In the journey of U.S. immigration, the Combo Card plays a significant role, providing numerous conveniences for international students and immigrants who hold the American dream. It not only grants the holder the right to work legally in the United States but also removes travel restrictions while waiting for a Green Card, making the immigrant lifestyle more flexible and convenient. So, what exactly is a Combo Card? How can one obtain it? And what are the important precautions? Let us delve into every aspect of this card.
What is a Combo Card?
The Combo Card is a temporary card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that combines the functions of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP). It is applicable to those who have filed an I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, allowing for legal employment and international travel.
EAD (Employment Authorization Document): Allows the holder to work legally in the United States without being restricted by a specific employer or visa type.
AP (Advance Parole): Supports the holder in re-entering the United States after short-term departures without affecting the Green Card application process.
Currently, the Combo Card is known as the "Small Green Card" due to its convenience and practicality, which are similar to those of an official Green Card. With a Combo Card, you can legally live, work, study, and travel in the United States, which is almost equivalent to having temporary immigrant status in the U.S.
It should be noted that although the Combo Card is similar in function to a Green Card, it does not mean the holder has permanent residency in the United States.
Unique Advantages of the Combo Card
Employment Freedom: You can freely choose employers and change jobs without relying on H-1B, OPT, or other visas. Short-term Travel Rights: Supports needs such as visiting family and business travel (note the time limits for departure). Legalized Status: Resolves U.S. residency status issues before the Green Card is approved, avoiding the risk of "overstaying." Social Benefits: You can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and a driver's license, and enjoy certain rights of local residents.
Precautions for the Combo Card
◆ Do not leave the country before receiving the card, as this may be considered an abandonment of the I-485 adjustment of status application, rendering the application invalid.
◆ Present your Combo Card upon entry; do not use other visas (such as F-1/H-1B), otherwise, it will be considered an automatic abandonment of the I-485 adjustment of status application.
◆ Carry the original Combo Card/I-512L Advance Parole document with you when leaving the country (copies are invalid!). Be sure to retrieve the original after inspection.
◆ Each departure should be ≤ 180 days.
◆ Have your I-485 receipt notice and I-765/I-131 approval notices ready.
◆ Scan and archive all documents in advance (cloud backup + email storage is recommended).
How to Apply for a Combo Card?
Target Audience: Individuals who have already filed an I-485 adjustment of status application.
Concurrent Filing: When submitting the I-526E application for EB-5 investment immigration, concurrently file the I-485 application, along with the I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (Advance Parole) application forms.
New Concurrent Filing Policy + Combo Card: Seizing the Fast Track to U.S. Residency
For international students and work visa holders in the U.S., the EB-5 concurrent filing is undoubtedly the best way to obtain U.S. residency status quickly. The reserved visa categories under the new EB-5 policy offer significant advantages. Currently, there are sufficient reserved visas for rural EB-5 projects, allowing applicants to enjoy no visa backlog, priority processing, and rapid Green Card acquisition. International students in the U.S. can concurrently submit their I-526E immigrant petition and I-485 application, receiving a Combo Card in as little as 3 months. This allows them to travel, live, study, and work legally in the U.S. while waiting for their Green Card.
Now is the golden period with no visa backlog. Seize the opportunity to plan your EB-5 application to secure both the Combo Card and the Green Card! Currently, two popular premium EB-5 projects on the market—the "Florida Lakefront Jewish Community," which has received I-956F/I-526E/Green Card approvals, and the "Aspen Kodiak Apartments," which has received both I-956F and I-526E project approvals—are high-quality rural EB-5 projects carefully screened and strictly vetted by Worldway Group. They open a green channel for you to immigrate to the U.S. quickly, helping you seize the opportunity and realize your American dream! Project quotas are limited; act now to secure your spot!
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