USCIS to issue combined card for employment authorization and advance parole

February 14, 2011

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it is now issuing employment and travel authorization on a single card for certain applicants filing an Application to Adjust Status, Form I-485. In the past, USCIS has issued a laminated Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”) and separate, paper Advance Parole documents.

The new card looks similar to the current EAD but will include text that reads, “Serves as I-512 Advance Parole.” A card with this text will serve as both an employment authorization and Advance Parole document. Aliens will still need to submit separate applications simultaneously for Employment Authorization (I-765) and Advance Parole (I-131) in order to receive the combined card. USCIS instructs that applicants must enter identical name and address information on both Forms to receive the new card.

Also, there may be aliens who should not travel on Advance Parole despite the fact that USCIS authorizes such travel. For example, those aliens who have accrued significant unlawful presence may not want to travel using Advance Parole.

Finally, using an EAD to work can take aliens out of their current nonimmigrant status. That is typically a manageable situation, but nonimmigrants should first check on the effect, if any, of using an EAD to work.

Please contact Matthew S. Raynes, mraynes@eatonpeabody.com, for further information.

This alert is provided as general information, and is not a substitute for legal or other professional advice.