I-797 EAD approval notice for travel purpose?

[Cristina280390 60]

Hello! I read in https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-related-news/temporary-policies-related-to-covid-19 that because of pandemic delays one could start working with the EAD approval notice since the actual EAD is taking a long time (surprise to no one) to be mailed.

 

My questions are:

1) is this still valid? The last related entry is from November 2020 and I think it was until February 2021. https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/temporary-use-i-797-approval-notices-due-covid-19-ead-production-delays

2) I know the EAD is used as both an employment authorization and a travel authorization, so can the I-797 EAD approval notice also be used for traveling outside the country? or do we need either the EAD or the AP?

 

Thanks!

[Crazy Cat 39,190]

2.  Only an approved Advance Parole (approved I-131) document can be used for re-entry into the US during adjustment of status. Although it is often issued as a combo card with an EAD (approved I-765),  An EAD is not necessarily the same as an approved AP document.  An I-797 will not suffice for the actual document.

 

An I-765 and an I-131 are two separate entities.

Edited April 8, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[Noname93 173]

Looking at that link it seems that the exception expired February 1.

"By Feb. 1, 2021, employers must reverify employees who presented this Form I-797 as a List C document. These employees must present new evidence of employment authorization -- either their new EAD or any other acceptable documentation they choose -- from either List A or List C."

 

Also, EAD can not be used to travel. A lot of people who apply for EAD and AP get the combo card which serves as both. However, an EAD by itself does not allow you to leave the country. Therefore  an EAD receipt alone wouldn't prove anything to do with travel.

[Cristina280390 60]

Thanks for the replies, yeah I figured it sounded to good to be truth. Let the wait games continue I guess.... 

[Crazy Cat 39,190]

I have seen a few cases which received EADs, but did not receive approved advance parole documents...although the applicant filed both an I-765 and an I-131. 

[Crazy Cat 39,190]

Just now, Cristina280390 said:

Thanks for the replies, yeah I figured it sounded to good to be truth. Let the wait games continue I guess.... 

Unfortunately, it is a major disadvantage of adjusting status.  Good luck.  I hope the rest of your journey goes smoothly.