HSJH

Just an update for anyone in a similar situation in the future:
I called USCIS (800-375-5283) and requested the tracking number for my EAD/AP document. Through this, I was able to see when the card would arrive. I was packed and ready to leave, and when it arrived with the mail at 1pm, I was out the door! I was able to spend 8 days with my family and still be back in time to begin work yesterday. Leaving the country was easy (they didn't even know what AP was), but it was a bit of a hassle on the way back into the US. They were very nice, but it took about an hour in secondary processing at a land border.
It took a total of 8 days for my card to arrive after I received the email that it had been ordered. I hope this help someone else in the future!

I am quite sure that I read somewhere that you are not legally allowed to work anywhere (in the US OR overseas) whilst waiting for EAD.  I have no idea where I read it but this is why I haven't been freelancing since I got here.  See if google has some answers just to be safe.

that's good to know - thanks! I just called and filed for an expedite request - no wait on USCIS line and the csr was nice and efficient - double like! should hear back in 5 days. fingers crossed! 

I did a ton of research on it and that's what I thought as well. I am in the same situation and hence 'taking a break' - just to be safe - but the 'vacation' is getting a bit lengthy and I am getting antsy.. 

After a frustrating day running around Shanghai trying to get a heads start on the police report (I'm from Hong Kong but has been working in Shanghai for the past 2.5 years), still to no avail (anyone has any advise on that, btw? they kept saying 'we cannot release a report for you coz you are from Hong Kong.. and kept pushing me to another station/dept..) 
 
Tonight, to my complete surprise - I checked our K1 status mindlessly and IT WAS APPROVED!!! (our NOA 1 was Jan 19 ) 
 
This forum has been a saving grace for me (long time lurker, first time post-er Best of luck to everyone! Everyday is another step closer for us! 
 

After a frustrating day running around Shanghai trying to get a heads start on the police report (I'm from Hong Kong but has been working in Shanghai for the past 2.5 years), still to no avail (anyone has any advise on that, btw? they kept saying 'we cannot release a report for you coz you are from Hong Kong.. and kept pushing me to another station/dept..) 
 
Tonight, to my complete surprise - I checked our K1 status mindlessly and IT WAS APPROVED!!! (our NOA 1 was Jan 19 ) 
 
This forum has been a saving grace for me (long time lurker, first time post-er Best of luck to everyone! Everyday is another step closer for us! 
 

After a frustrating day running around Shanghai trying to get a heads start on the police report (I'm from Hong Kong but has been working in Shanghai for the past 2.5 years), still to no avail (anyone has any advise on that, btw? they kept saying 'we cannot release a report for you coz you are from Hong Kong.. and kept pushing me to another station/dept..) 
 
Tonight, to my complete surprise - I checked our K1 status mindlessly and IT WAS APPROVED!!! (our NOA 1 was Jan 19 ) 
 
This forum has been a saving grace for me (long time lurker, first time post-er Best of luck to everyone! Everyday is another step closer for us! 
 

After a frustrating day running around Shanghai trying to get a heads start on the police report (I'm from Hong Kong but has been working in Shanghai for the past 2.5 years), still to no avail (anyone has any advise on that, btw? they kept saying 'we cannot release a report for you coz you are from Hong Kong.. and kept pushing me to another station/dept..) 
 
Tonight, to my complete surprise - I checked our K1 status mindlessly and IT WAS APPROVED!!! (our NOA 1 was Jan 19 ) 
 
This forum has been a saving grace for me (long time lurker, first time post-er Best of luck to everyone! Everyday is another step closer for us! 
 

After a frustrating day running around Shanghai trying to get a heads start on the police report (I'm from Hong Kong but has been working in Shanghai for the past 2.5 years), still to no avail (anyone has any advise on that, btw? they kept saying 'we cannot release a report for you coz you are from Hong Kong.. and kept pushing me to another station/dept..) 
 
Tonight, to my complete surprise - I checked our K1 status mindlessly and IT WAS APPROVED!!! (our NOA 1 was Jan 19 ) 
 
This forum has been a saving grace for me (long time lurker, first time post-er Best of luck to everyone! Everyday is another step closer for us! 
 

After a frustrating day running around Shanghai trying to get a heads start on the police report (I'm from Hong Kong but has been working in Shanghai for the past 2.5 years), still to no avail (anyone has any advise on that, btw? they kept saying 'we cannot release a report for you coz you are from Hong Kong.. and kept pushing me to another station/dept..) 
 
Tonight, to my complete surprise - I checked our K1 status mindlessly and IT WAS APPROVED!!! (our NOA 1 was Jan 19 ) 
 
This forum has been a saving grace for me (long time lurker, first time post-er Best of luck to everyone! Everyday is another step closer for us! 
 

After a frustrating day running around Shanghai trying to get a heads start on the police report (I'm from Hong Kong but has been working in Shanghai for the past 2.5 years), still to no avail (anyone has any advise on that, btw? they kept saying 'we cannot release a report for you coz you are from Hong Kong.. and kept pushing me to another station/dept..) 
 
Tonight, to my complete surprise - I checked our K1 status mindlessly and IT WAS APPROVED!!! (our NOA 1 was Jan 19 ) 
 
This forum has been a saving grace for me (long time lurker, first time post-er Best of luck to everyone! Everyday is another step closer for us! 
 

After a frustrating day running around Shanghai trying to get a heads start on the police report (I'm from Hong Kong but has been working in Shanghai for the past 2.5 years), still to no avail (anyone has any advise on that, btw? they kept saying 'we cannot release a report for you coz you are from Hong Kong.. and kept pushing me to another station/dept..) 
 
Tonight, to my complete surprise - I checked our K1 status mindlessly and IT WAS APPROVED!!! (our NOA 1 was Jan 19 ) 
 
This forum has been a saving grace for me (long time lurker, first time post-er Best of luck to everyone! Everyday is another step closer for us! 
 

After a frustrating day running around Shanghai trying to get a heads start on the police report (I'm from Hong Kong but has been working in Shanghai for the past 2.5 years), still to no avail (anyone has any advise on that, btw? they kept saying 'we cannot release a report for you coz you are from Hong Kong.. and kept pushing me to another station/dept..) 
 
Tonight, to my complete surprise - I checked our K1 status mindlessly and IT WAS APPROVED!!! (our NOA 1 was Jan 19 ) 
 
This forum has been a saving grace for me (long time lurker, first time post-er Best of luck to everyone! Everyday is another step closer for us!