Reentry Using AP

[Aaron and Marina 24]

Hello all!

I asked this question before, but want to be more specific and see what people say.

My wife got her EAD/AP, then did the AOS interview and immediately left the US for Russia. About two months after the interview, my mom received my wife's Green Card, and is holding it for us until I return from deployment and my wife returns from Russia.

My wife said some girls on Russian forums like this one said that since my wife now has a Green Card, she will have problems at the POE using her EAD/AP combo card to come back. I guess customs could see in the computer somehow she has a Green Card since June? That's all I can think of.

Anything is possible, but this sounds a little bogus to me honestly. Bottom line we don't want any problems with her coming back. Anyone know for sure the answer here?

Thanks!

[Caryh 5,206]

The EAD/AP card is invalid the day the green card is issued and technically can't be used. CBP can see she's been issued a green card. Other's have reported no problems re-entering with the EAD/AP card in the same situation.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/208393-re-entering-us-on-ap-after-green-card-issued/

[Krikit 1,164]

My greencard was issued while I was out of the country. I used the AP to re-enter and didn't have a problem. They cannot see that the GC was issued, but in any event, she still has authorization to re-enter.

[Aaron and Marina 24]

Thanks for the quick replies! Anyone else with an experience or thoughts?

[Aaron and Marina 24]

My greencard was issued while I was out of the country. I used the AP to re-enter and didn't have a problem. They cannot see that the GC was issued, but in any event, she still has authorization to re-enter.

I read that CBP will know she has a GC and will ask why she doesn't have it and is coming back on a AP. She can tell them why, no problem...and she will be admitted as a parolee, but the GC will not be invalidated or abandoned. However, she has to either bring her GC and update her status at the POE...or within one year, travel out of the US and re-enter on the GC so she'll be admitted/status updated as an LPR and all is good.

[cappucino boy 29]

Has anyone suggested to you to have your mom send her the GC in Russia? Insured/Tracked/and whatever else to keep it safe. Then she wouldn't have any problem at the POE.

I read that CBP will know she has a GC and will ask why she doesn't have it and is coming back on a AP. She can tell them why, no problem...and she will be admitted as a parolee, but the GC will not be invalidated or abandoned. However, she has to either bring her GC and update her status at the POE...or within one year, travel out of the US and re-enter on the GC so she'll be admitted/status updated as an LPR and all is good.

[Aaron and Marina 24]

Has anyone suggested to you to have your mom send her the GC in Russia? Insured/Tracked/and whatever else to keep it safe. Then she wouldn't have any problem at the POE.

We kicked this around just earlier today...of course. That was the first thought/option. Seems like the thing to do, and plenty of time to get it over to her. The only issue is the Russian mail system, specifically postal. While unlikely, there's definitely a chance she could get it late, or even not at all. When you're dealing w/such an important document, which also costs $500 to replace, it's good to nail down the other option which is why I posted here.

Both options are pretty good and seem fine, but do pose small risks of their own. The fact is she will travel with her military ID card, my orders, marriage license, AP, Russian passport...all current and legit and she's never been out of status or any issues of any kind.

Mailing is definitely not out of the question...just want to be sure if it's necessary.

[Krikit 1,164]

I read that CBP will know she has a GC and will ask why she doesn't have it and is coming back on a AP. She can tell them why, no problem...and she will be admitted as a parolee, but the GC will not be invalidated or abandoned. However, she has to either bring her GC and update her status at the POE...or within one year, travel out of the US and re-enter on the GC so she'll be admitted/status updated as an LPR and all is good.

Wow. Whoever told you that has no idea what they're talking about.

When I entered they looked up my information in the computer. Then they stamped my AP and I went on my merry way. Nothing was said about a GC being issued.

As for having it delivered.... personally, I wouldn't risk that.

[cappucino boy 29]

Yeah your right, I had a similar experience with Poland's post office so you are it's not a good option. It sounds like you have everything lined up to get her back here, but nothing will help better if you could be there with her at the POE. I think even those guys have some respect for our military.

We kicked this around just earlier today...of course. That was the first thought/option. Seems like the thing to do, and plenty of time to get it over to her. The only issue is the Russian mail system, specifically postal. While unlikely, there's definitely a chance she could get it late, or even not at all. When you're dealing w/such an important document, which also costs $500 to replace, it's good to nail down the other option which is why I posted here.

Both options are pretty good and seem fine, but do pose small risks of their own. The fact is she will travel with her military ID card, my orders, marriage license, AP, Russian passport...all current and legit and she's never been out of status or any issues of any kind.

Mailing is definitely not out of the question...just want to be sure if it's necessary.

[Aaron and Marina 24]

Wow. Whoever told you that has no idea what they're talking about.

When I entered they looked up my information in the computer. Then they stamped my AP and I went on my merry way. Nothing was said about a GC being issued.

As for having it delivered.... personally, I wouldn't risk that.

I happened to read that a couple times just surfing for info last night...it actually doesn't seem too far fetched, but I couldn't determine if it was really true or not. I also read it was illegal to ship passports and GCs overseas, but I think determined that to be legal.

I think the only danger for my wife is a new/unknowledgeable CBP officer where it causes a little delay/hardship, but even so will get sorted out. She'll have to many docs and IDs for something to seem not legit and I'm sure she'll breeze right thru. Fact is she got the EAD/AP, did the interview, left immediately after to be w/family while I'm deployed. My mom got the GC a few months later is keeping it for us...we didn't want to risk mailing it, so she's returning using the AP along w/me probably a week later. All good!

[nobbie 105]

Get your Mum to meet her at the airport and have the GC as well, if it becomes an issue tell CPB there is someone outside with the GC. They will find her with the GC. In any case if she is asked just tell them the truth. yes it's issued and is at home. Came in the post while I was away.