EAD approved and mailed but RFE for AP?

[beccajayne93 17]

My EAD status changed on Monday to "card in production" and today it has changed to "card has been mailed". Obviously I am thrilled about this but I am a bit skeptical because my AP was not approved - on Monday its status changed to "an RFE was mailed" (initial evidence).

Is it possible that I will receive each separately instead of as a combo card (i.e. receive EAD now and then AP later once the RFE is returned)? I searched "RFE for I-131" in the forums and the only example RFE I could find solely for AP was that their I-94s showed a departure before AP was granted due to not cancelling return flights from entry (I drove here so not possible for me, and I checked my I-94 already). For these examples, the OP did not have a timeline so I could not check if they received EAD and AP separately.

This question is me just being curious - if anyone has insight that would be great, otherwise I will just be patient and wait for snail mail.

[lkerky 25]

Mine were approved a different times. My AP application was rejected at first (I can't remember why). I re-sent and it was approved within 18 days while my EAD was approved in 54 days.

[beccajayne93 17]

Thank you! I have a feeling I just missed a box or forgot to sign it or something (even though I triple checked it), but your response is helpful. I'm happy it's EAD approved with RFE for AP and not the other way around

[Hypnos 6,576]

Once approved, your AP will likely be the paper version, since your EAD was already processed. Paper AP is equally as valid as the EAD/AP combo card, it's just far less prevalent.

[beccajayne93 17]

Thank you. I was assuming (hoping) that's what would happen. It's inconvenient but I'd rather them send it separately than wait for the combo card.