I-485 Applicants To Receive Separate EAD/AP Documents Instead of Combo Cards

USCIS has recently changed its practices and is no longer issuing the combo EAD/AP card for I-485 applicants who file concurrent I-765 EAD work permit and I-131 AP travel permit applications.    Citing efforts to eliminate backlogs in EAD applications, USCIS is approving EAD and AP applications separately — most often the I-765 EAD application will be approved first and an EAD card produced first, followed by the I-131 advance parole which is printed and mailed separately.

Important Note:  the EAD card alone will not permit its pending I-485 applicant holder to travel to and reenter the United States.   Travel to the U.S. must  be using a separate advance parole document or using a visa such as H, L or K (contact us for consultation on pros/cons of using AP vs. H/L/K visa to travel to the US).

What is the Difference Between the EAD/AP “Combo” Card and the Standalone EAD and Advance Parole Documents?

About ten years ago, USCIS started issuing employment and travel authorization on a single , or “combo,” card for those I-485 green card applicants already living lawfully in the United States and filing an adjustment of status (AOS) application.  Before 2011 and now and in the future, as a result of the change in policy, USCIS will issue an EAD card (durable plastic card) and a separate advance parole document (printed on special paper).

EAD/AP Combo Card Example:

Below is what the EAD/AP combo card looks like.  It is similar to an EAD card but it is important to note that the EAD/AP combo card has the notation at the bottom saying that the document “Serves as I-512 Advance Parole”.  This notation indicates that the document can be used as advance parole to travel to the U.S.

Regular EAD Card Example:

The EAD-only cards include language that they are “Not Valid for Reentry to the U.S.”  Below is what the regular EAD-only card looks like.   This document would not allow U.S. travel.

Regular Advance Parole Example:

The advance parole document looks like a sheet of special paper with a photo.   This is the advance parole document which would allow travel to the U.S.

Conclusion

We are hoping that I-485 applicants will be made aware of these changes and realize that an EAD-only card is no longer sufficient document to travel to the U.S. and an advance parole (which is likely going to be a separate document) is now required.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any help.    Please feel free to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to obtain developments on this and related topics.