EAD / AP Renewal Sample format

[donkeykong]

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.

thanks for confirming!

[curiousking]

Hi, Nice post and well structured. I am in the process of renewing my EAD (along with my spouse and kid) which is expiring in January 2022, by myself. I have few questions.

1. It is not mentioned anywhere on the USCIS website to send the Cover Letter, Do we really need it or it is just a nice to have to let the officer know what all the documents we are sending with the application?
2. On the form 765, Page#3, Section " Last Arrival Details...", field#21b "Passport number of your most recently issued passport"; when we entered in the US last time with the passport# was expired and I renewed it and as per the question it looks like i have to use the new passport# in this field. However in general instruction of I765, it is mentioned that "If you used a passport or travel document to travel to the United States, enter either the passport or travel document information in the appropriate space on the application, even if the passport or travel document is currently expired." I believe we have to use the latest Passport number but just wanted to check here if this scenario applies to anyone?
3. I believe I have to use a copy of "Previously approved EAD/AP mailer information (with bar code)" and not the original with both I765 and I131 since I am applying for a combo card, please confirm your experience.
   
4. I am using following documents with the I-765 (in the same order in the envelope),
   

• ​2 photos (on top attach with the paper clip)
  
• Original Form G-1145
  
  
• Original Form I-765 (And Form I-131 (for AP renewal bundle)
  
  
• Copy of Form I-797 C - 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) (Black and White)
  
  
• Copy of most recent I-94 (Even if on I-765 General Instructions says for AOS candidate, this is not required)

​​ 5. I am using following documents with the I-131 (in the same order in the envelope)

• 2 photos (on top attach with the paper clip)
  
• Original Form G-1145
  
• Original Form I-131
  
• Copy of Form I-797 C - 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) (Black and White)
  
• Copy of most recent I-94

I hope I am NOT missing anything.

Appreciate your quick response.

Thanks.

[maverick123]

Thanks Idliman for the detailed post. My EAD+AP is expiring in Jan 2022 and I am in the process of researching renewal. I have a question.

I read that EAD can be renewed within 180 days of expiry but AP can be renewed only within 120 days of expiry. Considering this disparity, when can the combo card be renewed? 180 or 120?

[maverick123]

I read that EAD can be renewed 180 days in advance but AP can be renewed only 120 days in advance. Considering this disparity, how soon can the combo card be renewed? 180 or 120 days in advance?

[idliman]

Hi, Nice post and well structured. I am in the process of renewing my EAD (along with my spouse and kid) which is expiring in January 2022, by myself. I have few questions.

1. It is not mentioned anywhere on the USCIS website to send the Cover Letter, Do we really need it or it is just a nice to have to let the officer know what all the documents we are sending with the application?
2. On the form 765, Page#3, Section " Last Arrival Details...", field#21b "Passport number of your most recently issued passport"; when we entered in the US last time with the passport# was expired and I renewed it and as per the question it looks like i have to use the new passport# in this field. However in general instruction of I765, it is mentioned that "If you used a passport or travel document to travel to the United States, enter either the passport or travel document information in the appropriate space on the application, even if the passport or travel document is currently expired." I believe we have to use the latest Passport number but just wanted to check here if this scenario applies to anyone?
3. I believe I have to use a copy of "Previously approved EAD/AP mailer information (with bar code)" and not the original with both I765 and I131 since I am applying for a combo card, please confirm your experience.
   
4. I am using following documents with the I-765 (in the same order in the envelope),
   

• ​2 photos (on top attach with the paper clip)
  
• Original Form G-1145
  
  
• Original Form I-765 (And Form I-131 (for AP renewal bundle)
  
  
• Copy of Form I-797 C - 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) (Black and White)
  
  
• Copy of most recent I-94 (Even if on I-765 General Instructions says for AOS candidate, this is not required)

​​ 5. I am using following documents with the I-131 (in the same order in the envelope)

• 2 photos (on top attach with the paper clip)
  
• Original Form G-1145
  
• Original Form I-131
  
• Copy of Form I-797 C - 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) (Black and White)
  
• Copy of most recent I-94

I hope I am NOT missing anything.

Appreciate your quick response.

Thanks.

1. Covering letter is like a punchlist and helps the lockbox contractor in the process of accepting your application. It is not a requirement.
2. Travel Document here has a specific meaning in USCIS terminology (It is not AP or visa). I have always entered the current passport number and did not have any issues. Your old passport number will be reflected in the online I-94 printout. If you have a new I-94, you include it also as part of I-94. I have nothing against following USCIS instructions. You will not have any issue if you enter latest passport number also.
3. Yes. Copies of Barcode Mailer and copies of front and back of EAD/AP card.
4. I-94 is just to show that you are maintaining status currently.
5. Yes. Each is a separate form by itself. Copies need to be included so that they can be adjudicated separately if needed. However if they do it correctly, you will get a Combo Card. Use C(9)(P) instead of just C(9). That forces a combo card.

You are good and very detailed. This is one of the easiest forms with USCIS. All they need is a copy of I-485 receipt notice. The rest are supplementary stuff for spoon feeding the adjudicator. Good Luck.

The wording in cover letter needs to be updated for 2 year. I recently did a different one for my friend. Will post the wording shortly. It is on a different computer.

[idliman]

Thanks Idliman for the detailed post. My EAD+AP is expiring in Jan 2022 and I am in the process of researching renewal. I have a question.

I read that EAD can be renewed within 180 days of expiry but AP can be renewed only within 120 days of expiry. Considering this disparity, when can the combo card be renewed? 180 or 120?

For combo card it is 180 days. Use C(9)(P). People have been doing it for the last 8 years. You have to trust us and send it to lockbox in 180 days not 181 or 182 days. That is very important.

[curiousking]

Thanks a lot for the response. Please share the latest Cover Letter Format when you get a chance. I am planning to wrap up everything and submit the documents this weekend or latest by early next week.

[idliman]

Thanks a lot for the response. Please share the latest Cover Letter Format when you get a chance. I am planning to wrap up everything and submit the documents this weekend or latest by early next week.

Use the below wording to request a 2 year EAD/AP in both EAD and AP cover letters.

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.

The original post text also has been updated. Good Luck.

[idliman]

Thanks Idliman for the detailed post. My EAD+AP is expiring in Jan 2022 and I am in the process of researching renewal. I have a question.

I read that EAD can be renewed within 180 days of expiry but AP can be renewed only within 120 days of expiry. Considering this disparity, when can the combo card be renewed? 180 or 120?

Just remembered that you can ask EMMA about when to renew "Combo Card". It should state 180 days. "Combo Card" is the key.

Me: When can I renew my EAD combo card?
Emma: To renew a work authorization and advance parole combo card, you must file the Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-765, and Application for Travel Document, Form I-131, concurrently, and at least 180 days before the combo card is due to expire.

[racharox]

Thanks Idliman for your overall detailed inputs on renewing EAD/AP.

I have a question and this could be of help for anyone else looking for answers in this section - What should be the answer to Item # 25 "Your current Immigration Status or Category" in I765 form if AoS pending and currently on H1-B status since last US arrival?

Also let's assume you are no longer on H1-B status, and on pending AoS status, can we just write "pending AoS status"?

[idliman]

Thanks Idliman for your overall detailed inputs on renewing EAD/AP.

I have a question and this could be of help for anyone else looking for answers in this section - What should be the answer to Item # 25 "Your current Immigration Status or Category" in I765 form if AoS pending and currently on H1-B status since last US arrival?

Also let's assume you are no longer on H1-B status, and on pending AoS status, can we just write "pending AoS status"?

You always have a backup status called "Pending AOS". What matters is the current active status. If you are maintaining H1-B/L1 it is H1B or L1.

You need to print the online I-94 from USCIS website. That would tell you the status in the CBP system with the expiry date.

The status is one of the following things:

1. What's on I-94. On what status you entered the country? Is it H1, H4, L1, L2, etc.,? Is it still active?
2. Did you use AP for last entry? Then your online I-94 should reflect that. It should be "DA / Parolee" for this case.
3. Has your H1, L1 expired since you last applied for AOS. If you have H1B renewal pending you are still on H1B till it gets approved / rejected. If you are not renewing H1/L1 and you have started using EAD for work. Then it is "AOS Pending".
4. Did you use EAD for second job? Then your H1-B status is overwritten by last use EAD status. We have a huge discussion thread for this specific topic.

There may be other variations. These are the things that I can think off for now.

[maverick123]

idlyman - This might sound silly, just trying to be extra careful as I am doing this the first time. For the copies, should we take color copies or is it ok to use black and white?

[idliman]

idlyman - This might sound silly, just trying to be extra careful as I am doing this the first time. For the copies, should we take color copies or is it ok to use black and white?

Color or B&W does not matter. But they should be of good quality and legible. I have submitted color copies whenever possible for ID documents. Other documents B&W is enough.

For (C)(9)(P), the only thing that matters is a copy of the I-485 receipt notice. You can submit a B&W version for that. They have internal access to this if anything needs to be checked.

Don't worry. Just make sure that you sign the forms. Take your time and be detailed. You will do a much better job than the paralegal who is doing many forms daily.

[maverick123]

Thank you! What is the purpose of AP Travel Description Letter Sample? Should we include that also in the AP renewal paperwork envelope?

[idliman]

Thank you! What is the purpose of AP Travel Description Letter Sample? Should we include that also in the AP renewal paperwork envelope?

That letter provides justification (business or personal) for requesting AP.

Yes. The letter needs to be added as the last page of AP / I-131 form. It is part of I-131 form. In the description write "Request Letter is attached". HTH.

[sling10]

That letter provides justification (business or personal) for requesting AP.

Yes. The letter needs to be added as the last page of AP / I-131 form. It is part of I-131 form. In the description write "Request Letter is attached". HTH.

Hi idliman - Is the AP Travel Description Letter needed for first time AP filers along with the 485 ? OR is it needed only during the AP renewal ?

[idliman]

Hi idliman - Is the AP Travel Description Letter needed for first time AP filers along with the 485 ? OR is it needed only during the AP renewal ?

Everytime you file a I-131 you need to have that letter. It is just an extra justification.

The sample format in this thread is based on my past experieces with EAD/AP renewal. I have used this format and had successfully renewed about 6 times or so. Numerous others have used this format. My version is a modification of original I-765/I-131 done by my attorney in 2012. It is possible that different attorneys / law firms use slightly different versions. Some might write justification in the box / space in form itself. So it is not a hard and fast rule. Use this template as a guide and modify it to your needs.

Good luck.

[mesan123]

Everytime you file a I-131 you need to have that letter. It is just an extra justification.

The sample format in this thread is based on my past experieces with EAD/AP renewal. I have used this format and had successfully renewed about 6 times or so. Numerous others have used this format. My version is a modification of original I-765/I-131 done by my attorney in 2012. It is possible that different attorneys / law firms use slightly different versions. Some might write justification in the box / space in form itself. So it is not a hard and fast rule. Use this template as a guide and modify it to your needs.

Good luck.

I am going to do my first EAD/AP renewal for me and my spouse. Thank you for this thread, it is of immense help/ few initial questions i have is,

1) can i send mine 131 & 765 and my Spouse 131 & 765 in the same Fedex mail to USCIS or should i sent the package separately.
2) I should be sending my application to Dallas PO box right? My initial 485 . 765, 131 were sent to Dallas.( The reason for this question is , currently my 485 has moved to FO, so wanted to be sure where i need to send the applications to)?

can you please respond to this queries. thank you in advance

[idliman]

I am going to do my first EAD/AP renewal for me and my spouse. Thank you for this thread, it is of immense help/ few initial questions i have is,

1) can i send mine 131 & 765 and my Spouse 131 & 765 in the same Fedex mail to USCIS or should i sent the package separately.
2) I should be sending my application to Dallas PO box right? My initial 485 . 765, 131 were sent to Dallas.( The reason for this question is , currently my 485 has moved to FO, so wanted to be sure where i need to send the applications to)?

can you please respond to this queries. thank you in advance

1. And 2. Yes all 4 applications in same FedEx envelope to Dropbox address from USCIS website. See post #25.

Each form should be a standalone package with all its supporting info and cover letter at top. Put binder clip for each form. Use paper clips and no staples. You will get 4 co sequential receipt notices.

[racharox]

Another question idliman. It looks obvious here, but just want to have another say on this. When filing these forms(I-765 or I-131) what do you answer for this - "Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the person preparing this application, If other than applicant"? If self filing, we can leave this part empty right?

[racharox]

Another question idliman. It looks obvious here, but just want to have another say on this. When filing these forms(I-765 or I-131) what do you answer for this - "Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the person preparing this application, If other than applicant"? If self filing, we can leave this part empty right?

Also how should this question 4a in form I131 be answered if you are applying for EAD/AP renewal. Current EAD/AP expires Jan 22

"Have you ever before been issued a reentry permit or Refugee Travel Document? (If "Yes" give the following information for the last document issued to you):"

[mesan123]

1. And 2. Yes all 4 applications in same FedEx envelope to Dropbox address from USCIS website. See post #25.

Each form should be a standalone package with all its supporting info and cover letter at top. Put binder clip for each form. Use paper clips and no staples. You will get 4 co sequential receipt notices.

. Thank you for quick reply. One more question.

I am applying for EAD renewal and am still on H1b.. what I need to fill in the application as current status ? any one is same situation ? As now am on H1B .. can I mention as H1B??

[maverick123]

Also how should this question 4a in form I131 be answered if you are applying for EAD/AP renewal. Current EAD/AP expires Jan 22

"Have you ever before been issued a reentry permit or Refugee Travel Document? (If "Yes" give the following information for the last document issued to you):"

I have filled everything and ready to file. Just stuck on the above question and this one below.

In I-765, what do you choose for question #15? No selection was made in my original I-765. Is it ok to leave it blank?

[racharox]

I have filled everything and ready to file. Just stuck on the above question and this one below.

In I-765, what do you choose for question #15? No selection was made in my original I-765. Is it ok to leave it blank?

It should be left empty right, assuming you already have SSN. If you answer no to item # 14 then item # 15 is not applicable

[idliman]

"Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the person preparing this application, If other than applicant"? If self filing, we can leave this part empty right?

Page 4, Part 3; Check box 1.a; Complete 3, 4,5 and leave 6 unchecked. Sign in 7a and date 7b.

Also how should this question 4a in form I131 be answered if you are applying for EAD/AP renewal. Current EAD/AP expires Jan 22

4a. Should be ?No?. A reentry permit and refugee travel document means different things. Reentry permit is issued after you get GC.

I am applying for EAD renewal and am still on H1b.. what I need to fill in the application as current status ? any one is same situation ? As now am on H1B .. can I mention as H1B??

Yes H1-B. It should also reflect in I-94;

In I-765, what do you choose for question #15? No selection was made in my original I-765. Is it ok to leave it blank?

Leave 14 and 15 blank if you already have a SSN.