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I found this old article by Murthy discussing on how one's status changes if you choose to enter US using AP. I thought it's worth sharing here;
Effect of Travel While in H1B / L-1 Status and Pending I-485
Adjustment of Status and Travel : Your Questions Answered!
http://immigrationroad.com/green-card/ead-ap.php
Hope this helps.
Gurus/Guys,
Have a few questions about travelling on AP. Tried asking some people around me but got varying answer. Am travelling tomorrow night at a very short notice so a quick response is appreciated.
1) What do I need to carry with me besides the EAD/AP combo card, valid Passport and 485 Receipt.
2) I have a valid H1 but dont intend to get it stamped and just re-enter on AP which shouldn't be an issue...Can someone confirm?
3) Has anyone travelled recently and would be able to shed some light on what to expect on return to the US of A?
4) Anything else that I need to take care about? Especially at Newark, NJ if anyone has some recent experience?
Any help is appreciated and please remove this once answered.
Thanks in advance
1. those are sufficient. Just to be safe also carry a copy of your H1 797.Quote:
Originally Posted by manzoorraza
2. confirmed
3. My brother in law travels on his AP all the time. The only issue he has is a secondary screening (not a big deal). They do this for all AP cases. He flies in/out of JFK mostly and occasionally Newark.
4. Nothing else... just that Newark really sucks :) (its my home airport too)
Vizcard,
Thanks. One more question. Is there supposed to be any other document that we should have received besides the combo AP/EAD card which is required for travel purposes. I remember receiving 2 more envelopes (1 for wife and 1 for myself) right after the Combo cards but for the life of me cannot remember what it was and where I kept them. Vaguely remember it was something related and have been searching through the night for them. Did you or anyone get these and remembers what it was and is it needed? It was a similar USPS mid size envelop as the EAD/AP card came in. I am supposed to fly out tonight so a quick response would be greatly appreciated.
Quote:
Originally Posted by vizcard
Manzoor, Those documents are really important , it is the approval notice of EAD/AP in the paper form which carries a bar code ( my memory is also vague) in turn has to be attached to the EAD/AP renewal application in future.Quote:
Originally Posted by manzoorraza
Kanmani,
I do have the paper approval for EAD but nothing for AP. I am presuming you have a combo card too. Did you receive anything after the combo card which was relevant to AP?
Thanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kanmani
Manzoor, card + paper thats it . what are you searching for in addition ?
Kanmani,
I have the combo card and EAD approval letter. But I distinctly remember getting 2 more envelopes (same as the ones the combo cards came in) for myself and my wife but cannot remember what these were and am just trying to make sure that its nothing that is important or required. Did you get anything else besides the cards and the EAD approval. Just to clarify the EAD approval notice does not mention anything about the AP.
Thanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kanmani
Manzoor,
Just verified
1. USPS priority mail cover - EAD/AP combo card + Bar code document printed with ' Important Information save this mailer'
2. USCIS ordinary cover - I-797 Notice of action - Case type _ I 765
Nothing else was received.
Kanmani,
Thanks. Appreciate the quick replies. I do have the Envelope with the Combo card and the mailer as you mentioned and there is the I-797 for I-765 which also has a mention for that same paper as being the evidence of AP approval. I guess I am all set then....maybe the other envelop was not something important or maybe just a figment or my imagination :D. Thanks once more for the quick responses.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kanmani
Are those the 485 receipt notices or FP notices? Those are the only other things that come by mail.
Manzoor,
Sorry for late response. I have identical situation as you (on H1 but no stamping)
traveled to India in March with AP.
I did take Combo card and approval notices and bunch of other documents (pay slips etc).
flew in via JFK. it was week day so no much delay in secondary screening. he only took the card and validated in his system. (no other documents)
the guy asked couple of routine question about my job etc. nothing abnormal. it was done in 10-15 mins.
I have also talked to one of my friend who did this 5-6 times. he said he never faced a problem except once he was kept waiting for 4 hours in JFK. no explanation given but everything went well. So my only advise is be prepared to wait if needed and ask your spouse or who ever picking up to prepared to wait.
FYI there a cell phone waiting area in JFK if you are going via this port.
Satya
I just reentered the country on AP. All I had to do was give the primary INS officer my passport, the white immigration form and my combo card. She had me escorted to secondary, where they gave me the approval with a 'you're all set' in less than 30 seconds. I had all the other docs mentioned in the above posts (AP approval notice, AP bar code extension letter, 485 receipt notice, H1B I797 approval notice, latest payslip) but didn't require any of them.
Oh, and I entered through EWR too, Terminal C. Total breeze. I travel through this airport every week and absolutely love it.
Edit/Add:- I am glad I didn't stop by to get my H1B stamped in my passport. Between the 2/3 days I would have lost at the consulate and the potential for security check related delays, this was the more practical approach for me. My I485 application is fairly straightforward though, and I don't believe there is any risk of denial. My lawyer had adviced that i get the H1B stamped, but information on this forum and information from other fora that our members have channeled this way, helped me make an informed decision.