Application accepted and pending - Advance Parole

[Synonym 2]

Hei!

 

My applications (I-485, I-765 and I-131) was accepted in the middle of August. I have my biometrics appointment next week. 

 

My question is: is it safe for me to travel back to Norway for Christmas before my Advance Parole card has arrived? If so, can I receive it in my home country at the US embassy? Or should I stay in the US until I get the card? How do I know if I will even get the card at all? Do they let me know that I will get it or do I just wait and see? It makes it very hard for me to plan, and I would really love to go home to my family for Christmas. 

 

Also, how do I do it in regards to passport and name change? I still have my old name in my passport, is this still valid? Do I have to bring my marriage certificate and/or other documents if I wanna re-enter the us?

 

Thank you!:)

[garebear397 56]

Quick direct answer to your first question. No, do not leave the US without your Advance Parole. If you leave without the AP they will view your I-485 application as abandoned. It should arrive in 90-100 days. 

[geowrian 22,336]

You application was accepted - it was not approved. You need to wait until it is approved (and very preferably until AP is in hand shortly afterwards). Otherwise your AOS application will be abandoned and you will need a CR-1 visa to return.

 

Yes, the old name in your passport is still valid. I suggest carrying a copy of your marriage certificate as proof of the legal name change. I also suggest carrying a copy of the I-485's NOA1 (although I don't think it's required at POE....but you should have it as proof of authorized stay in the US anyway).

Edited September 8, 2017 by geowrian

[Sunnyland 639]

Why will you leave before actually receiving the AP in hand? Believe me, you don't want to do that. Even with the AP in hand, I almost was not allowed to enter. I suggest you wait to receive the card in hand if you want to travel abroad and come back.

[Crazy Cat 39,666]

There have been recent cases of people leaving the US before their AP was approved........They were determined to be abandonment....DON"T LEAVE PRIOR TO APPROVAL!

Edited September 8, 2017 by missileman

[geowrian 22,336]

56 minutes ago, Synonym said:

Do they let me know that I will get it or do I just wait and see?

You can track your case online using the USCIS Case Tracker: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do. At this point, you just wait. If you get an RFE or RFIE, you respond to it.

 

Since you filed in August, there is a reasonable chance of getting AP in time for Christmas a desired. I would not suggest buying any tickets or making firm plans until it is in hand.