Combo Card (EAD + Advance Parole) Guide for San Diego Applicants
Understanding the combined work permit and travel document for adjustment of status applicants
Quick Answer
For San Diego residents applying for a green card through adjustment of status, the Combo Card offers significant benefits by combining work authorization and travel permission into a single document. SoCal Immigration Services helps clients understand and obtain this valuable document while their green card application is pending.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For San Diego residents applying for a green card through adjustment of status, the Combo Card offers significant benefits by combining work authorization and travel permission into a single document. SoCal Immigration Services helps clients understand and obtain this valuable document while their green card application is pending.
What is a Combo Card?
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Permission to work legally in the United States
• Advance Parole: Permission to travel internationally and return to the U.S. while your green card application is pending
The Combo Card simplifies the process by eliminating the need to carry two separate documents and typically arrives faster than applying for each document separately.
Who Can Apply for a Combo Card?
- •I-485 Adjustment of Status applicants (most common)
- •Asylum applicants with pending applications
- •Certain parolees applying for adjustment
- •VAWA self-petitioners with pending I-485
- •U-visa applicants in certain situations
- •Applicants under the Cuban Adjustment Act
- •Registry applicants under INA 249
Benefits of the Combo Card
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Document | One card instead of two separate documents |
| Faster Processing | Often processed quicker than separate applications |
| Cost Savings | No separate filing fees for I-485-based applicants |
| Less Paperwork | One set of supporting documents instead of two |
| Travel Flexibility | Can travel internationally without abandoning your case |
| Work Authorization | Legal permission to work for any employer |
| Valid for 2 Years | Typically valid for 2 years (as of recent policy changes) |
How to Apply for a Combo Card
- 1File I-485
First, you must have a pending I-485 Adjustment of Status application.
- 2File I-765 (EAD)
Submit Form I-765 for Employment Authorization. Select category (c)(9) for adjustment applicants.
- 3File I-131 (Advance Parole)
Submit Form I-131 for Advance Parole. You can file this with your I-485 or separately.
- 4Submit Together
For fastest processing, file I-765 and I-131 together. USCIS will issue a combo card combining both.
- 5Biometrics Appointment
Attend your biometrics appointment at the local ASC when scheduled.
- 6Receive Combo Card
Your Combo Card will be mailed to you, typically within 3-6 months.
Required Documents
- •Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- •Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
- •Copy of I-485 receipt notice
- •Copy of valid passport (photo page)
- •Two passport-style photos
- •Copy of current immigration status document (visa, I-94)
- •Copy of any previous EAD (if applicable)
- •Copy of marriage certificate (if applying through spouse)
Important Travel Warnings
• Advance Parole is NOT a visa: You may still be questioned at the border and can be denied entry
• Certain Visas: If you entered on K-1 fiancé(e) or K-3 spouse visa, travel risks are lower
• H-1B and L-1: If you have valid H or L status, traveling on Advance Parole may abandon that status
• Unlawful Presence: If you had unlawful presence before filing I-485, traveling may trigger bars to reentry
• Pending Asylum: Traveling while asylum is pending can be seen as abandoning your claim
Always consult with an immigration professional before traveling with Advance Parole.
Processing Times in San Diego
• Current Processing: Approximately 3-6 months from filing
• Biometrics: Usually scheduled 3-6 weeks after filing
• Expedite Available: Emergency expedite requests possible in certain situations
• Online Filing: Filing online through a USCIS account may result in faster processing
• Automatic Extension: Recent policies provide automatic extensions for renewal applications
Using Your Combo Card for Work
- •Show the card to your employer for I-9 verification
- •The card serves as a List A document (proves both identity and work authorization)
- •You can work for any employer - not restricted to a specific job
- •Self-employment is also permitted
- •Note the expiration date and plan to renew before it expires
- •Your Social Security card should say 'Valid for work with DHS authorization'
Traveling with Your Combo Card
• Carry Your Card: Always have your Combo Card when traveling
• Bring I-485 Receipt: Carry the receipt notice for your pending adjustment case
• Passport Required: You still need a valid passport from your country
• Re-entry Process: At the port of entry, present your Combo Card and passport
• CBP Interview: Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and pending application
• Keep Trips Short: Extended trips may raise questions about immigrant intent
Renewing Your Combo Card
• File Early: Submit renewal applications 6 months before expiration
• Automatic Extension: EAD portion may be automatically extended up to 540 days if filed timely
• Same Forms: Use the same I-765 and I-131 forms for renewal
• No Fee: I-485-based applicants generally don't pay fees for renewals
• Keep Working: With automatic extension, you can continue working while renewal is pending
When You Shouldn't Travel
- •You have a pending asylum application (may be seen as abandonment)
- •You accrued unlawful presence before filing I-485
- •You have a criminal history that could affect admissibility
- •Your I-485 interview has been scheduled
- •You entered without inspection and don't qualify for 245(i)
- •You're unsure of your immigration history
- •Your passport is expired or will expire during travel
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Is there a fee for the Combo Card if I'm filing with I-485?
A: No, if you're filing I-765 and I-131 based on a pending I-485 adjustment application, there is no additional filing fee. The fees are included in the I-485 filing fee. This applies to initial applications and renewals.
Q:How long is the Combo Card valid?
A: Currently, Combo Cards are typically issued with 2-year validity. This changed from the previous 1-year validity, giving applicants more time before needing to renew.
Q:Can I travel multiple times with Advance Parole?
A: Yes, Advance Parole allows unlimited trips during its validity period. However, each time you return, you'll go through inspection at the port of entry. Extended or frequent trips may raise questions.
Q:What if my Combo Card expires before my green card is approved?
A: You should file for renewal about 6 months before expiration. Under current rules, the EAD portion is automatically extended for up to 540 days if you file a timely renewal. The Advance Parole portion is not automatically extended.
Q:Can I use the Combo Card as ID for other purposes?
A: The Combo Card can be used for employment verification (I-9) and as proof of immigration status. However, for general ID purposes (like TSA), you'll typically need your passport or state ID.
Q:What happens if I lose my Combo Card?
A: You'll need to file a replacement application using the same I-765 and I-131 forms. For I-485-based applicants, there's generally no fee for replacement. Keep copies of your card in a safe place.
Get Help with Your Combo Card Application
Our San Diego team helps adjustment of status applicants obtain their Combo Card quickly and correctly. We ensure your applications are properly filed for the best results.