Is it possible to leave the country without GC in hand?

[Ian H. 207]

I believe that only applies to DACA related AP applications. Like I said, plenty of people here have used AP for other purposes. That said, I don't know what people put down if they don't have a pending trip, but want to have the AP just in case. Maybe someone can point out what they put down if they didn't need to travel, in order to get AP.

[Boiler 43,432]

DACA is relatively recent, and I have seen plenty who have used AP, be paroled back in and then adjust status.

[Pinkinsight 3]

Just an update - I JUST logged in to USCIS out of curiousity to check if either my AP or Green Card status had changed. Crazy world, even though I rang on the 31st and spoke to someone at USCIS who told me nothing had changed (and basically everything I already knew through the USCIS website) it was approved on the 31st! I have post decision activity and my application was approved. So i can thankfully head home to Australia briefly to see my family!

You keep mentioning DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals?) I don't know how this would be relevent to me? I was originally part of the K-1 fiance visa, but processed my Change of Status Greencard application in April - which is what I currently have been waiting for.

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

You keep mentioning DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals?) I don't know how this would be relevent to me? I was originally part of the K-1 fiance visa, but processed my Change of Status Greencard application in April - which is what I currently have been waiting for.

Because you were posting the instructions for DACA applicants. Someone adjusting from a K-1 has AP routinely approved and you never have to give a reason why you want or need it. You were mistaken that you could only file for it if there was an emergency you needed it for. You could have applied for EAD and AP at the same time as your I-485 and received an EAD/AP combo card within 60-90 days after filing. You could have used it to travel and re-enter the US for whatever reason you needed or wanted to. When filling out the I-131, you never have to give a reason, and do not even need to put a date or length of your trip. Many people have no plans to travel but apply for it anyway, just in case an emergency came up or they changed their minds and wanted to go back home for a visit while waiting for their green card. It is perfectly okay to do that.