What can I do if my AP mail is lost? So disappointed.

[oxa1]

Hi, buddy,

I am almost 100% sure that my AP plastic card mail is lost. Do you have experience or opinions whether I can have a replacement one or go to a local office to get an interim one?

My case is: my AOS/AP/EAD case was delayed for more than 2 months. I had to move to another state, so called VSC to change address before moved. It trigued AP/EAD approval. Unfortunitely, the new address was a little wrong (the zip code is for the univ campus, not my new off-campus apt.) The postman said maybe it is still OK to be delivered to my apt, because the two zip codes are next to each other. Finally, my EAD mail took a month to reach my apt. But my AP card, which should have the same address as the EAD mail, has not come yet. Now it is more than a week since my EAD mail. The postman said it would be a mirale if I can get it.

I called VSC, and was told if the mail is returned, they can resend it to the correct address. If it is lost, they can NOT give me a copy. I have to reapply for AP. Not only will I lose $160, but also need to wait for several months for approval (Now they are processing Dec, 2004 cases.). They carefully checked their files, still could not find a returned mail. I feel so sad about it. I eagerly need AP, but it was delayed heavily for approval, and now is lost. I do not need EAD at current time, but it comes. What a kidding!

Does anyone know why they can not give me a copy if it is lost? I think there is no photo printed on the card.
Even if photos are needed for the card, can I only send two photos to them without reapplying for a new case?
Can I go abroad without a card in hand, and only an email notice? I hope the AP card can finally come and I can let my friend mail it to me when I am overseas.

Please would you give some advices how I should do? I appreciate any words.

Thanks!

 

[winny1971]

AP is not a Card

The AP is a paper with your pic and not a card. Its sent to your lawyer usually and then lawyer mails it to you. EAD Card is sent directly to you. So you may want to follow up with your lawyer.

 

[oxa1]

Thanks for your reply.

What I heard from friends is "AP is a card without photo". I don't know why it is very different from you mentioned above.

If it is really a piece of paper, Is it possible that INS print and sent me a copy or I use online approval notice to travel abroad?

BTW, I do not have a lawyer. Everything should be mailed to me. By now I have not got it, so very possible that it is lost.

 

[DaG]

Thanks for your reply.

What I heard from friends is "AP is a card without photo". I don't know why it is very different from you mentioned above.

If it is really a piece of paper, Is it possible that INS print and sent me a copy or I use online approval notice to travel abroad?

BTW, I do not have a lawyer. Everything should be mailed to me. By now I have not got it, so very possible that it is lost.

AP is not a card - as winny said, it is a paper with your picture. Usually they send 2-3 copies of AP to your lawyer (or to you, if you don't have one). EAD is a card with your picture - your friends probably are talking about EAD.

No, you can't travel with the print-out of the on-line approval notice.

BTW, when USCIS have mailed you AP papers?

 

[oxa1]

According to the online info, the AP approval letter was mailed out on Feb 11, 05. Now it is more than one month. My EAD was mailed out on Feb 15, 05, and arrived 10 days ago. They are with the same (a little wrong) address.

Have any idea what I should do?

Thanks!

 

[benjamin1001]

I had a similar situation as yours.
I applied EAD/AP in last October and was approved in December. My lawyer received AP (3-piece of paper, not a card) and then send that to me. But the EAD was sent to me directly from VSC. Unfortunately I never received the EAD card (no address change). Called VSC and was told if card sent back to USCIS they will re-sent it to me (it is ridiculous because the card will be re-sent to the same address). If not, I have to re-apply a new one ($175 plus 3 more month waiting).
Unlike you, I don't need the AP now, but do need EAD card. I can't wait and have to apply a new EAD card. Up to now, it is already 1 month and 12 days, I still haven't go approved yet for the new EAD. For the old EAD card, it was not sent back to VSC and nobody knows where it is now. I am even wondering wether USCIS did sent out my old EAD or not.

 

[cantstopme]

its a paper with your photo

In my case, the EAD came to me, the AP to my lawyer, 3 originals as i believe you have to mention if you want many uses of it, sometimes at the POE they take these i believe.

The lawyer sent me the AP.It looks like an approval notice, only has a photo on it

Please dont even try with an online approval notice, these people are dense and thick, they wont let you enter, besides the online approval notice does not have your name or photo, NO WAY its gonna work.

Thanks for your reply.

What I heard from friends is "AP is a card without photo". I don't know why it is very different from you mentioned above.

If it is really a piece of paper, Is it possible that INS print and sent me a copy or I use online approval notice to travel abroad?

BTW, I do not have a lawyer. Everything should be mailed to me. By now I have not got it, so very possible that it is lost.

 

[rohilr]

you Need Original AP at POE

In my case, the EAD came to me, the AP to my lawyer, 3 originals as i believe you have to mention if you want many uses of it, sometimes at the POE they take these i believe.

The lawyer sent me the AP.It looks like an approval notice, only has a photo on it

Please dont even try with an online approval notice, these people are dense and thick, they wont let you enter, besides the online approval notice does not have your name or photo, NO WAY its gonna work.

You must have the original AP at the POE.. the immigration Officer checks it and stamp it with parole till date : ---- so u must have the AP .. don't try on online approval print out

 

[DaG]

According to the online info, the AP approval letter was mailed out on Feb 11, 05. Now it is more than one month. My EAD was mailed out on Feb 15, 05, and arrived 10 days ago. They are with the same (a little wrong) address.

Have any idea what I should do?

Thanks!

I would say to wait for another week and then call USCIS again - maybe your AP papers would come back to them by then. If not, makes sure they have your correct address and then re-apply for AP. It doesn't mean much that USCIS web site says they are processing 12/2004 applications - you could get it approved in couple weeks or in couple months. There is no such thing as "interim AP" - you may ask for emergency travel permit but you must have valid reasons for that. To travel without AP in hands is very risky - on your way back at the POE the immigration officer may check the date you left US and if it is before the date your AP got approved (even somebody would send it to you overseas) most likely your I-485 would be considered as abandoned. Unfortunately the only safe way to go is - make sure USCIS has your correct address, re-apply for AP and arrange your travel plans according to it.