Hi, if you click my post, you are either in need of emergency AP or just curious. I really hope nobody would have to experience this. However, since we got so many constraints (regarding working and traveling) caused by our immigration status and applications, this might happen on many of us.
1.Who is eligible?
- I485 filing receipt ( if you file 140+485 concurrently, that's fine as long as you get I485)
- A hospital certificate ( well, many peole asked if the documents should get certified somewhere, I am still not sure. With my own experience, I didn't do that, just bring the scanned copy, chinese version +English version. I even didn't bother to translate, since the doctor knows English pretty well. When I went to infopass appointment, the officer just took it for granted that my documents were real.)
2. Who do not need emergency AP
- if you have a valid H visa, you can feel free to travel.
- if you have a valid AP, you can feel free to travel.
* if you have a valid F visa, you get very high chance of revoking your visa, and your 485 application. The following link explains why.(http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/emergency/index.htm)
* if you are canadian citizen, you may be able to reenter the US, however, your 485 application is theoretically deemed abandoned.
Theoretically, if you maintain your H or L status in US, you can travel without AP to anywhere. However, we were told by a USCIS officer that it's better to have a valid visa before leaving US, instead of trying to apply later.
3. How to get AP
(1) Make an appointment at infopass (http://infopass.uscis.gov/)
(2) Prepare all your docs following the AP application instruction
(3) Go to the local district office for the appointment.
When you talk with the officer, if they trust you, then you are lucky. Or they may tell you all kinds of rejection excuses, which means they don't trust you. Then you'd better show them that your case are emergent. To be honest, if your cases are real, they usually can tell. Unless you live in an area where people don't have good credit.
4. Emergency AP at infopass Vs. at service center
you can also apply for emergency AP at service center which takes around 2 weeks. For really emergent cases, I suggest to apply at infopass which only take 1-2 days.
5. Cost
Time: 2-3 hours
Fee: $170 for AP application only
Hope it helps.