USCIS to Stop Issuing Combination Work and Travel Cards

USCIS has announced that they will no longer issue combination employment authorization and travel cards to applicants for permanent residence.  Instead, USCIS will issue two separate documents: 1) a regular employment authorization document (“EAD”); and 2) an Advance Parole document. A photo of a sample Advance Parole Document can be found below.

USCIS began issuing combo cards in 2011 to green card applicants in the United States. In combining the two documents, USCIS allowed applicants to carry a single document that was more durable and secure than the paper advance parole document. 

However, lengthening delays in processing these work and travel applications have caused interruptions in work authorization for many green card applicants. By issuing the documents separately, USCIS anticipates speeding up the adjudication of work authorization applications. 

Please note that the EAD alone does not permit re-entry to the United States after international travel. Applicants will need the separate Advance Parole document in order to return to the United States after international travel.  There is an exception for individuals with valid H and L visas. However, we recommend speaking with an immigration lawyer before making international travel plans. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. Please contact me if you would like to discuss this development further.