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USCIS Issuing EAD Cards without Advanced Parole (AP) Travel Authorization

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Shama Merchant Poonja Headshot

CEO & Managing Attorney

Shama Merchant Poonja

As a first generation American, Ms. Poonja is committed to the field of immigration law. Since 2013, Ms. Poonja has been representing corporate and individual clients on a wide variety of business and family immigration law matters.

Reviewed by:

Sejal Parikh Headshot

Senior Attorney

Sejal Parikh

Ms. Parikh’s experience in business immigration includes representing employers of all sizes in various industry verticals, from Fortune 500 multinational corporations to emerging growth companies, startups, and large consulting companies. She provides expertise across a wide range of employment-based cases, focusing on both nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions.

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Are You a Green Card Applicant with a Pending I-485 Adjustment of Status Application? 

If so, you may be expecting to receive an employment authorization document (EAD) and advance parole (AP) combo card. However, USCIS recently began issuing the two documents separately.

What Is a Combo Card? 

In 2011, USCIS announced that they would begin issuing employment and travel authorization on a single “combo” card for those green card applicants already living lawfully in the United States and filing an adjustment of status (AOS) application.  By combining the documents, USCIS enabled applicants to carry a single document that was more durable and secure than the previous AP document.

Why did USCIS Stop Issuing Combo Cards? 

USCIS has stopped issuing combo cards in an effort to reduce growing EAD backlogs that have created employment interruptions for applicants. Because the two documents now will be sent to you separately, you may receive your EAD card before your AP document.

It is important to understand that the EAD card alone will not permit you to travel and re-enter the U.S. You must carry your separate AP document issued by USCIS to travel. 

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