Trip Home - Is the Combo Card All We Need?

[GhaleonEME 1]

We are in the process of our AOS and my wife is planning an extended (2 month) trip home. We have received a combo-card with Advanced Parole included at the bottom. We are passed the 90 day window for her K1 visa and the last NOA said that it is likely to be another 6 months before we receive the green card. I'm not sure if it matters, but we have been identified as candidates for an interview waver.

She will have a copy of our marriage certificate to explain the discrepancy of her last name on her combo-card and passport. Aside from the card itself is there anything that she will need to get back into the country after her trip? Is there anything else that we should keep in mind to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Thank you for your time.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

She also needs her passport for all international travel.

[GhaleonEME 1]

Her passport, of course. She'll have her passport, EAD/AP card, and copy of our marriage certificate.

I'm just a little nervous for her to leave the country because her K-1 visa has expired and she does not yet have a green card. So the EAD/AP card will serve as a visa in this situation - she doesn't need a stamp or anything on her expired K-1? When she arrives at immigration, should she go to the green card holders line or the standard line?

[Trochilidae 0]

I'd also like to know the answer to this. This is the exact same situation I'm in. Right down to the fact that I've also been identified as a candidate for an interview waiver. The only difference is that the trip I'm planning will be much shorter than 2 months. Like GhaleonEME, I'm just trying to build up my confidence before taking the trip.

I plan on taking my passport, copy of marriage certificate, and my EAD/AP combo card. Is there anything else I need to take into consideration?

[steve n songsang 45]

Nothing else you could bring...combo card proves you have begun the AOS process and have been married in the required(90day) time frame.Since you are together you should be able to go thru the same line at immigration. We did not do a name change with AOS or marriage and will bring a copy of marriage certificate but do not feel this is necessary. A "secondary interview" similar to what many experienced during initial POE is possible, in our case my wife did not experience this,just the first line and on to get her bags. Enjoy youre trips,we are departing AUG20, we deserve the time to unwind from our processes.

[GhaleonEME 1]

Great, thanks for the clarification!

Trochilidae, it's nice to hear from someone else in the same boat as us. Enjoy your trip!

[Dave&Roza 748]

Her passport, of course. She'll have her passport, EAD/AP card, and copy of our marriage certificate.

I'm just a little nervous for her to leave the country because her K-1 visa has expired and she does not yet have a green card. So the EAD/AP card will serve as a visa in this situation - she doesn't need a stamp or anything on her expired K-1? When she arrives at immigration, should she go to the green card holders line or the standard line?

Her K-1 was expired and of no value once she set foot in the US. Her lawful presence was determined by the I-94. When that expires she is in a period of over-stay until the AOS is filed. Once the AOS is filed she is in a period of authorized stay until the GC is issued and she becomes a LPR.

The lines at the airport are USC and LPR and Visitors. She goes to the USC and LPR line as she is not a visitor, but she is not a LPR yet either. The AP/EAD will serve as the document that allows her to re-enter the US.

You need to stop thinking about visas and all that. She has a piece of plastic that grants her the ability to re-enter the US and soon she will get another piece of plastic that does the same thing, but also shows she is a LPR.

You will have more trouble with the airlines in this situation than you will with CBP,

Have a safe trip,

Dave