EAD / AP Renewal Sample format

[idliman]

Cover Letter Sample
August 7, 2018
To
USCIS

Sub: Renewal Application for Employment Authorization with Pending I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
[A# 231-010-000]
Dear Sir/Madam,
My Adjustment of Status (I-485, Receipt # SRC100000005) application is pending. I am enclosing the following documents in support of my renewal application for EAD:
- Completed form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- 2 color photographs (with A# at the back)
- Form G-1145 (E-Notification)
- Copy of I-797C, Notice of Action, Receipt of filing I-485
- Copy of Previously approved EAD/AP mailer information (with bar code)
- Copy of previously approved EAD/AP Card (front and back)
- Copy of I-94 arrival/departure card
- Copy of driver's license (North Carolina)
- Copy of passport's biographic pages

Kindly approve the above-mentioned applications with a two-year validity period in accordance with recent USCIS Policy Alert PA-2021-10 issued on June 9, 2021.

Note: The above wording is a modification of request for 2 year EAD based on recent update to USCIS Policy Manual. The original wording when PD is not FA current is in the PDF file linked to this thread.

If you have any questions or need additional information concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your kind attention in this matter.
Sincerely,

First LAST
1000 Pruce Lane, Concord, NC 28261
Cell 000-100-2001
Email: whatis@who.com

August 7, 2018
To
USCIS

Sub: Renewal Application for Travel Document with Pending I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
[A# 231-010-000]
Dear Sir/Madam,
My Adjustment of Status (I-485, Receipt # SRC100000005) application is pending. I am enclosing the following documents in support of my renewal application for AP:
- Completed form I-131, Application for Travel Document
- 2 color photographs (with A# at the back)
- Form G-1145 (E-Notification)
- Copy of I-797C, Notice of Action, Receipt of filing I-485
- Copy of Previously approved EAD/AP mailer information (with bar code)
- Copy of previously approved EAD/AP Card (front and back)
- Copy of I-94 arrival/departure card
- Copy of driver's license (North Carolina)
- Copy of passport's biographic pages
Kindly approve the above-mentioned applications with a two-year validity period in accordance with recent USCIS Policy Alert PA-2021-10 issued on June 9, 2021.
If you have any questions or need additional information concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your kind attention in this matter.
Sincerely,

First LAST
1000 Pruce Lane, Concord, NC 28261
Cell 000-100-2001
Email: whatis@who.com

AP Travel Description Letter Sample
08/07/2018

Attention: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services

Re: Request for Advance Parole

To Whom It May Concern

This is to request Advance Parole to travel to INDIA for visiting family members. The approximate travel will be from June 2019 to July 2019.

I may also need to travel for business purposes to COMPANY headquarters in Karuvelampatti, FRANCE in 2019.

Thank you for your consideration.

First LAST

Here's a PDF of the Sample Letter Above.EAD_AP_Cover_Letter_Sample1.pdf

[qesehmk]

Copied this into its own thread since this might be useful and relevant to a lot of people.

[idliman]

I got my first I-485 EAD/AP card. What's next?

1. Make sure that you have scanned and stored the I-485 receipt notice. It is like the golden ticket in Willy Wonka. You will need it for all EAD/AP renewals from now onwards. This golden ticket gives you a backup status and makes sure that you stay legal in USA.
2. Scan and Save the PDF of the EAD/AP card, front and back. Also scan the mailer letter with barcode that came with EAD/AP card. Mailer barcode is very important and helps to speed up renewal. As a practice, I save the PDF with three pages (front, back and mailer with bar code).
3. Go and do Driver's License renewal or update the I-9 form (see below caveats).
4. Usually the first EAD/AP card is issued only with 1 year validity. So you need to plan for renewal of EAD/AP in 6 months' time. Update: USCIS Policy Alert PA-2021-10 issued on June 9, 2021 says initial and renewal EADs will be have 2 year validity.
5. Save a copy of PERM, I-140 and I-485 application. If you don't have a copy of PERM, request it from HR / law-firm for safe keeping. Although, there is no legal requirement, you will need it to do AC21 (change of job) after 180 days. For "same or similar" justification in I485 Supp J, your chances of approval will increase exponentially when you match the approved PERM as much as possible.

I-9 / Status / Caveats

1. If you are on H1B, don't give your EAD/AP to HR. Once you use EAD/AP then you move to "I485 Pending" status and H1B gets dormant till next renewal or amendment. Lots of details and fine print on this topic.
2. Once you use EAD/AP to reenter the country, then you move to "AOS / Parolee / DA (District Authority)" status. You are no longer on H1B till next H1B renewal.

How to Plan next EAD/AP renewal?

1. Make sure that you have saved the three pages of EAD/AP card (front, back and mailer).
2. Calculate the 180th day before expiry of your EAD/AP. Open MS Excel and subtract 180 days from the expiry date. That?s the day that you will mail your renewal package to USCIS. Calculate 1 month (210 days) before the date so that you can start preparing the application.
3. Put a calendar activity for the 180th (mail application packet) and 210th days (start preparing application) and share it with your spouse so that you both are aware of the dates.

[idliman]

I am in the 210th day; what should I do?

1. Take your passport photo using a cell phone or camera with off-white background. Follow photo guidelines. Do not recycle or reuse old passport photos. You will definitely get a RFE if old photos are used. Photo RFE is the most common RFE for EAD/AP renewals.
2. Google "e passport photo". There are a few ?free? websites that can convert your photo to a 4x6 template. No need to pay for anything. Click the "free" option and generate a 4x6 photo sheet. It will have an advertisement in the unused space. You will discard it when you cut out your photos.
3. Upload the photo to your favorite photo service (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, etc.,) and order two (2) 4x6 photos. A sheet will have four 2x2 passport photos. So for USD $0.30 you will get 4 passport photos. I sometimes order two sets of photos from two different shops and pick the best one. I don?t mind spending an additional $1 for myself and my spouse. With pandemic, the photos take a week to arrive by mail. You need two 2x2 photos for EAD and another two for AP. One 4x6 sheet should be sufficient. However I have found that sometimes either the top two or bottom two photos are cut automatically while printing. So I order 2 sheets (additional $0.30).
4. Collect the copies of your first EAD/AP application prepared by attorney. Use it to get started.
5. Always download the latest version of I-765 and I-131 PDF form from the USCIS website. If you use an older version of form, the application will be rejected.
6. Use the covering letter format given above and populate it in a word document (LaTeX if you are one of my friends). You would need two sets one for yourself and another for your spouse.
7. Go and complete the forms. Use (c)(9)(P) (Pending adjustment of status under Section 245 of the Act) as the eligibility category for combo card. If this is your first time, it might take 2+ hours. Ask questions in the online forum whenever you have doubts.
8. Sign it as 180th day or 179th day. It does not matter as long as it is close to 180th day.
9. Write A# using a felt pen on the back of the photos for yourself and your wife. I always take two regular envelopes, seal them blank and cut the sides so that I can create four small pockets for attaching photos to the EAD/AP application. I also write my A# and full name outside the photo mini envelope.

[idliman]

1. Mail it using FedEx or USPS Express with delivery tracking.
2. All four packets can be mailed in the same envelope (Husband + wife, EAD+AP). However make sure that you separate each application via binder clips. You will most likely get 4 consecutive receipt notices.
3. Always check and confirm the mailing address (lockbox) from USCIS website before mailing. They can change it anytime. If you are applying EAD/AP renewal together you will send to EAD address.
4. Make sure that you have signatures at all relevant places. If signatures are missing then your application will be rejected.
5. Arrange the supporting documents in order. Do not use staples. Use paper clips so that the lockbox can take them out and digitally scan your application.
6. There is no renewal fee for (c) (9) (P) category. This can be confirmed by looking in the I-765 instructions PDF from USCIS website.
7. If USCIS receives renewal envelope before 180 days (say 181st day), your application will be rejected. So I try to mail it somewhere between 175th the 179th day. There have been numerous cases where people tried to deliver it on the 180th day and got into trouble because FedEx delivered their packets early.

[idliman]

Common EAD / AP renewal Errors

1. Reusing old photos and getting a photo RFE
2. Not using the latest version of the EAD / AP forms from USCIS website. Your application will be rejected.
3. Not confirming the mailing address from USCIS website before mailing. If you are lucky USCIS will route it to the correct center. However, it will delay approval.
4. Forgetting signatures. Application will be rejected.

Advantage of Working on EAD

1. The EAD provides unrestricted employment authorization. This means No salary requirement, No specialty position requirement, No specific level of education, No specific location, No duration requirement, etc.,
2. With the I-485 pending (AOS Pending), all foreign nationals are considered to be in a period of authorized stay in the United States. You are eligible to extend the EAD as long as the I-485 remains pending. The beauty is that you don't have to pay any USCIS fee at all with a Pending AOS and if you follow the I-765 Do-It-Yourself guide, total expenses for the paperwork are only $25 to $50 (FedEx, printing and photo charges). Attorneys charge anywhere between $500 to $2000 for preparing and submitting a EAD/AP renewal application.
3. You can work any number of jobs on EAD whereas H1B is only for a specific position at a specific location of a specific employer.

Disadvantages of Working on EAD

1. Max work authorization validity is 1 or 2 years. On the other hand, H1B's are approved for a 3 year period.
2. Once the EAD validity expires, you need to stop working immediately. There is no grace period, unless you are eligible for automatic extension of 180 days as explained below (AOS people are eligible).
3. Processing time can be as long as 3 to 6 months and there is no premium processing for I-765 form. Filing for renewal timely is a key part of staying and working on EAD.
4. Using the EAD and relying upon the I-485, means that there is no underlying non-immigrant status. Thus, if the I-485 is denied for some reason, you will be out of status. If you have an underlying H1B you can fall back to that status. That's why many people still keep renewing H1B although some believe that it is total waste of time and money.

Automatic Extension of EAD
Starting Jan 2017, USCIS introduced a new policy of automatic EAD extension, provided you file a timely renewal. The following are the conditions:

1. Properly filed for a renewal EAD before their current EAD expired, and
2. Are otherwise eligible for a renewal, which means that: a) Your EAD renewal is under a category that is eligible for an automatic 180-day extension (see the list of categories below); and b) The Category on your current EAD matches the ?Class Requested? listed on this Notice of Action.

Category (c)(9) or Pending AOS is eligible for Automatic Extension. However H4 EAD [(c)(26)] and L2 EAD [(a)(18)] are not eligible for automatic extension.
For complete list of eligible categories visit USCIS site:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the...-ead-extension

[mesan123]

Nice info ... thank you Idlan putting it together ��

[GCkaLADDU]

1. Reusing old photos and getting a photo RFE
2. Not using the latest version of the EAD / AP forms from USCIS website. Your application will be rejected.
3. Not confirming the mailing address from USCIS website before mailing. If you are lucky USCIS will route it to the correct center. However, it will delay approval.
4. Forgetting signatures. Application will be rejected.

Dumb question!

I am planning to apply for EAD/AP as it was not done along with my I-485 application. Does it make sense to send a cover letter for the initial application for EAD/AP?

Very well put thread above BTW!

[idliman]

Dumb question!
I am planning to apply for EAD/AP as it was not done along with my I-485 application. Does it make sense to send a cover letter for the initial application for EAD/AP?
Very well put thread above BTW!

Thanks. You need to wait for your I485 receipt notice. That's the most important evidence required to prove your eligibility to (c)(9)(p). Other docs just prove your identity.

The cover letter above is just to organize your material for presentation to the adjudicator. It can be easily modified for your purpose. You can get started now itself leaving aside your A# that you can get from I-485 receipt notice. A# or Alien Number is internally used by USCIS for everything (their version of SSN). Good Luck.

[aGCHopefull]

Thanks idliman! This is really great information. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with everyone!

[Moveon]

Thanks idliman! This is really great information. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with everyone!

Yes this is very useful and I used this format for renewal last year , thanks idliman . Lot of companies pay for only the Employee's EAD/AP and law firms charge upto $1000 each for AP and EAD.
Your spouse's EAD/AP paper work is no different . So refer to your paperwork and fill out your spouses . Use the cover letter that idliman has given and you can save $$$$

[GCkaLADDU]

Congrats on your EAD/AP approval. Welcome to the Trishanku status. Make sure that you browse through our EAD/AP thread to setup reminders for timely renewal in 6 months time.

I-9 / Status / Caveats
If you are on H1B, don't give your EAD/AP to HR. Once you use EAD/AP then you move to "I485 Pending" status and H1B gets dormant till next renewal or amendment. Lots of details and fine print on this topic.
Once you use EAD/AP to reenter the country, then you move to "AOS / Parolee / DA (District Authority)" status. You are no longer on H1B till next H1B renewal.

Question: An individual's current H1B is based off an approved i-140 and has filed for an AOS (I-485). He gets an EAD in lieu of the pending AOS application but chooses to use H1B status instead of "AOS / Parolee / DA (District Authority)". Now if his AOS get rejected for some reason, wouldn't that invalidate his H1B as well because it was based on a 'pending GC application' which is no longer pending now?

Not sure if i-140 remains intact after AOS denial. Trying to weigh in the pros and cons of using EAD vs H1B (I-140 based)

[idliman]

I-9 / Status / Caveats
If you are on H1B, don't give your EAD/AP to HR. Once you use EAD/AP then you move to "I485 Pending" status and H1B gets dormant till next renewal or amendment. Lots of details and fine print on this topic.
Once you use EAD/AP to reenter the country, then you move to "AOS / Parolee / DA (District Authority)" status. You are no longer on H1B till next H1B renewal.

Question: An individual's current H1B is based off an approved i-140 and has filed for an AOS (I-485). He gets an EAD in lieu of the pending AOS application but chooses to use H1B status instead of "AOS / Parolee / DA (District Authority)". Now if his AOS get rejected for some reason, wouldn't that invalidate his H1B as well because it was based on a 'pending GC application' which is no longer pending now?

Not sure if i-140 remains intact after AOS denial. Trying to weigh in the pros and cons of using EAD vs H1B (I-140 based)

I don't have a formal law degree. So take the following for what it is worth.

A denied I-485 will not have any effect on your H-1B status if you don?t use your EAD or advance parole. If you have used EAD/AP, then they will also become invalid as the underlying basis is gone. You will start accruing unlawful presence.

If your I485 is denied for health, criminal, security, public charge or immigration violation, then that should not affect your underlying I-140. If it is for employer fraud, ability to pay type issues then the I-140 will be denied along with I-485.

The advantages of using H1B over EAD/AP are in EAD/AP forum.

A denied I485 is not the end of the world. You will likely follow the following steps if I485 is rejected.

1. MTR
2. AAO appeal
3. Refile
4. Immigration Court / Judge

Of course we don't want that to happen. HTH.

[idliman]

As a general rule, if a spouse of a H1 is working using H4 EAD, it is better to move to AOS based EAD. There are four reasons:

1. AOS EAD is permanent. (c)(9) EAD is based on a Law. H4 is based on agency rule.
2. There is no fee for AOS EAD/AP renewal.
3. Renewal of AOS based EAD is hassle free and relative faster when compared to the current H4 processing times. You can DIY yourself.
4. You are also eligible for automatic 180 day extension, provided you file renewal promptly.

Hope this helps.

[waitin4gc]

Hi Idliman, which one is the mailer letter with barcode that came with EAD/AP card? Is it the second half of the letter that has 3 bar codes and goes like this ...

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - SAVE THIS NOTICE

Use this tear-off portion to speed your application for an extension or replacement card.

A# .......

Or Is is it the entire page that as USPS Tracking barcode as well?

[beagle]

Adding to what idliman said, once you use AP you are married to the I-140 through which you received your EAD/AP combo card. In other words, you can't interfile between EB-2 and EB-3 if you've downgraded. Say, you downgraded from EB2 -> EB3. Then went to India and came back on AP, you are on EB-3 forever and can't interfile on EB-2 again. So think twice before you use your AP. Thats why its always better to maintain H1B until you get your GC to avoid all these headaches.

[idliman]

Hi Idliman, which one is the mailer letter with barcode that came with EAD/AP card? Is it the second half of the letter that has 3 bar codes and goes like this ...

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - SAVE THIS NOTICE

Use this tear-off portion to speed your application for an extension or replacement card.

A# .......

Or Is is it the entire page that as USPS Tracking barcode as well?

I scan the full page without tearing off anything. That way when you scan it it will be a letter size document. Also I keep a letter size white paper in the background and place the EAD card in the middle when I scan. So when you print the scanned version to submit for a renewal application everything will be a letter size document.

It is too much of detail and micro-managing. I also use use post-it tabs and categorize eveything in order. Just remeber that USCIS puches holes at the top and files it that way. So your tabs need to be on the bottom. By the time, I am done preparing an EAD+AP application, it would be easily an hour to doube and triple check everything.

Just spend time and be meticulous. Good Luck.

[waitin4gc]

I scan the full page without tearing off anything. That way when you scan it it will be a letter size document. Also I keep a letter size white paper in the background and place the EAD card in the middle when I scan. So when you print the scanned version to submit for a renewal application everything will be a letter size document.

It is too much of detail and micro-managing. I also use use post-it tabs and categorize eveything in order. Just remeber that USCIS puches holes at the top and files it that way. So your tabs need to be on the bottom. By the time, I am done preparing an EAD+AP application, it would be easily an hour to doube and triple check everything.

Just spend time and be meticulous. Good Luck.

Thank you idliman. You have been a great help to this Forum! Appreciate all your efforts

[KingofJoy]

Hi Idliman,
Great post. Very informative and admirable.
I have a couple of questions as I'm getting closer to filing EAD/AP renewal and hopefully these questions will benefit others as well.

1) Can i send both (765 & 131 forms for both primary and derivative) in 1 package? I believe you mentioned yes but wanted to assert!
2) How or where can i find the address to which the package needs to be sent? Also, if both EAD and AP forms can be sent together then I'd assume the address would be same! (You mentioned, send it to EAD address)
3) Do i have to indicate (C) (9) or (C) (9) (P) in the form?
4) Form G-1145 (E-Notification) - do we have to send G-1145 for each i.e. for 765 & 131 (total of 4 G-1145 forms if applying for both primary and derivative)?
5) Post#1 shows cover letter for 765,131 and AP description sample letter so i would assume it's for 1 applicant and if you have both then you are looking at repeating the same for 2nd one?

[idliman]

Hi Idliman,
Great post. Very informative and admirable.
I have a couple of questions as I'm getting closer to filing EAD/AP renewal and hopefully these questions will benefit others as well.

1) Can i send both (765 & 131 forms for both primary and derivative) in 1 package? I believe you mentioned yes but wanted to assert!
2) How or where can i find the address to which the package needs to be sent? Also, if both EAD and AP forms can be sent together then I'd assume the address would be same! (You mentioned, send it to EAD address)
3) Do i have to indicate (C) (9) or (C) (9) (P) in the form?
4) Form G-1145 (E-Notification) - do we have to send G-1145 for each i.e. for 765 & 131 (total of 4 G-1145 forms if applying for both primary and derivative)?
5) Post#1 shows cover letter for 765,131 and AP description sample letter so i would assume it's for 1 applicant and if you have both then you are looking at repeating the same for 2nd one?

1. Yes. You will have 4 applications in one FedEx package (I-765 Primary, I-131 Primary, I-765 Derivative, I-131 Derivative). Put Covering letter for each at first, followed by the forms, photos and documentation. Put a binder clip for each application. Each form is a standalone application by itself and should have all the supporting evidence for that form.
2. You will send to EAD address. You need to go to USCIS website and verify the correct address depending on where you are located. All USCIS forms have a Section called where to file. That's why I had not provided the address. You are expected to take the filing address only from USCIS website and check it again the day you are mailing the package.
3. If you are requesting a combo card go with (c ) (9) (P).
4. Yes. A total of 4 G-1145 forms. Each form is a standalone application by itself. USCIS lock-box will issue four separate receipt notices.
5. Yes. One set of cover letter sample is given for the Principal Applicant. You will do a separate cover letter for the derivative with derivative details and justification.

[KingofJoy]

1. Yes. You will have 4 applications in one FedEx package (I-765 Primary, I-131 Primary, I-765 Derivative, I-131 Derivative). Put Covering letter for each at first, followed by the forms, photos and documentation. Put a binder clip for each application. Each form is a standalone application by itself and should have all the supporting evidence for that form.
2. You will send to EAD address. You need to go to USCIS website and verify the correct address depending on where you are located. All USCIS forms have a Section called where to file. That's why I had not provided the address. You are expected to take the filing address only from USCIS website and check it again the day you are mailing the package.
3. If you are requesting a combo card go with (c ) (9) (P).
4. Yes. A total of 4 G-1145 forms. Each form is a standalone application by itself. USCIS lock-box will issue four separate receipt notices.
5. Yes. One set of cover letter sample is given for the Principal Applicant. You will do a separate cover letter for the derivative with derivative details and justification.

Thank you so much, really appreciate it.

[tankhajj]

1. Yes. You will have 4 applications in one FedEx package (I-765 Primary, I-131 Primary, I-765 Derivative, I-131 Derivative). Put Covering letter for each at first, followed by the forms, photos and documentation. Put a binder clip for each application. Each form is a standalone application by itself and should have all the supporting evidence for that form.
2. You will send to EAD address. You need to go to USCIS website and verify the correct address depending on where you are located. All USCIS forms have a Section called where to file. That's why I had not provided the address. You are expected to take the filing address only from USCIS website and check it again the day you are mailing the package.
3. If you are requesting a combo card go with (c ) (9) (P).
4. Yes. A total of 4 G-1145 forms. Each form is a standalone application by itself. USCIS lock-box will issue four separate receipt notices.
5. Yes. One set of cover letter sample is given for the Principal Applicant. You will do a separate cover letter for the derivative with derivative details and justification.

Hello,
I am sounding repetitive but just wanted to confirm if I can send both I765 and I131 renewal packages to the I765 Phoenix lockbox address.
I live in Arizona and according to USCIS website, I need to send I765 renewal package to Phoenix lockbox whereas I131 renewal form needs to go to Chicago lockbox since my I485 receipt starts with MSC.
Please help.

[idliman]

Hello,
I am sounding repetitive but just wanted to confirm if I can send both I765 and I131 renewal packages to the I765 Phoenix lockbox address.
I live in Arizona and according to USCIS website, I need to send I765 renewal package to Phoenix lockbox whereas I131 renewal form needs to go to Chicago lockbox since my I485 receipt starts with MSC.
Please help.

If you are applying for a combo card "C09P", then you will send everything in one envelope to EAD address listed in USCIS website. If you apply individually then you will use the address given for those forms separately.

I understand that when you are doing it for the first time it is intimidating. But trust the thousands who have applied for renewal 5+ times since 2012. It is a very simple form. It used to be one page earlier.

If you think something is not clear or additional info could help future readers of this blog, please advise or share.

[donkeykong]

N00b questions-
- Where to send this application? C(9) according to https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses is a lockbox for EB applications
USCIS
Attn: NFB AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
- Does USCIS provide any receipt to track progress?

[idliman]

N00b questions-
- Where to send this application? C(9) according to https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses is a lockbox for EB applications
USCIS
Attn: NFB AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
- Does USCIS provide any receipt to track progress?

You will send to I-765 filing address.

USCIS Phoenix or Dallas Lockbox, based on where you live (Go to the USCIS Phoenix and Dallas Lockbox facilities chart for the address)
Filing Locations for Certain Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization | USCIS

I don't want to copy paste addresses here as USCIS might change them anytime. So read them directly from USCIS website.

Good Luck.