Why do we need to file Advanced Parole (AP) and EAD?

[dasbabu]

Hi Folks,
I am new in this 485 forum. My 3-year old knowledge tells me that 485/EAD/Advanced Parole need
to be filed together.
Could somebody please explain to me (or point me to some existing discussion/webpage) the
need for Advanced Parole and EAD? I heard that Advanced Parole is not needed any more
for foreign travel - is that true? If yes, then is there any other need for AP?

About EAD: does that help if I switch job after 180 days of filing 485? Meaning, if I have EAD
card and I switch job after 180 days, don't I need H1 transfer?

Gurus, please enlighten me ...

Thaks a lot,
Dasbabu

 

[TheRealCanadian]

Could somebody please explain to me (or point me to some existing discussion/webpage) the need for Advanced Parole and EAD?

Well, if you have dependents, they'll need an EAD in order to work and obtain an SSN and start establishing credit and all that good stuff. The sooner they start, the better. If they use that EAD, then their non-immigrant status will be gone (except in the case of an L-2/E-2 spouse) and then they'll need AP in order to be readmitted to the US.

I heard that Advanced Parole is not needed any more
for foreign travel - is that true? If yes, then is there any other need for AP?

AP is not required if you can be admitted in H or L status. However, use of an EAD by an H-4 holder or L-2 child will invalidate his or her H/L status and require use of an AP to re-enter. Additionally, if you need to obtain an H/L visa stamp before returning to the US and that visa stamp is denied for whatever reason (say, missing documentation) then you will be stuck outside the US.

About EAD: does that help if I switch job after 180 days of filing 485? Meaning, if I have EAD card and I switch job after 180 days, don't I need H1 transfer?

Exactly. And when you consider the number of jobs out there that explictly state "no visa sponsorship availale" the EAD becomes really handy.