U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has finally made it easier for Adjustment of Status applicants to work and travel!
Starting February 11, 2011, USCIS will begin issuing employment and travel authorization for Adjustment of Status applicants in a single card, doing away with the separate paper approvals formerly issued for travel authorization (otherwise known as Advance Parole). This card is to be issued when an applicant files an Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) and an Application for Travel Document (I-131) concurrently with, or after, filing a Form I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status.
The card looks similar to the current Employment Authorization Document (EAD) but will also include text that reads, "Serves as I-512 Advance Parole." USCIS will continue to issue separate EAD and Advance Parole Documents as needed; for example, if you file one application but not the other.
The card will be issued for a period of one or two years, depending on the availability of an immigrant visa for the applicant. USCIS has indicated that it may use its discretion to issue the card for a longer or shorter validity period "depending on the particulars of the case." USCIS has not issued any further guidance on which factors would compel them to use their discretion in such a matter.
Employers may accept this card as a List A document when completing the Employment Eligibility Verification on Form I-9.
A sample card is provided below:
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