AP? AOS?

[CDAgirlMI 51]

HI

I know these questions may be weird, but I was wondering about this today & thought I should ask:

After moving to the U.S, we need to file for AP to come & go if we want right?. We also file for AOS to become a permanent resident.

As a permanent resident are we allowed to leave & re-enter? In other words, do we still need to file AP, or can we just wait until we get AOS to cross?

I'm thinking "no"....but maybe someone can say for sure.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

When you move to the US on a K-1 Visa the best order of business is to apply for a SSN about 10 days after your arrival, get married, file asap for AOS (I-485) and with the AOS include the applications for the AP (Advance Parole form I-131) and the EAD (Employment Authorization Document - I-765). When you receive the AP you are allowed to travel outside of the US and return (be 'paroled' back) into the US. You can use it multiple times (apply for a multiple entry AP) for the year in which it is valid. If the green card isn't approved within the year you can apply for another AP. Your EAD allows you to work but is also useful as identification until you get your green card and may also be required to apply for a Driver's License (varies by state). You can't apply for the AP until you file for the AOS.

Once you get your green card (AOS approved) you no longer need the AP or the EAD. You are allowed to leave and re-enter the US freely on trips lasting no more than 6 months at a time when you are a green card holder. If you need to be out of the US for more than 6 months then you would again use the form I-131 to request a Travel Re-entry permit to show your intent is not to abandon residency in the US.

That is probably more than you wanted to know !

[CDAgirlMI 51]

When you move to the US on a K-1 Visa the best order of business is to apply for a SSN about 10 days after your arrival, get married, file asap for AOS (I-485) and with the AOS include the applications for the AP (Advance Parole form I-131) and the EAD (Employment Authorization Document - I-765). When you receive the AP you are allowed to travel outside of the US and return (be 'paroled' back) into the US. You can use it multiple times (apply for a multiple entry AP) for the year in which it is valid. If the green card isn't approved within the year you can apply for another AP. Your EAD allows you to work but is also useful as identification until you get your green card and may also be required to apply for a Driver's License (varies by state). You can't apply for the AP until you file for the AOS.

Once you get your green card (AOS approved) you no longer need the AP or the EAD. You are allowed to leave and re-enter the US freely on trips lasting no more than 6 months at a time when you are a green card holder. If you need to be out of the US for more than 6 months then you would again use the form I-131 to request a Travel Re-entry permit to show your intent is not to abandon residency in the US.

That is probably more than you wanted to know !

No, thanks for the info...the more the better.

I was wondering if I could skip AP & wait to travel after I got AOS. I guess that depends on how long AOS takes, haha.

I have read people's opinions on how well they trust using AP to travel....how it's not a guarantee you'll be allowed back in.

Just some thoughts.......

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Well, applying for the AP is free with your AOS application ($1010 for AOS, AP and EAD) so it really makes sense to apply for it. In the event of a family emergency before your AOS is approved, you would be able to fly back home. Also, if your AOS takes much longer than expected for unforeseeable reasons (RFE's, things getting lost in the mail, etc.) you would be able to travel back home in the interim. A lot of people have traveled with their AP with absolutely no problems. As long as you don't have an overstay history you should be fine.

[Sam and Ben 2]

Outside of it being an extra form to submit, you have nothing to lose in applying for AP. If the AOS application takes longer than expected, you'll likely be happy you did.

[SapphireDreams 71]

Once you are a Permanent Resident, your Greencard is what you need to re-enter.

The AP is just to hold you over until you get your greencard. Even if you don't expect to travel, it's good to have for emergencies.

[CDAgirlMI 51]

Thanks for the replies....and confirming my thoughts.

I'll apply for it. Doesn't make sense not to.....

Thanks again!!

[darkchilde794 5]

I wasnt sure if I was applying for AP too but I figured it might take more than just a couple of months to get my green card, so why not right?

Goodluck! Looks like we are AOSing together

[Carlawarla 1]

Good idea to apply for it, especially since it's all included price wise, with the AOS. There are some people who have waited an inordinate amount of time for their GC, and you wouldn't want to be prevented from returning to Canada if you wanted before you get the GC.

[Krikit 1,165]

Gosh. I've seen soooo many people in the Travelling forum who didn't bother to apply for the AP and are panicking because they had/have to leave the country. So unnecessary.