spring

[vanee 13]

The timelines I've looked at show people getting their AP typically at about 8 weeks from their biometrics appointment, with the longest wait being about 10 weeks. (But I haven't looked at all the timelines, of course.) I had my biometrics done on July 26, so I should have my AP by the end of September.

I'm considering a trip out of the country next spring, and any plans need to be coordinated with other people. I know that AOS depends on the results of the interview and can be delayed because of name checks and other factors. But is there any reason that I might not have AP by next spring, either because of delays with AP or problems with AOS? I'm wondering if I can realistically consider that trip and possibly make plans, and I'm asking now because of the other people involved in those plans. If I can't count on having AP then, that would be useful to know now.

Thanks for your help.

[john_and_marlene 162]

You can count on having AP on the day it arrives in the mail--no sooner.

[YuAndDan 153]

You will have AP long before then, it will be valid for 1 year after it is issued.

Perhaps you will have green-card by then, and in that case AP will not be needed.

Next spring is a long time from now.

[Johnnie J 0]

Just wait.....

[*JG* 2]

Yeah, I have to agree here. AP will be here long before then. And, you should have your GC well in advance as well.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I would think so, too. But then again, remember you are dealing with USCIS, owners of the Twilight Zone.

[vanee 13]

Yeah, I have to agree here. AP will be here long before then. And, you should have your GC well in advance as well.

That's what I was thinking too. Thanks everyone. But...

I would think so, too. But then again, remember you are dealing with USCIS, owners of the Twilight Zone.

That's my main concern. What if I get my AP and green card in September, book the tickets, and then have the interview a few months later (but before the trip) and get denied or put in limbo? I don't expect to be denied, but you don't know until you're approved. Isn't that why we're all nervous about that interview?

If something like the above does happen, would I possibly have difficulty returning to the US after that trip? Or would AP and the green card trump the results of that interview concerning the ability to travel out of the country and return?

I'm asking these "what if" questions now so I can be somewhat informed in talking about this proposed trip with other involved people.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I believe you get the AP before the interview; and the greencard after the interview. EADs and APs take circa 90 days I reckon. But then again, I did not have to adjust status.... hmmmm.- perhaps someone in the Canada forum knows?

[Carlawarla 1]

Yeah, I have to agree here. AP will be here long before then. And, you should have your GC well in advance as well.

That's what I was thinking too. Thanks everyone. But...

I would think so, too. But then again, remember you are dealing with USCIS, owners of the Twilight Zone.

That's my main concern. What if I get my AP and green card in September, book the tickets, and then have the interview a few months later (but before the trip) and get denied or put in limbo? I don't expect to be denied, but you don't know until you're approved. Isn't that why we're all nervous about that interview?

If something like the above does happen, would I possibly have difficulty returning to the US after that trip? Or would AP and the green card trump the results of that interview concerning the ability to travel out of the country and return?

I'm asking these "what if" questions now so I can be somewhat informed in talking about this proposed trip with other involved people.

Basically you're looking at AP within a 3-4 month timeframe. No guarantees however. Things will be processed as they're processed. You'll get AP, EAD, you MIGHT get a GC interview. But if and whenyou get your GC, after an interview or not, THAT will be what you use to leave and come back into the country. Your AP and EAD is only "early" permission to do those things that you'll be able to do when you get your GC. Let's say you get your AP, but you're in limbo with your AOS...that's okay, because you'll be using your AP to leave the country.

I'd also calculate how far in advance you have to actually "book" these tickets. If you can, keep from booking them as long as you can, which will give you a better idea given you might have your AP by then.

Best of luck!

[Steph0814 1]

Hi there!

I hate to say this, but I would wait for a reply on the AP. Reason being you never know with USCIS if you happen to get an RFE or something.

I myself am getting nervous 'cause i planned to go to Europe for Family Reunion in December and just got a second RFE....

But then again you may have your GC by that time as well.

[vanee 13]

Thanks everyone. Nothing is definite yet, so I'll just hope that I have at least my AP before it's time to commit to the trip.

Would AP and EAD still be good if the AOS interview didn't go well? I'm concerned about getting AP, booking the trip, and then finding out that because of AOS results, I wouldn't be allowed back in the country if I left. What is the procedure if you aren't approved at the AOS interview?

That's my main concern. What if I get my AP and green card in September, book the tickets, and then have the interview a few months later (but before the trip) and get denied or put in limbo? I don't expect to be denied, but you don't know until you're approved. Isn't that why we're all nervous about that interview?

If something like the above does happen, would I possibly have difficulty returning to the US after that trip? Or would AP and the green card trump the results of that interview concerning the ability to travel out of the country and return?

I'm asking these "what if" questions now so I can be somewhat informed in talking about this proposed trip with other involved people.