Meryl

Kind of took me by surprise to be honest as I wasn't expecting to hear anything till I got my greencard. From what I can tell it allows me to leave the USA if I need to but I'm a bit confused as to what other benefits it has.....

ian-mstm

You can leave the US at any time you want - but the I-512 (known as Advance Parole) allows you to leave the US and return without abandoning your adjustment of status process. It has only that one benefit... but it's a biggie!

Ian

Meryl

More or less what I thought, thanks

HarryTheSpider

Does the I-512 come after biometrics?

Typically how soon might it come after receipt of application (we have biometrics appointment in early Feb)?

Meryl

I had my biometrics on dec 27th and got my card at the weekend there

jeffreyhy

You applied for it - and you don't know why?

Regards, JEff

Meryl

I just didn't expect anything till I got my greencard that's all

AddyLaddy

I am a bit confused about the purpose of AP too. My lawyer applied for it, although my H-1B is valid until Oct 2013.
I was out of the country when it was issued, but they still let me back in on my H-1B.

So I assume it is only necessary once my H-1B expires?
But hopefully I'll have my GC by then.

Noorah101

AP allows someone to leave and return to the USA while the AOS is processing. If you have a valid visa and are still working for the sponsoring company, you don't "need" AP, but since it's free to file, it's worth it, on the off chance something happens to your job while you're waiting on AOS.

Rene

Meryl

Does the card allow you to change jobs?

Noorah101

The AP card does not. The EAD (employment authorization document) card does. That said, I don't think the sponsoring company will be happy about you changing jobs after they've started the AOS process for you.

Rene

RICH

If I understand AP correctly, it is to allow re entry to US once adjustment of status is underway.

I would think, but don't know, that if your current visa is still valid for multi-entry, AP is redundant.

Some visas, like mine (K1) are single entry, and AP allows for the eventuality of further entries if neccesary, before PR (green card) is granted.

edit: And what Rene said

henryh

Usually these days the EAD and AP are the same card. It looks a bit like this: http://www.uscis.gov/uscis/images/na...back-qanda.jpg

Employment-based adjustment applicants should be wary of changing jobs before they become LPRs since as Rene suggested, the sponsoring employer may not be happy about it and may withdraw their sponsorship, leaving the applicant S.O.L. If they really want to do it, they should research "AC21 portability" and should probably consult an immigration attorney.

Meryl

I really have no intention of changing jobs, curiosity just got the better of me!

henryh

Only if that visa is in a dual-intent category and one is still fully compliant with the requirements to maintain status for that category. e.g. the holder of an F-1 student multiple-entry visa who is applying for adjustment of status should not travel abroad without AP, because the F-1 is strictly a nonimmigrant visa (not dual-intent). Another example: H-1B is dual-intent and an H-1B holder applying for adjustment of status may travel without AP, but not if they have left their job.