how long until i can go home again?

[aoifemc 2]

how long should an AOS application take? can you travel out of the states while the application is pending or do you have to wait until you get approval? is the AOS a two year greencard? i want to go home after our official wedding in the states so we can celebrate with my family and just wondering how long i should be expecting to wait. its so hard to plan that way!!

[JlovesA 109]

how long should an AOS application take? can you travel out of the states while the application is pending or do you have to wait until you get approval? is the AOS a two year greencard? i want to go home after our official wedding in the states so we can celebrate with my family and just wondering how long i should be expecting to wait. its so hard to plan that way!!

It depends on the wait times at your local office and if you get any RFEs during the AOS. Check out the USCIS reviews at the top of the page. Find your local office and check out the timelines of the users who have gone through there.

I don't think you have to wait until the whole thing is approved...assuming you file for your AP (advanced parole) along with the AOS package, I think it's usually 2-4 months. You generally file for the AP, EAD (work authorization) and AOS all at once. The AP and EAD usually are sent to you sooner than your AOS is approved. Again, the wait time is anybody's guess, though.

Edited November 13, 2010 by JlovesA

[aoifemc 2]

so does that mean i might be able to travel right after i file the application?! and that if i do wait until i actually have an adjusted status it might only take 2-4 months? thats great news!

[JlovesA 109]

so does that mean i might be able to travel right after i file the application?! and that if i do wait until i actually have an adjusted status it might only take 2-4 months? thats great news!

No, you can't leave as soon as your application is filed. Once you file it (make sure you file for AP ALONG WITH AOS or you will end up having to pay for it), you will receive your advanced parole permission in the mail usually about 2-4 months later. You cannot leave until that document is in your hands.

Edited November 13, 2010 by JlovesA

[aoifemc 2]

oh ok, i actually just read the info you sent me to at the top of the page so i understand now. thanks for the help.

[JlovesA 109]

oh ok, i actually just read the info you sent me to at the top of the page so i understand now. thanks for the help.

You might want to read the AOS guide on this website so you have a better idea how it works, too.

[amykathleen2005 441]

You could have a reception at home before you leave and then go over on your K-1 and get married.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

No, you can't leave as soon as your application is filed. Once you file it (make sure you file for AP ALONG WITH AOS or you will end up having to pay for it), you will receive your advanced parole permission in the mail usually about 2-4 months later. You cannot leave until that document is in your hands.

No. AP & EAD can be sent WITH AOS, or they can be sent after AOS is filed (but before it's approved) but a copy of NOA1 from AOS would need to be included with the applications.

[JlovesA 109]

No. AP & EAD can be sent WITH AOS, or they can be sent after AOS is filed (but before it's approved) but a copy of NOA1 from AOS would need to be included with the applications.

I didn't know that, that's good to know. I've only ever seen people say it has to go WITH the AOS.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I didn't know that, that's good to know. I've only ever seen people say it has to go WITH the AOS.

that is because they do not understand the difference between "with" which they think means "in the same envelope" and "concurrent" which is what the instructions say. Concurrent means during the same time period and in conjunction with a pending AOS. You CAN send the AP and EAD later WITH a copy of the NOA1 from filing AOS. BUT, there is littel point in doing that. They are free, so why not do them at the same time? If they are delayed you may get the green card first and then what is the point? As it was, we filed them together (in the same envelope) and still got the greeen cards first.

[Ursa Tripudio 2]

Just for clarification: A K1 visa is NOT a travel visa. DO NOT leave the U.S. without at least having AP!!!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

that is because they do not understand the difference between "with" which they think means "in the same envelope" and "concurrent" which is what the instructions say. Concurrent means during the same time period and in conjunction with a pending AOS. You CAN send the AP and EAD later WITH a copy of the NOA1 from filing AOS. BUT, there is littel point in doing that. They are free, so why not do them at the same time? If they are delayed you may get the green card first and then what is the point? As it was, we filed them together (in the same envelope) and still got the greeen cards first.

The point is some people don't realise they should send it with AOS (or that the fee for them is waived) so when they read posts like this they realise it's not too late, that they can still send it off.

AOS applications have really slowed recently. I think they're speeding up again but it's been taking over 5 months for some people (some people even longer). I don't think it hurts to remind people that it's still possible to apply for them once they've send their app.

[elchacha 0]

No, you can't leave as soon as your application is filed. Once you file it (make sure you file for AP ALONG WITH AOS or you will end up having to pay for it), you will receive your advanced parole permission in the mail usually about 2-4 months later. You cannot leave until that document is in your hands.

Very interesting information. Thank you !

Edited November 19, 2010 by elchacha

[payxibka 10,045]

moving to Working / Traveling during US immigration forum

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Very interesting information. Thank you !

If you are referring to the "along with" part you should read the post by me a few posts down.