Multi-Entry AP?

[KG0411 0]

I plan to visit my sick uncle in the Philippines from March 18, 2011-April 14, 2011. This is the only initial trip I will be taking from the US. While in the Philippines, we might go to Hong Kong, China, or Japan, then back to the Philippines. Do I need the multi-entry AP for this trip? Or is a multi-entry AP only needed if I were to go to the Philippines, then back to the US, then Japan or China, then back to to US?

[HeatDeath 430]

Your second example is correct. Hong Kong, China, and Japan don't give a rip about your AP document. "Multiple entries" means multiple separate entries to the US. So you technically should only need a single entry AP document for this trip, as you will only be entering the US once.

That said, it's a good idea to select "multiple entries" on the I-131 anyways. It's not like it costs any more or requires any more documentation. You never know what could happen. An emergency might come up necessitating a separate trip to PI after you reenter the US but before the GC shows up.