AP Validity

[CJ&Jum 0]

Ok, given the following scenario, how long is the AP good for: K-1 holder enters the U.S., gets married to fiance, applies for AOS and AP immediately, AOS pending but AP is approved. 1) How long is AP good for? 2) If there is an expected extended time outside of the US, let's say 3-4 months (AOS pending and approved for AP) Is this ok for the person to do?

[Brian_bellingham 0]

Off hand I don't know how long it is good for, but one problem with staying outside the country so long is that at some point, you will be required to show up for your biometrics appointment for your AOS, and potentially another biometrics appointment for EAD.

[CJ&Jum 0]

Upon looking over some info on the government site I did see that an extended absence past 6 months outside of the U.S. will not qualify as time applied towards the residency requirement but I still could not find specific information for the length of time that the AP has to be used within and how long one can stay outside of the country on AP.

[Brian_bellingham 0]

If you are outside the country and miss the interview or biometrics, you might not be let in at all. Others could tell you more. And if you are outside the country, you may not even be aware that you got appointments for biometrics or the AOS interview.

Our AOS interview is about 4 months after we got married, and her biometrics was about 3 months after we got married. You have to be around for those, no exceptions, especially the interview. If you miss that, they will asume you are abandoning your application, and you will have to start over again.

[Cassie 8]

Funnily enough, this is being discussed in another thread:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...wtopic=4760&hl=

AP is valid for a year from issuance. You will not find a specific answer to "how long can you stay out of the country" from USCIS. Believe me, I tried! My mom was diagnosed with cancer in the middle of the AOS process, and I was pretty frantic looking around for answers. The best I came up with is a month. I waited until I had my biometrics over with, and then went home for three weeks to be with my parents to help out. I really wanted to stay longer, but decided against it. It really and truly was the only time I was completely frustrated with the immigration process.

[Yodrak 7]

CJ&Jum,

1) Typically 1 year, especially if muti-trip was requested, but may be less.

2) No, there is fixed limit on time outside the US, other than be back for the AOS biometrics and interview, for any other applications that may be active that require your physical participateion, or before the AP document expires.

Yodrak

Ok, given the following scenario, how long is the AP good for: K-1 holder enters the U.S., gets married to fiance, applies for AOS and AP immediately, AOS pending but AP is approved. 1) How long is AP good for? 2) If there is an expected extended time outside of the US, let's say 3-4 months (AOS pending and approved for AP) Is this ok for the person to do?

CJ&Jum,

Not relevant - such things begin when LPR status has been granted. All time before becoming an LPR doesn't count for anything whether the person is in the country or out.

Yodrak

Upon looking over some info on the government site I did see that an extended absence past 6 months outside of the U.S. will not qualify as time applied towards the residency requirement .....

Edited March 7, 2006 by Yodrak