Biometrics and Advance Parole

[nicholas1413 0]

Hello VJ community,

In applying for AOS, I also filed for a I-131 (I got confirmation of receipt email 9/29) for an important 2 week overseas work trip (depart 11/21). I just received my notice to go in for Biometrics which happens to be the day I'm supposed to leave for the work trip. Funny right? I can postpone the trip a day, but no more really.

So I have a few questions. If they seem obvious, I apologize, but I did do a fair amount of research online beforehand and read the I-131 instructions, but am still unsure:

1- Are Biometrics directly related to I-131, or just my AOS application in general? And as a result, maybe there is still a chance I could get the Advance Parole in time for the Nov 21 flight?

2- If biometrics are directly related to AP, is it safe to assume that it would still take a while after biometrics collection to receive AP? Therefore, making this trip impossible?

3- I'm also assuming that I cannot leave the country before I receive AP and while it is processing, but I read a post on a different site that said it was possible. Any thoughts on this?

I am really grateful for any help you can offer. This site was a huge help to me when I was filling out AOS forms.

~Nicholas.

[paojack 41]

for what I have seen, it usually takes 3 - 4 weeks after your biometric appointment to get the AP so I dont really think you will be able to travel unless there is another way I am not familiar with.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Do a "walk-in" biometrics on Monday morning. Bring your ticket and cross your fingers. More often than not it will work and they process you. Don't tell the bulldog with the badge at the entrance that you are way early. Pretend your appointment is that very day unless they find out. Only then pull the emergency card.

That's your only chance to beat the clock.

[nicholas1413 0]

Paojack and Hesekiel,

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my questions. Even though it wasn't what I wanted to hear, it is what I suspected. Dang! So traveling while AP is still pending is no bueno hugh?

Unless anyone has any magical loop holes, I'll start unpacking.

Thanks again folks.

[Little_My 464]

Nope, traveling without the AP will effectively mean you've abandoned your AOS application - i.e. byebye money, byebye current time frame, and the only option would be to re-file the whole thing with new fees. In addition, if your previous visa status has expired, you couldn't really return to the US either, but would be stuck abroad.

Do as Brother Hesekiel said - try a walk in biometrics tomorrow. It will probably work, and you have a chance of getting the AP on time. There's no way to know for sure when it will arrive, all you can really d is cross your fingers and hope for the best. You could try to get the AP expedited, but from what I've heard and read those rarely work unless it's really a life-death-situation.

[nicholas1413 0]

Thanks Little_My

I think I've given up on the idea of going on this trip. Even if I went in for Bio tomorrow, the departure date is 3 weeks away (which is the earliest I would receive AP). My work will need time to get someone else in the company to go. Just cruel and ironic timing. There will be other trips.

Thanks again everyone for your help.

~Nicholas

[ceadsearc 516]

It used to be that biometrics was not necessary for AP - we got our AP approval before my husband had even gotten his biometrics appointment letter - but that may have changed now that they do the combo cards.

I'd still try the biometrics walk-in. Depending on how quickly or slowly your timeline is processing, you may make it under the wire.