marc941

I hope your situation has already been resolved, but in case it hasn't, and for anyone else that runs into this in the future ... my husband just went through this mess. He was stuck in the D.R.    Despite everyone (including USCIS) telling us to contact the embassy for assistance, the embassy cannot issue a "Transportation Letter" or a "Boarding Foil" unless you are an LPR (Greencard holder).  USCIS has proven to be completely useless and clueless.  Our local field office director didn't know what to do, and checked with the regional director, and they concurred that they couldn't help us process a replacement parole document.  They contacted the field office director in D.R. who indicated they also were unable to.  They basically said "maybe" if you send in a request to the national processing center (complete with the $575 fee required for replacement of a lost document) that they might be able to help.  It's been 3 weeks since I overnighted that application package to the Chicago lockbox with "Emergency Advance Parole Request" written in red sharpie on the outside, along with a cover letter inside explaining that my husband is stranded out of the country, and I've yet to receive ANY activity.  They haven't cashed the check.  They haven't send me a receipt notice.  They haven't rejected or returned the application.  They haven't texted, emailed, mailed, smoke signals, nothing. 
 
Luckily, I found another avenue to get my husband home.  A half dozen different CBP officers told me they'd be able to admit my husband to enter the country, although it wouldn't be quick & easy, and would take a few hours.  The airline turned out to be the biggest obstacle.  That's because of the huge fines ($4,300) they get from CBP for bringing someone to the US without proper travel documents.  It turns out that CBP operates a special hotline/department called RCLG, Regional Carrier Liaison Group.  Their purpose is to field calls from the airlines about customers with problems with travel documents.  It took 2 weeks of fighting with the airline and escalating my way up to management, but finally got the airline to agree to call RCLG.  I think they just didn't know the process or didn't want to be bothered with it.  Ultimately, they called, and RCLG gave the recommendation to allow my husband to board the plane, which absolved them of the liability and potential fines.   When he arrived in Fort Lauderdale, they only asked a few basic questions about where/why he traveled and how he lost the parole document.  He provided them with a copy of the police report.  It took several extra hours on each end of the flight, but he finally made it back.  What a mess.  I'm so disgusted with our government and USCIS right now.  CBP turned out to be the most helpful in all of this.  USCIS and the State department couldn't have been less helpful.

We just finished most of the process in June and July in Santo Domingo, so hopefully this helps you.  I know how frustrating it was, because there was not much up-to-date information about the process there.
1.  We filed DS160 online after receiving NOA2, prior to having NVC number.  You will be asked for the USCIS application number when you complete DS160.  It does not ask for NVC number.
2.  You will register for an account at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/do/ to schedule both your VAC appointment and the interview appointment at the same moment.  You must pay the fee prior to scheduling.  We were able to pay on this website with a credit card, so it was not necessary to go pay cash at Banco Popular.  It is recommended to schedule them at least 3 weeks apart to leave time for medical results (we picked up results in sealed envelope about 8 days after the medical was conducted)
3.  See #2
4.  I don't think there's any such thing as "Packet 4" anymore, or at least, not in the D.R.  We never received any such thing.  The NVC told me they send the file to Santo Domingo embassy electronically.  Sure enough, I received an email from the embassy the following day, telling me to proceed with scheduling appointment (which I had already done 3 or 4 days prior).  You need to take this printed email from the embassy with you for the medical exam!  I don't think that is in any of the instructions, and my fiance had a problem because he did not have it with him.
5.  Nope!
6.  It is not required for petitioner to attend interview, but I wanted to be there with my fiance.  Although not required, I think it helps to add legitimacy to the case, and maybe less likely that they have suspicion.  If you have very strong documentation of your relationship, it is probably less important.  If you don't have much proof/documentation (photos, receipts, airline boarding passes from previous visits) then maybe it is better for your fiance to attend the interview.  Also, it's a very stressful and intimidating day, and a very beautiful moment to share together when you are approved!
7.  My fiance's police certificate that we used is a "Certificado de no antecedentes penales" which he was able to obtain online electronically.  
 
Marc

We just finished most of the process in June and July in Santo Domingo, so hopefully this helps you.  I know how frustrating it was, because there was not much up-to-date information about the process there.
1.  We filed DS160 online after receiving NOA2, prior to having NVC number.  You will be asked for the USCIS application number when you complete DS160.  It does not ask for NVC number.
2.  You will register for an account at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/do/ to schedule both your VAC appointment and the interview appointment at the same moment.  You must pay the fee prior to scheduling.  We were able to pay on this website with a credit card, so it was not necessary to go pay cash at Banco Popular.  It is recommended to schedule them at least 3 weeks apart to leave time for medical results (we picked up results in sealed envelope about 8 days after the medical was conducted)
3.  See #2
4.  I don't think there's any such thing as "Packet 4" anymore, or at least, not in the D.R.  We never received any such thing.  The NVC told me they send the file to Santo Domingo embassy electronically.  Sure enough, I received an email from the embassy the following day, telling me to proceed with scheduling appointment (which I had already done 3 or 4 days prior).  You need to take this printed email from the embassy with you for the medical exam!  I don't think that is in any of the instructions, and my fiance had a problem because he did not have it with him.
5.  Nope!
6.  It is not required for petitioner to attend interview, but I wanted to be there with my fiance.  Although not required, I think it helps to add legitimacy to the case, and maybe less likely that they have suspicion.  If you have very strong documentation of your relationship, it is probably less important.  If you don't have much proof/documentation (photos, receipts, airline boarding passes from previous visits) then maybe it is better for your fiance to attend the interview.  Also, it's a very stressful and intimidating day, and a very beautiful moment to share together when you are approved!
7.  My fiance's police certificate that we used is a "Certificado de no antecedentes penales" which he was able to obtain online electronically.  
 
Marc

We just finished most of the process in June and July in Santo Domingo, so hopefully this helps you.  I know how frustrating it was, because there was not much up-to-date information about the process there.
1.  We filed DS160 online after receiving NOA2, prior to having NVC number.  You will be asked for the USCIS application number when you complete DS160.  It does not ask for NVC number.
2.  You will register for an account at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/do/ to schedule both your VAC appointment and the interview appointment at the same moment.  You must pay the fee prior to scheduling.  We were able to pay on this website with a credit card, so it was not necessary to go pay cash at Banco Popular.  It is recommended to schedule them at least 3 weeks apart to leave time for medical results (we picked up results in sealed envelope about 8 days after the medical was conducted)
3.  See #2
4.  I don't think there's any such thing as "Packet 4" anymore, or at least, not in the D.R.  We never received any such thing.  The NVC told me they send the file to Santo Domingo embassy electronically.  Sure enough, I received an email from the embassy the following day, telling me to proceed with scheduling appointment (which I had already done 3 or 4 days prior).  You need to take this printed email from the embassy with you for the medical exam!  I don't think that is in any of the instructions, and my fiance had a problem because he did not have it with him.
5.  Nope!
6.  It is not required for petitioner to attend interview, but I wanted to be there with my fiance.  Although not required, I think it helps to add legitimacy to the case, and maybe less likely that they have suspicion.  If you have very strong documentation of your relationship, it is probably less important.  If you don't have much proof/documentation (photos, receipts, airline boarding passes from previous visits) then maybe it is better for your fiance to attend the interview.  Also, it's a very stressful and intimidating day, and a very beautiful moment to share together when you are approved!
7.  My fiance's police certificate that we used is a "Certificado de no antecedentes penales" which he was able to obtain online electronically.  
 
Marc

I had similar concerns with our interview in the Dominican Republic recently, but we had no problems.  I felt very comfortable in the embassy.  I didn't feel that anyone was judging us or treated us any differently because we are a same sex couple.

We just finished most of the process in June and July in Santo Domingo, so hopefully this helps you.  I know how frustrating it was, because there was not much up-to-date information about the process there.
1.  We filed DS160 online after receiving NOA2, prior to having NVC number.  You will be asked for the USCIS application number when you complete DS160.  It does not ask for NVC number.
2.  You will register for an account at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/do/ to schedule both your VAC appointment and the interview appointment at the same moment.  You must pay the fee prior to scheduling.  We were able to pay on this website with a credit card, so it was not necessary to go pay cash at Banco Popular.  It is recommended to schedule them at least 3 weeks apart to leave time for medical results (we picked up results in sealed envelope about 8 days after the medical was conducted)
3.  See #2
4.  I don't think there's any such thing as "Packet 4" anymore, or at least, not in the D.R.  We never received any such thing.  The NVC told me they send the file to Santo Domingo embassy electronically.  Sure enough, I received an email from the embassy the following day, telling me to proceed with scheduling appointment (which I had already done 3 or 4 days prior).  You need to take this printed email from the embassy with you for the medical exam!  I don't think that is in any of the instructions, and my fiance had a problem because he did not have it with him.
5.  Nope!
6.  It is not required for petitioner to attend interview, but I wanted to be there with my fiance.  Although not required, I think it helps to add legitimacy to the case, and maybe less likely that they have suspicion.  If you have very strong documentation of your relationship, it is probably less important.  If you don't have much proof/documentation (photos, receipts, airline boarding passes from previous visits) then maybe it is better for your fiance to attend the interview.  Also, it's a very stressful and intimidating day, and a very beautiful moment to share together when you are approved!
7.  My fiance's police certificate that we used is a "Certificado de no antecedentes penales" which he was able to obtain online electronically.  
 
Marc

We just finished most of the process in June and July in Santo Domingo, so hopefully this helps you.  I know how frustrating it was, because there was not much up-to-date information about the process there.
1.  We filed DS160 online after receiving NOA2, prior to having NVC number.  You will be asked for the USCIS application number when you complete DS160.  It does not ask for NVC number.
2.  You will register for an account at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/do/ to schedule both your VAC appointment and the interview appointment at the same moment.  You must pay the fee prior to scheduling.  We were able to pay on this website with a credit card, so it was not necessary to go pay cash at Banco Popular.  It is recommended to schedule them at least 3 weeks apart to leave time for medical results (we picked up results in sealed envelope about 8 days after the medical was conducted)
3.  See #2
4.  I don't think there's any such thing as "Packet 4" anymore, or at least, not in the D.R.  We never received any such thing.  The NVC told me they send the file to Santo Domingo embassy electronically.  Sure enough, I received an email from the embassy the following day, telling me to proceed with scheduling appointment (which I had already done 3 or 4 days prior).  You need to take this printed email from the embassy with you for the medical exam!  I don't think that is in any of the instructions, and my fiance had a problem because he did not have it with him.
5.  Nope!
6.  It is not required for petitioner to attend interview, but I wanted to be there with my fiance.  Although not required, I think it helps to add legitimacy to the case, and maybe less likely that they have suspicion.  If you have very strong documentation of your relationship, it is probably less important.  If you don't have much proof/documentation (photos, receipts, airline boarding passes from previous visits) then maybe it is better for your fiance to attend the interview.  Also, it's a very stressful and intimidating day, and a very beautiful moment to share together when you are approved!
7.  My fiance's police certificate that we used is a "Certificado de no antecedentes penales" which he was able to obtain online electronically.  
 
Marc

I had similar concerns with our interview in the Dominican Republic recently, but we had no problems.  I felt very comfortable in the embassy.  I didn't feel that anyone was judging us or treated us any differently because we are a same sex couple.

We just finished most of the process in June and July in Santo Domingo, so hopefully this helps you.  I know how frustrating it was, because there was not much up-to-date information about the process there.
1.  We filed DS160 online after receiving NOA2, prior to having NVC number.  You will be asked for the USCIS application number when you complete DS160.  It does not ask for NVC number.
2.  You will register for an account at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/do/ to schedule both your VAC appointment and the interview appointment at the same moment.  You must pay the fee prior to scheduling.  We were able to pay on this website with a credit card, so it was not necessary to go pay cash at Banco Popular.  It is recommended to schedule them at least 3 weeks apart to leave time for medical results (we picked up results in sealed envelope about 8 days after the medical was conducted)
3.  See #2
4.  I don't think there's any such thing as "Packet 4" anymore, or at least, not in the D.R.  We never received any such thing.  The NVC told me they send the file to Santo Domingo embassy electronically.  Sure enough, I received an email from the embassy the following day, telling me to proceed with scheduling appointment (which I had already done 3 or 4 days prior).  You need to take this printed email from the embassy with you for the medical exam!  I don't think that is in any of the instructions, and my fiance had a problem because he did not have it with him.
5.  Nope!
6.  It is not required for petitioner to attend interview, but I wanted to be there with my fiance.  Although not required, I think it helps to add legitimacy to the case, and maybe less likely that they have suspicion.  If you have very strong documentation of your relationship, it is probably less important.  If you don't have much proof/documentation (photos, receipts, airline boarding passes from previous visits) then maybe it is better for your fiance to attend the interview.  Also, it's a very stressful and intimidating day, and a very beautiful moment to share together when you are approved!
7.  My fiance's police certificate that we used is a "Certificado de no antecedentes penales" which he was able to obtain online electronically.  
 
Marc

I hope your situation has already been resolved, but in case it hasn't, and for anyone else that runs into this in the future ... my husband just went through this mess. He was stuck in the D.R.    Despite everyone (including USCIS) telling us to contact the embassy for assistance, the embassy cannot issue a "Transportation Letter" or a "Boarding Foil" unless you are an LPR (Greencard holder).  USCIS has proven to be completely useless and clueless.  Our local field office director didn't know what to do, and checked with the regional director, and they concurred that they couldn't help us process a replacement parole document.  They contacted the field office director in D.R. who indicated they also were unable to.  They basically said "maybe" if you send in a request to the national processing center (complete with the $575 fee required for replacement of a lost document) that they might be able to help.  It's been 3 weeks since I overnighted that application package to the Chicago lockbox with "Emergency Advance Parole Request" written in red sharpie on the outside, along with a cover letter inside explaining that my husband is stranded out of the country, and I've yet to receive ANY activity.  They haven't cashed the check.  They haven't send me a receipt notice.  They haven't rejected or returned the application.  They haven't texted, emailed, mailed, smoke signals, nothing. 
 
Luckily, I found another avenue to get my husband home.  A half dozen different CBP officers told me they'd be able to admit my husband to enter the country, although it wouldn't be quick & easy, and would take a few hours.  The airline turned out to be the biggest obstacle.  That's because of the huge fines ($4,300) they get from CBP for bringing someone to the US without proper travel documents.  It turns out that CBP operates a special hotline/department called RCLG, Regional Carrier Liaison Group.  Their purpose is to field calls from the airlines about customers with problems with travel documents.  It took 2 weeks of fighting with the airline and escalating my way up to management, but finally got the airline to agree to call RCLG.  I think they just didn't know the process or didn't want to be bothered with it.  Ultimately, they called, and RCLG gave the recommendation to allow my husband to board the plane, which absolved them of the liability and potential fines.   When he arrived in Fort Lauderdale, they only asked a few basic questions about where/why he traveled and how he lost the parole document.  He provided them with a copy of the police report.  It took several extra hours on each end of the flight, but he finally made it back.  What a mess.  I'm so disgusted with our government and USCIS right now.  CBP turned out to be the most helpful in all of this.  USCIS and the State department couldn't have been less helpful.

If you're talking about 22 months being the higher end of the range they give, I wouldn't worry too much about it.  It would seem that the majority of cases are completed within the earlier of the two numbers they give, with the more difficult cases taking up to the second number.  Stay optimistic that your case will wrap up on the lower end!

I hope your situation has already been resolved, but in case it hasn't, and for anyone else that runs into this in the future ... my husband just went through this mess. He was stuck in the D.R.    Despite everyone (including USCIS) telling us to contact the embassy for assistance, the embassy cannot issue a "Transportation Letter" or a "Boarding Foil" unless you are an LPR (Greencard holder).  USCIS has proven to be completely useless and clueless.  Our local field office director didn't know what to do, and checked with the regional director, and they concurred that they couldn't help us process a replacement parole document.  They contacted the field office director in D.R. who indicated they also were unable to.  They basically said "maybe" if you send in a request to the national processing center (complete with the $575 fee required for replacement of a lost document) that they might be able to help.  It's been 3 weeks since I overnighted that application package to the Chicago lockbox with "Emergency Advance Parole Request" written in red sharpie on the outside, along with a cover letter inside explaining that my husband is stranded out of the country, and I've yet to receive ANY activity.  They haven't cashed the check.  They haven't send me a receipt notice.  They haven't rejected or returned the application.  They haven't texted, emailed, mailed, smoke signals, nothing. 
 
Luckily, I found another avenue to get my husband home.  A half dozen different CBP officers told me they'd be able to admit my husband to enter the country, although it wouldn't be quick & easy, and would take a few hours.  The airline turned out to be the biggest obstacle.  That's because of the huge fines ($4,300) they get from CBP for bringing someone to the US without proper travel documents.  It turns out that CBP operates a special hotline/department called RCLG, Regional Carrier Liaison Group.  Their purpose is to field calls from the airlines about customers with problems with travel documents.  It took 2 weeks of fighting with the airline and escalating my way up to management, but finally got the airline to agree to call RCLG.  I think they just didn't know the process or didn't want to be bothered with it.  Ultimately, they called, and RCLG gave the recommendation to allow my husband to board the plane, which absolved them of the liability and potential fines.   When he arrived in Fort Lauderdale, they only asked a few basic questions about where/why he traveled and how he lost the parole document.  He provided them with a copy of the police report.  It took several extra hours on each end of the flight, but he finally made it back.  What a mess.  I'm so disgusted with our government and USCIS right now.  CBP turned out to be the most helpful in all of this.  USCIS and the State department couldn't have been less helpful.

I hope your situation has already been resolved, but in case it hasn't, and for anyone else that runs into this in the future ... my husband just went through this mess. He was stuck in the D.R.    Despite everyone (including USCIS) telling us to contact the embassy for assistance, the embassy cannot issue a "Transportation Letter" or a "Boarding Foil" unless you are an LPR (Greencard holder).  USCIS has proven to be completely useless and clueless.  Our local field office director didn't know what to do, and checked with the regional director, and they concurred that they couldn't help us process a replacement parole document.  They contacted the field office director in D.R. who indicated they also were unable to.  They basically said "maybe" if you send in a request to the national processing center (complete with the $575 fee required for replacement of a lost document) that they might be able to help.  It's been 3 weeks since I overnighted that application package to the Chicago lockbox with "Emergency Advance Parole Request" written in red sharpie on the outside, along with a cover letter inside explaining that my husband is stranded out of the country, and I've yet to receive ANY activity.  They haven't cashed the check.  They haven't send me a receipt notice.  They haven't rejected or returned the application.  They haven't texted, emailed, mailed, smoke signals, nothing. 
 
Luckily, I found another avenue to get my husband home.  A half dozen different CBP officers told me they'd be able to admit my husband to enter the country, although it wouldn't be quick & easy, and would take a few hours.  The airline turned out to be the biggest obstacle.  That's because of the huge fines ($4,300) they get from CBP for bringing someone to the US without proper travel documents.  It turns out that CBP operates a special hotline/department called RCLG, Regional Carrier Liaison Group.  Their purpose is to field calls from the airlines about customers with problems with travel documents.  It took 2 weeks of fighting with the airline and escalating my way up to management, but finally got the airline to agree to call RCLG.  I think they just didn't know the process or didn't want to be bothered with it.  Ultimately, they called, and RCLG gave the recommendation to allow my husband to board the plane, which absolved them of the liability and potential fines.   When he arrived in Fort Lauderdale, they only asked a few basic questions about where/why he traveled and how he lost the parole document.  He provided them with a copy of the police report.  It took several extra hours on each end of the flight, but he finally made it back.  What a mess.  I'm so disgusted with our government and USCIS right now.  CBP turned out to be the most helpful in all of this.  USCIS and the State department couldn't have been less helpful.

I hope your situation has already been resolved, but in case it hasn't, and for anyone else that runs into this in the future ... my husband just went through this mess. He was stuck in the D.R.    Despite everyone (including USCIS) telling us to contact the embassy for assistance, the embassy cannot issue a "Transportation Letter" or a "Boarding Foil" unless you are an LPR (Greencard holder).  USCIS has proven to be completely useless and clueless.  Our local field office director didn't know what to do, and checked with the regional director, and they concurred that they couldn't help us process a replacement parole document.  They contacted the field office director in D.R. who indicated they also were unable to.  They basically said "maybe" if you send in a request to the national processing center (complete with the $575 fee required for replacement of a lost document) that they might be able to help.  It's been 3 weeks since I overnighted that application package to the Chicago lockbox with "Emergency Advance Parole Request" written in red sharpie on the outside, along with a cover letter inside explaining that my husband is stranded out of the country, and I've yet to receive ANY activity.  They haven't cashed the check.  They haven't send me a receipt notice.  They haven't rejected or returned the application.  They haven't texted, emailed, mailed, smoke signals, nothing. 
 
Luckily, I found another avenue to get my husband home.  A half dozen different CBP officers told me they'd be able to admit my husband to enter the country, although it wouldn't be quick & easy, and would take a few hours.  The airline turned out to be the biggest obstacle.  That's because of the huge fines ($4,300) they get from CBP for bringing someone to the US without proper travel documents.  It turns out that CBP operates a special hotline/department called RCLG, Regional Carrier Liaison Group.  Their purpose is to field calls from the airlines about customers with problems with travel documents.  It took 2 weeks of fighting with the airline and escalating my way up to management, but finally got the airline to agree to call RCLG.  I think they just didn't know the process or didn't want to be bothered with it.  Ultimately, they called, and RCLG gave the recommendation to allow my husband to board the plane, which absolved them of the liability and potential fines.   When he arrived in Fort Lauderdale, they only asked a few basic questions about where/why he traveled and how he lost the parole document.  He provided them with a copy of the police report.  It took several extra hours on each end of the flight, but he finally made it back.  What a mess.  I'm so disgusted with our government and USCIS right now.  CBP turned out to be the most helpful in all of this.  USCIS and the State department couldn't have been less helpful.

We just finished most of the process in June and July in Santo Domingo, so hopefully this helps you.  I know how frustrating it was, because there was not much up-to-date information about the process there.
1.  We filed DS160 online after receiving NOA2, prior to having NVC number.  You will be asked for the USCIS application number when you complete DS160.  It does not ask for NVC number.
2.  You will register for an account at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/do/ to schedule both your VAC appointment and the interview appointment at the same moment.  You must pay the fee prior to scheduling.  We were able to pay on this website with a credit card, so it was not necessary to go pay cash at Banco Popular.  It is recommended to schedule them at least 3 weeks apart to leave time for medical results (we picked up results in sealed envelope about 8 days after the medical was conducted)
3.  See #2
4.  I don't think there's any such thing as "Packet 4" anymore, or at least, not in the D.R.  We never received any such thing.  The NVC told me they send the file to Santo Domingo embassy electronically.  Sure enough, I received an email from the embassy the following day, telling me to proceed with scheduling appointment (which I had already done 3 or 4 days prior).  You need to take this printed email from the embassy with you for the medical exam!  I don't think that is in any of the instructions, and my fiance had a problem because he did not have it with him.
5.  Nope!
6.  It is not required for petitioner to attend interview, but I wanted to be there with my fiance.  Although not required, I think it helps to add legitimacy to the case, and maybe less likely that they have suspicion.  If you have very strong documentation of your relationship, it is probably less important.  If you don't have much proof/documentation (photos, receipts, airline boarding passes from previous visits) then maybe it is better for your fiance to attend the interview.  Also, it's a very stressful and intimidating day, and a very beautiful moment to share together when you are approved!
7.  My fiance's police certificate that we used is a "Certificado de no antecedentes penales" which he was able to obtain online electronically.  
 
Marc

I don't recall making any comment about what anyone can or can't do. I simply shared my horrific experience, because I encouraged my husband to use his AP and take this trip to see his family who he had been missing for many months, and now regret it.  We were unaware of these consequences and I just want to make sure everyone else is informed of the risk.  This is a risk I was previously unaware of and wish I'd known.  Everyone made it seem like travel on AP is no big deal.  I'm simply pointing out that you have a very big problem if your AP is lost while out of the country. Everyone can do as they wish with that information.

I don't recall making any comment about what anyone can or can't do. I simply shared my horrific experience, because I encouraged my husband to use his AP and take this trip to see his family who he had been missing for many months, and now regret it.  We were unaware of these consequences and I just want to make sure everyone else is informed of the risk.  This is a risk I was previously unaware of and wish I'd known.  Everyone made it seem like travel on AP is no big deal.  I'm simply pointing out that you have a very big problem if your AP is lost while out of the country. Everyone can do as they wish with that information.

I already posted about this earlier, but my husband is stranded in D.R. now because his wallet was stolen with his AP/EAD.  The embassy can do nothing, and airline says sorry you can't board without original card.  Apparently, only option is for me to apply for replacement AP (and pay full price for it, $575) which will likely take several weeks at minimum, if we request expedited processing.  Wallets are lost and stolen all the time, I can't believe there is no recourse, but I've spent nearly all week on the phone with various agencies trying to find a way to get him home.  Given that it's impossible to come home if your card is lost or stolen, I strongly advise against travel.  Embassy can provide help with lost passports and lost green cards, but they can't do anything with EAD/AP!

I don't recall making any comment about what anyone can or can't do. I simply shared my horrific experience, because I encouraged my husband to use his AP and take this trip to see his family who he had been missing for many months, and now regret it.  We were unaware of these consequences and I just want to make sure everyone else is informed of the risk.  This is a risk I was previously unaware of and wish I'd known.  Everyone made it seem like travel on AP is no big deal.  I'm simply pointing out that you have a very big problem if your AP is lost while out of the country. Everyone can do as they wish with that information.

Just a word of warning to everyone, and to vent a little ... be really careful when considering traveling with Advance Parole.  
 
After sooooo many months apart, my husband came here in September, we were married in November, and life has been wonderful.  His EAD/AP was approved and combo card received in January.  We thought it would be really great for him to return to his home country (Dominican Republic) for a visit with family now that he could travel, and to do so before he gets a job that would interfere with potential travel.  So, we bought him a round trip ticket and off he went 2 days ago.  
 
His wallet was either lost or stolen in the airport during his arrival in Dom Rep.  He no longer has his EAD/AP combo card.  I wasn't too alarmed at first, as this kind of happens all the time and I'm sure there's a protocol for it.  However, it seems there is not.  The letter received with the combo card specifically says "if the card is lost or stolen while you are out of the country, contact the nearest embassy for a travel document".  Of course, when contacting the embassy, they say they can't help with it and to contact USCIS.  USCIS says to contact the embassy.  USCIS also advises that he can apply for a new card, complete with the typical +/- 3 month wait time and paying all the fees again, but it can only be done from within the US.  He can't get to the US without the card.
 
Of the dozens of people I've talked or emailed with at USCIS HQ, USCIS Dom Rep, State Dept, and Embassy, there's one common theme:  It's not their agency that handles it.
 
Someone online suggested something called a "boarding foil" or "travel letter" but the embassy tells me those are only for if you lose your green card, and all of the info I can find online says the same.  I read one story of someone in Rome getting it with a situation similar to ours (pending AOS w/ approved EAD/AP), but that seems to have been a fluke or a mistake on the embassy's part.
 
I just want to cry.  This was supposed to be a happy trip for him to see his family and now we don't even know how many months may go by before he can come home.
 
Luckily he has photocopies of everything with him.  After spending all day on the phone with government agencies, my only hope is that the airline will allow him to board the airplane with photocopies of the lost EAD/AP card and the approval notice, and that CBP will subsequently admit him.  It seems like a long shot, but it seems logical that these things happen and CBP should be able to look in the computer, see that he has pending AOS and approved AP, and let him in.  I imagine they'll give him a hard time, but hopefully they let him in.  If not, I don't know what to do.
 
Had I known how unreasonable the government is in such a situation, I never would've encouraged my spouse to take this trip.  I strongly encourage everyone to wait until you have LPR status before leaving the country.
 

It looks like we were among the lucky ones!  AOS/EAD/AP applications delivered to USCIS 11/14/17.  EAD/AP Combo card received 01/20/18!  Somehow, our case has moved faster than average through every step of this process, so I'm going to remain optimistic that the same will happen for AOS.  Fingers crossed! ... Or, Dedos cruzados as my husband taught me en Español
 
I wish I could get some information on processing times for Fort Myers FL field office.  It's a relatively new office, about 2 years old as I understand it, and even though it's listed on USCIS' field offices page, it's not available in the drop down list on the USCIS processing times page.  Equally frustrating is the fact that VJ also doesn't list this office on their website.  It's presumably a catch-22 where VJ maybe doesn't show it because no one has entered any statistics for that office, but until that office is added to VJ, no one CAN add any statistics for it.  
 
I've tried letting both USCIS and VJ know about this missing office, but neither one responds to my inquiries. :/

When was your biometrics done?  The posts of people getting their EAD/AP approved is getting closer and closer to the date we filed.    
 
Cancel that.   After I posted I checked your timeline.   
 
We were 11/27 and 12/26.   Can’t wait.  It’s so satisfying to reach a step in the ladder.     We are in west palm.   Hope things go well for you in fort Myers.   
 
 

We received 2 more case updates online today. First, EAD changed from "card in production" to "card mailed 1/16" and then a couple hours later, AP (travel) changed to approved.  We submitted 11/13 (via overnight, receive date 11/14). (AOS via k1 for those interested).  Now just waiting for the mail, and hopefully some activity on the AOS!

I just received an email and text about an update on my husband's EAD case status ... Our previous "last update" date on the website of 1/5/18 has changed to 1/12 and now says card in production!  (Filed Nov 14th!)

I just received an email and text about an update on my husband's EAD case status ... Our previous "last update" date on the website of 1/5/18 has changed to 1/12 and now says card in production!  (Filed Nov 14th!)