Can you leave the US after you receive the green card after AOS?

[tealeaf 0]

First of all, thank you VisaJourney for helping me out throughout the entire visa process. This was the most frustrating thing I have ever done in my life. It was a terrible experience and I'm glad it's finally over and my fiance received her K1 visa.

I know she need to apply for AOS after we sign the marriage contract. How long does it take to get the green card after she applies for AOS? Also can she travel outside the US after she receives the green card or is there some restriction that prevents her from leaving the country for certain amount of time? Can she travel outside of the country after the AOS application and before she receives the green card?

[Anh map 2,098]

Read the Adjustment of Status guide here on VJ. You will see that she applies for the EAD/AP combo card so that she can work and travel while things are being processed.

There are no travel restrictions on a green card holder. If she plans to spend long periods of time (months and months) outside the US then there may be some issues.

There is no marriage contract. There will be a wedding/marriage ceremony after which (not immediately) you will recieve a marriage certificate from the appropriate local government office. This marriage certificate is used in the Adjustment of Status process.

[Elf 146]

- Moved from K-1 Process & Procedures to Adjustment of Status from Family-Based Visas -

- Question is about process of AOS after K-1 entry, not K-1 process -

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Advance Parole(I-131) is used for re-entry when traveling while waiting for green card approval. Green card can then be used. You would need to maintain residency and have to apply for a re-entry permit if you are wanting to stay outside the US for longer periods of time. You can search for all this information on the USCIS website.

[Mike-eeh and Odie 193]

After you apply for AOS, the EAD (work permit) and AP (Advanced parole Document) usually comes in the mail 30-90 days afterwards in the form of an EAD/AP combo card. The green card, however can take another 6 months after the EAD/AP card, and up to a year and a half (from the AOS submission date) if you get an interview waiver, as was the case for my wife.