Advance Parole or AP (Form I-131): The authorization to travel outside the US while your adjustment of status is pending. Note, Form I-131 is also used for Reentry Permit, an application by a US green card holder to be away from USA for over one year.
Topics Discussed:
My I-485 is pending, and my PD is from October 2014. So, it will take a while for my case to be adjudicated. I have an EAD and AP that are valid for five years.
1. Can I go back to India through the same employer, work for 2 to 3 years, and return when my case is current?
2. Can I convert my case to consular processing and go back to India, but can the derivative continue working in the USA until my case is adjudicated?
You can stay in India for an extended period while your Form I-485 is pending, especially if you have a valid Advance Parole document and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for five years. However, maintaining continuity in your job is crucial. If you're still working remotely for the same employer or a different one under the same or similar job, there shouldn't be significant issues.
Quitting your job may raise questions about your green card eligibility. However, if you obtain a job offer from another company, filing a supplement J to demonstrate job continuity is advisable. This ensures that you can re-enter the US smoothly using your Advance Parole upon green card approval.
You can return to India to work for the same employer for multiple years and then come back to the US. You can also convert your case to consular processing if needed, provided there's continuity in your job. As long as your Advance Parole is valid, there shouldn't be any significant impact on your pending Form I-485 until your priority dates become current.
FAQs: Blacklisted employer, F-1, H-1B, L-1 turned back at the airport || H-1B visa and entrepreneurship: Launching a business with US citizen brother, Shareholding, Green card || National Interest Waiver standards; AI list of critical and emerging technologies focus || OPT EAD errors and typos: Eligibility for resubmission or renewal strategy? || How to calculate time: H-1B grace period; H-4 COS; H-1B transfer delays
FAQ: Converting from B visa to any other status such as H-1B, etc.
FAQs: EB-1C (International Managers and Executives): Eligibility for H-1B managers in the USA
Discussion Topics:
AC21, Adjustment of Status laid off related questions, including the following and more:
...................................................................................................
Question: When applying for new jobs, do I need to ask for a new H-1B, or can I work using my current EAD and change employer?
Answer: You can go ahead and join with the EAD but keep the future plan of reactivating your H-1B.
Question: Like H-1B after termination, is there a 60-day rule? Does that rule apply to me also, even though I have an EAD?
Given the current situation with tech layoffs, I wanted to understand the options available for people in my situation.
I’m currently working in the US on H-1B and my GC application (I-485) with PD July 2014 and 485 is in “Case remains pending”.
I have 485 EAD approved till 2024 and Advanced Parole is still pending.
Now if someone switches to EAD and their date becomes current before they can find a job. What are their options?
Also, do we have any info on what the status “Case Remains Pending” means?
1. Switching to EAD is very easy. There is no formal process for it. All you have to do is when you want to convert from H-1B or if you have been laid off present your EAD as documentation of your authorization to work.
2. Travel back into the United States with an H-1B visa and that of course comes after you get an approval from the USCIS.
3. In a case like this you should get your approval. Make sure you get the next job in the same or similar field. Keep some documentation that shows they are in the same or similar field.
I have worked with Mr. Khanna's law firm over the past 4 years for my Green Card process and the experience has been extremely satisfying ! Everyone that has to go through immigration process knows how stressful the whole situation can be and you need to have a lawyer by your side who puts you at complete ease. Mr. Khanna and his team is very friendly, professional, knowledgeable and outstanding in their service. I appreciate their invaluable advice/legal counsel and their promptness in every matter. The whole team is meticulous, very responsive and it's comforting to know that you have such a great lawyer by your side. I'm glad that I made the right decision in switching to Mr. Khanna's law firm and I strongly recommend them to anyone that needs immigration counsel !