For those who went home to visit with an AP.

[bracy 7]

I was wondering what papers did you bring for a smooth transition coming back to the US? experiences?

[RJandHamid 1,133]

My husband used AP to return to the US a few months ago (May 2018) after we went on vacation together. We brought a copy of our marriage certificate and the NOA1 for the I-485, however we never needed to show those documents. The officers only looked at his passport and combo card. We waited together in the secondary inspection area for about 1 hour, but they didn't ask us any questions. I assume they just checked on things behind the scenes to make sure everything was valid. We sat in a waiting area and eventually they called him up, handed back the passport and combo card and we were on our way. This was at Chicago O'Hare airport. 

[bracy 7]

3 minutes ago, RJandHamid said:

My husband used AP to return to the US a few months ago (May 2018) after we went on vacation together. We brought a copy of our marriage certificate and the NOA1 for the I-485, however we never needed to show those documents. The officers only looked at his passport and combo card. We waited together in the secondary inspection area for about 1 hour, but they didn't ask us any questions. I assume they just checked on things behind the scenes to make sure everything was valid. We sat in a waiting area and eventually they called him up, handed back the passport and combo card and we were on our way. This was at Chicago O'Hare airport. 

ahh that's good to know! I'm just worried I won't be able to come back without him. Hence, I'm leaving first then he will join me later and we will leave together.

[GreatDane 366]

10 minutes ago, bracy said:

ahh that's good to know! I'm just worried I won't be able to come back without him. Hence, I'm leaving first then he will join me later and we will leave together.

He entered alone when on AP. He had a family emergency that took him home and two tickets just didn't make sense. He had his card, confirmation of case acceptance, and possibly marriage license (maybe). They just took the card and that was it. 100% no worries.

[martinianodl 2]

I am having the same question. I just received my combo card and started making plans to travel outside the US and also go back home.

I was reading a different topic that made me worry:

Quote

the re-entry bar triggers if you leave the country after accruing at least 180 days of unlawful presence. The timer stops as you send off your AOS and NOA1 receipt is issued, since you enter what is officially called a period of authorized stay. Any time between the expiration date on your I-94 and your AOS NOA1 date counts as unlawful presence and tolls towards the bar. Make sure you do not leave the country if you're facing the 3 or 10 year bar.

From my understanding this 3 year bar happens if i receive the AOS-NOA1 after the I-94 (K1) expiration date, right?

The topic is from 2013, so is this still happening?

 

My I-94 (K1) expiration date was on December 30th 2017.

I received the AOS-NOA1 on November 30th 2017 (1 month before the I-94 expires).

 

Am I fine? Can I still spend a weekend in Canada (I have a Canadian tourist visa) for example?

 

Thanks in advance.