Some questions about travel (with AP) while AoS pending

[Henry&Rebecca 39]

Hello all,

I was wondering if I could get some info about traveling with AP for a very standard and easy K1 AoS case. My wife came on K1 in May. Got married in June. AoS NoA1 received in July. I-94 expiration was August. She received EAD and AP combo card in September. AoS still in acceptance.

My questions were:

Is there a maximum amount of time that she can be outside the US without raising an eyebrow when she returns on AP? She's looking to visit for about 6 weeks during Christmas time, is this too long of a stay?

What precautions can she take before leaving (and before coming back) to ensure that she won't have any issues upon reentry on her AP? For example, at a bare minimum she'll be taking her AP card, a certified copy of our marriage certificate, and a copy of her NoA1... These should prove that she has been here legally at all times and was never out of status. Is there anything else she should take with her?

What about the I-94? When she came in, she got the physical I-94 stapled in her passport and iirc they take that from her passport when she's leaving the country. She does not show up in the system for electronic I-94 retrieval, so she only has the physical available. I mean, everything is pointing to the possibility that she'll be an interview waiver case (though we haven't received a letter stating so), so she might not need her I-94 after all, but if she does end up getting an interview she will need to have the original I-94 in her possession right? So what to do if they request her I-94 upon leaving?

Any other tips anyone can share to make this as easy and smooth of a re-entry for her as possible?

Thanks all in advance.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

1. Max? Not sure, but 6 weeks is fine.

2. Take those things, nothing else needed.

3. CBP told me to keep the I-94 from original entry. She will get a new AP I-94 (or will get electronic version, not sure now) when she arrives. They never request the I-94 when leaving. The airline takes it out if they see it, but it's not a required item for exit. I gave my husband a note explaining why he was keeping his I-94 but no one cared. Don't worry about that.

Edited October 23, 2013 by Harpa Timsah

[R & M 14]

I was given a new I-94 when I returned two weeks ago. No problem at all. My only advice is to make sure she has at least 3 hours for connecting flights, if connecting. There was only one person ahead of me and it took around 25 minutes to receive the parole in Miami.

[JensJrny2Ray 367]

Make sure you allow for ample time for processing when going thru customs at the airport. Get there plenty early.

[Henry&Rebecca 39]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I can rest a bit easier now knowing I haven't missed anything.

Regarding timing, the good news is that my wife doesn't have any connections that go through the USA. She's going straight from her connection in Europe to LAX which is her final destination.