AP Document: Why two copies and how does it work?

[grinchus 11]

Hi VJ-ers

My husband just got his AP travel doc in the mail. It says it's valid for travel until June 1 2011 and they sent him two copies. I'm just curious as to why. Does it mean that they collect one copy when he leaves the country and the other copy when he returns; or does it mean that he can travel twice outside of the country within the one year period?

Also, how exactly does it work? Does he have to notify anyone in advance of his exact dates, or does he just book his trip, go, come back, and just turn in the AP doc at customs/immigration? Does he have to bring his EAD and his receipt for the AOS doc too? We just want to make sure he does everything right and that there are no problems.

Thanks!!

[w8inglongtime 29]

Hi VJ-ers

My husband just got his AP travel doc in the mail. It says it's valid for travel until June 1 2011 and they sent him two copies. I'm just curious as to why. Does it mean that they collect one copy when he leaves the country and the other copy when he returns; or does it mean that he can travel twice outside of the country within the one year period?

Also, how exactly does it work? Does he have to notify anyone in advance of his exact dates, or does he just book his trip, go, come back, and just turn in the AP doc at customs/immigration? Does he have to bring his EAD and his receipt for the AOS doc too? We just want to make sure he does everything right and that there are no problems.

Thanks!!

1) They don't take a copy on his way out. They will stamp and keep one at the POE when he gets back.

2) He doesn't have to notify anyone about any dates. He already notified them of his impending trip when he applied for the AP.

Edited June 19, 2010 by w8inglongtime

[grinchus 11]

Thanks for the clarification of when they take the doc. I'm still curious why two copies, though. Can he travel twice, or is the second one just in case he loses one of them.

[payxibka 10,045]

Thanks for the clarification of when they take the doc. I'm still curious why two copies, though. Can he travel twice, or is the second one just in case he loses one of them.

When you leave you take both copis

When you return they stamp the copies and KEEP one and the second copy can be used for other travel... That is why there are two....

[TBoneTX 45,288]

When you leave you take both copis

When you return they stamp the copies and KEEP one and the second copy can be used for other travel... That is why there are two....

Would like to add to this accurate information:

1) to clarify, upon return from the first trip out of the U.S., CBP will keep one copy and complete/stamp the other, which the traveler keeps for all future foreign travel. When the green card is received, the Advance Parole (AP) form is no longer needed (the green card takes its place).

2) Be sure that the AP form is approved for "multiple" entries. Most times, it is. A box will clearly be "X'd" to indicate this.

3) When K-1 recipients are traveling with use of the AP form, it's also a VERY good idea to bring a copy of the marriage certificate. CBP has been known to ask for the traveler's foreign passport, the AP form(s), and proof of marriage to the USC.