I-131 AP: I checked single, will that screw me over?

[dualhammers 1]

I've already filed the form, and when I filled it out I selected that it was for a single trip, and not multiple. I didn't know how the form worked at the time, so I thought that's what I should do since I only knew of one specific trip we planned.

But now I'm concerned that down the line, if I want to leave again, I won't be able to because I chose the wrong box. My I-131 AP has not been processed yet - is there a way to change it? Would I have to pay the fee again?

Or, does it not actually make any practical difference at the border? From people's descriptions, it sounds like that's a possibility.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Probably won't make a difference. Multiple-entry AP is routinely approved for a pending AOS.

[grrrrreat 109]

I've already filed the form, and when I filled it out I selected that it was for a single trip, and not multiple. I didn't know how the form worked at the time, so I thought that's what I should do since I only knew of one specific trip we planned.

But now I'm concerned that down the line, if I want to leave again, I won't be able to because I chose the wrong box. My I-131 AP has not been processed yet - is there a way to change it? Would I have to pay the fee again?

Or, does it not actually make any practical difference at the border? From people's descriptions, it sounds like that's a possibility.

If you submitted it with I-765 for an employment authorization document, most likely they will just issue you a combined AP/EAD card. If not, or if they issue you a paper advance parole instead, you will have to look at it very carefully to determine whether it is single-entry or multi-entry. If single, then yes you'd have to apply for another one.

Probably won't make a difference. Multiple-entry AP is routinely approved for a pending AOS.

This doesn't really answer OP's question since OP actually applied for a single-entry AP, not multi-entry, and USCIS does still issue single-entry APs to adjustment applicants.

[dualhammers 1]

If you submitted it with I-765 for an employment authorization document, most likely they will just issue you a combined AP/EAD card. If not, or if they issue you a paper advance parole instead, you will have to look at it very carefully to determine whether it is single-entry or multi-entry. If single, then yes you'd have to apply for another one.

Thanks, that's good to know, I hadn't heard that it could be issued as a combined card. I did file them both together, so I'll take a look when I get the card.

[grrrrreat 109]

Thanks, that's good to know, I hadn't heard that it could be issued as a combined card. I did file them both together, so I'll take a look when I get the card.

I have never heard of anyone who did this, so it's still possible that they won't issue a combined card for you because you asked for single entry, but I agree with Harpa that it probably won't matter.

Here's the EAD/AP combined card info: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=44028bcbf851e210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

It doesn't say that it has to be a multi-entry AP application, so who knows.

Edited June 5, 2012 by grrrrreat