Need help - Leaving for Vacation in 2 Days and AP isn't valid?!

[Sam and Ben 2]

So, I desperately need some help and perspective.

I don't spend hours in the AOS forums... didn't need to. So I guess I missed the part where your AP apparently becomes invalid the second your GC is approved... Nowhere on any documentation does it say this, especially on the AP itself.

The only reason I know this is because I called USCIS today to inquire as to why my card still hasn't been mailed out (a month after approval), and happened to ask "So, my AP's still good, right?" When the woman said no, I'd have to get an InfoPass appointment and have them stamp my passport if I wanted to leave in two days, I started to scramble.

1. My office doesn't allow walk-ins.

2. The soonest appointment is next Wednesday.

3. We leave for Ohio on Friday night, stay there for the week, head to Michigan for a wedding and then up into Canada for another week with my parents.

What options do I have?

CBP is closed for the night, so they'll be getting a phone call first thing in the morning, not that I know if they can even do anything for me. I don't know if walking into my local office would even be a good idea, when they clearly state they don't allow it. Is it possible to make an InfoPass appointment up in Ohio where we'll be? What else can I do?

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Hey Sam! I replied in the AOS forum, but I'm not sure if you'll be reading that anytime soon. I remember a case about a year back with JillA. If I remember correctly, she was in Canada visiting her family and had her AOS approved while she was gone. She used her AP to reenter the US even though her GC had already been approved and she was allowed in without a problem. I haven't seen her around here in months, but maybe you could try PMing her for the details? She may or may not reply, I'm not really sure, but It's worth a shot.

As far as making an infopass appointment in Ohio goes, I don't think that would be a problem. I went for an infopass appointment here in Denver and they never asked where I lived or for proof of Colorado residency.

For what its worth, I've never heard that the AP is considered invalid the moment your GC is approved either. Logic would tell me that the worse case scenario is they deny you entry at the border until you can produce your GC. But, sometimes logic doesn't apply very well to USCIS... I don't really know what would happen.

Best of luck!!

[kuro 0]

Thanks, Huggles. That's good news.

[Bern. 3]

Maybe apply for an INFOPASS in Michigan? ):

[Sam and Ben 2]

Thanks for your replies, Huggles, here and in the AOS thread. For those who didn't read it there, I did make an appointment in Ohio for next week, so hopefully they will help. I'll be bringing along my K1 and AOS files just in case they request to see them (don't see why they would, but who knows). It's the only real option I have now, so I'm hoping it works out for the best.

Ben did say that we could just try it anyhow, and if they deny me, I could just stay with my folks until he can mail me the card. While on some levels that sounds appealing, being away from my husband indefinitely, along with having to fly home after all that isn't. Plus, I couldn't really find answers as to whether or not it would truly be that easy, so I'm not going to risk it.

Worse case, they can say no in Ohio and I end up heading home a week early and broken-hearted, heh.

[Krikit 1,164]

Hi Sam. My GC was approved and the card sent to my home while I was out of the country. All I did was return using the AP and I was processed through normally. I know I am not the only one this has happened to, and we were all handled in the same manner. Have a great trip!

[Sprailenes 47]

But your GC was approved WHILE you were in Canada. Whereas Sam's GC is approved and she is just awaiting the card. I think it's a bit of a different situation.

Sam the only other thing you can do is hope it gets there while you are on vacation (this scenerio is likely) and have your in-laws fed-ex it to you.

Your card production was ordered at the end of April... I am sure you'll get the GC very soon.

[Sam and Ben 2]

But your GC was approved WHILE you were in Canada. Whereas Sam's GC is approved and she is just awaiting the card. I think it's a bit of a different situation.

Sam the only other thing you can do is hope it gets there while you are on vacation (this scenerio is likely) and have your in-laws fed-ex it to you.

Your card production was ordered at the end of April... I am sure you'll get the GC very soon.

While I understand that USCIS treats this as two different scenarios, I don't see why. Having the card approved does me nothing. For all intents and purposes, all of my approved temporary forms should suffice until I have the thing in hand.

But alas, as that isn't the case... I'm hoping my InfoPass results in the stamp I need.

[Krikit 1,164]

But your GC was approved WHILE you were in Canada. Whereas Sam's GC is approved and she is just awaiting the card. I think it's a bit of a different situation.

Sorry. I didn't mean to leave that impression. The GC was approved while I was in the US but it didn't arrive before I left for Canada.

[Krikit 1,164]

Here's the link to the original post about it. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/89877-happy-dance/page__view__findpost__p__1224635

[Hugglebuggles 60]

That's good news Krikit.

Personally, if it were me I'd just go. But, I'm not the one having to make the difficult decision. I hope everything works out Sam!

[Jo&Si 9]

While I understand that USCIS treats this as two different scenarios, I don't see why. Having the card approved does me nothing. For all intents and purposes, all of my approved temporary forms should suffice until I have the thing in hand.

But alas, as that isn't the case... I'm hoping my InfoPass results in the stamp I need.

Hi Sam

I understand how your sitution is frustrating...I could be in the same soon...I always thought that the AP was good until we get our GC in our hands...I have even researched on USCIS website info about this and I didn`t find anything! How can we know about this matter...

I really hope that you will get the stamp you need and you get to be your family and friends soon!

Good luck

Jo

[Sam and Ben 2]

Well I'll definitely be letting everyone know the result, for sure.

Unfortunately, the only success stories I've read on here that indicate it'd be alright to cross with my AP at this time are several years old, at least. I don't know if it's worth the chance, as I don't really know what the repercussions would be.

On one hand, I'd love to plead ignorance as it truly states NOWHERE that the AP becomes useless once your I-485 has been approved.. but that would assume common sense on USCIS' part, which we all know is nonexistent.

Or, maybe I'll get lucky and in thirty minutes Mr. Mailman will drop by a nice little envelope from USCIS (that contains something OTHER than another approval letter). Who knows.

Edited May 28, 2010 by Sam and Ben

[Jo&Si 9]

Well I'll definitely be letting everyone know the result, for sure.

Unfortunately, the only success stories I've read on here that indicate it'd be alright to cross with my AP at this time are several years old, at least. I don't know if it's worth the chance, as I don't really know what the repercussions would be.

On one hand, I'd love to plead ignorance as it truly states NOWHERE that the AP becomes useless once your I-485 has been approved.. but that would assume common sense on USCIS' part, which we all know is nonexistent.

Or, maybe I'll get lucky and in thirty minutes Mr. Mailman will drop by a nice little envelope from USCIS (that contains something OTHER than another approval letter). Who knows.

I wish for you to get this little nice envelope...

I didn`t get my I-485 approved yet but now I'm really scared to get it before I go to Canada on June 8!!! If it happens I don`t know what I will do ...I really need to see a doctor...and my appointment is on June 9...

There is nothing I can do...just wait and hope for the better!

[Sam and Ben 2]

Well, maybe luck will end up on your side too... as today that nice (not so) little envelope was in my box waiting for me today!