HOW TO USE NEW EAD/AP CARD outside US border

[Kaella 0]

I already received my EAD/AP (the new card) I am planning to travel outside the USA and go to HK then Philippines. I am wondering about the process since the previous forum I've read was there an actual paper for AP that the immigration need for them to stamp something and it's 2 copies (one for me and for the immigration) I don't understand how will that go now since what I have is the new card and no separate document for the AP.

My AOS is still on process and I'm pretty sure I will not get my green card before our travel plans outside the USA.

Questions:

1. What name should I placed on my ticket maiden name or my married name?

2. Is it safe for me to go outside the US borders with just my valid Philippine passport (expired K1 visa), EAD/AP card, SSN card and State ID ?

They are not going to hold me at the immigration outside the US for not having a greencard or valid visa?

3. Are the people who work in the immigration aware of the AP so they will allow you to board the plane?

I'm panicking since I really need to go home just for a few days and I want to make sure that I will be able to get back here in the US without any problems.

Thanks in advance.

Looking forward for answers that may help me.

[Little_My 464]

1. Whatever name is on your passport. Your ticket must match your passport.

2. AP allows you to travel while your AOS is pending. You are fine to travel. Don't know why you would need the SSN card though.. but of course you cam bring it if you want. If your EAD has a different name (for example, your married name) than your passport (maiden name), it might be a good idea to have your marriage certificate with you as well.

3. The people working for the airline you are flying back with might not yet recognize the new EAD/AP - this was the case when I flew back from Finland in July. It won't be an issue, but it might take them a while to verify that the AP format changed, so I would reserve extra time at the airport before boarding.

When you arrive back in US, CBP officers at POE will recognize the new EAD/AP-card. I was taken to a side room to get my passport stamped with "paroled into US" stamp, it took about 10 min longer than usually. Very simple and straightforward, at least that was my personal experience.

[Dave&Roza 748]

I already received my EAD/AP (the new card) I am planning to travel outside the USA and go to HK then Philippines. I am wondering about the process since the previous forum I've read was there an actual paper for AP that the immigration need for them to stamp something and it's 2 copies (one for me and for the immigration) I don't understand how will that go now since what I have is the new card and no separate document for the AP.

My AOS is still on process and I'm pretty sure I will not get my green card before our travel plans outside the USA.

Questions:

1. What name should I placed on my ticket maiden name or my married name?

2. Is it safe for me to go outside the US borders with just my valid Philippine passport (expired K1 visa), EAD/AP card, SSN card and State ID ?

They are not going to hold me at the immigration outside the US for not having a greencard or valid visa?

3. Are the people who work in the immigration aware of the AP so they will allow you to board the plane?

I'm panicking since I really need to go home just for a few days and I want to make sure that I will be able to get back here in the US without any problems.

Thanks in advance.

Looking forward for answers that may help me.

1) The name on the ticket MUST match the name on the government issued ID used for travel. If you are traveling within the US and are using your state issued ID and that ID is in your Marrried name; then the ticket should be in your married name. If you decide to use your passport for travel within the US; then the ticket name must be your maiden name. For international travel where a passport is REQUIRED, the tick MUST be in the name on the passport as that is the government issued ID you will be using. The AP card or GC is used to gain re-entry to the US. My wife had to show the GC before borading the flight. Just remember that passport is for international travel and the GC or AP is for re-entry to the US.

2) you should be okay, however; if there is a problem with the GC application while you are outside the US, you MAY be refused re-entry (this is stated right on the card or the letter that came with it--I do not remember which). Only US citizenship is a guarantee of re-entry, followed by a GC, and then AP.

3) Immigration is aware of AP, the airline personnel may not be and you may be detained. I would call the airline to see what they will require to prove that you are allowed back into the US.

How long has your AOS application been pending? GC took 96 days total. The EAD/AP card arrived in 46 days.

Sounds like you will be fine as that is the whole reason you applied for AP in the first place--to be able to travel before the GC arrives. Just make certain the tickets are in your maiden name per the passport. You might want to take along a copy of your marriage certificate to help people make the connection between the maiden name and the married name. And call the airline to see if they are aware of AP and what additional requirements they may want.

We were able to submit the GC information on-line.

Good luck.

Dave

Edited October 5, 2011 by Dave&Roza

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I would suggest NOT to travel with a SS card. In fact, the mailing you get with the card suggests that you memorize the number and put the card in a safe place. You are not meant to carry that around in your wallet. It's not an ID.