Traveling outside the U.S F-1 visa and Travel document

[Segun Victor]

Hi AOS gang,
I will be traveling to Ghana 🇬🇭 in December and I have a few questions about my status .

Here is the thing, I am a PhD (I have 3 more years to go) student with a valid F-1 visa and i20. I also got my travel document and work permit via aos . According to the international students’ regulations, to renter the U.S I need to present my signed i20 to the border agent to be ADMITTED into the U.S.

That being said , My question is that if I am ADMITTED into the U.S instead being PAROLED could I lose my AOS status? Should I even show the border agents my i20? I’m very worried and I really don’t know what to show .

[dude101]

Hi AOS gang,
I will be traveling to Ghana 🇬🇭 in December and I have a few questions about my status .

Here is the thing, I am a PhD (I have 3 more years to go) student with a valid F-1 visa and i20. I also got my travel document and work permit via aos . According to the international students’ regulations, to renter the U.S I need to present my signed i20 to the border agent to be ADMITTED into the U.S.

That being said , My question is that if I am ADMITTED into the U.S instead being PAROLED could I lose my AOS status? Should I even show the border agents my i20? I’m very worried and I really don’t know what to show .

It’s better you discuss this with your school’s International Students Office they can provide you with the necessary information. If you are a F1 student that is the F1 visa page border agent will be seeing when scanning it at the port of entry. When that happens, you will have to follow the SOP for F1 students. Again you should discuss this with your university’s ISO or an attorney before you exit USA.

[Segun Victor]

It’s quite unfortunate that my ISO knows nothing about the technicalities of the AOS process . The only advice they gave me was to print my next semester schedule to convince the agents that I am enrolled for the spring semester . By the thanks .

[k6543]

It’s quite unfortunate that my ISO knows nothing about the technicalities of the AOS process . The only advice they gave me was to print my next semester schedule to convince the agents that I am enrolled for the spring semester . By the thanks .

As far as I know your F-1 visa is invalid now.
If you look at your new EAD/AP card it would say you have no work restrictions (can work 1 job or 5 jobs, no one cares as long as you pay taxes)

EAD OPT would have work restrictions etc...
Either way do your own research, call the USCIS or make an InfoPass appointment at your closed field office.
I still have 1 yr left on my F-1 visa but it is invalid now because if I travel, I'd show him my passport + EAD/AP or GC card to get in.
Would also carry I-20's or university related stuff just in case.
anyway do not take my word.. maybe I'm wrong.

[Joolsjules13]

Hi AOS gang,

I am in similar situation at the moment. In my case going to US Virgin Islands.
I think you should present your AOS documents ( AP)...BUT talk to your DSO about it. Let the give you the travel signature just to be safe..but I don't think you will need it.
F-1 means non-immigrant. You are already in the process of adjusting, so presenting your F-1 documents may be seen a you lying.

Found this on Custom & Border Patrol website:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/991/kw/advance%20parole

Do I need advance parole to travel if I am here on a non-immigrant visa and have applied to adjust my status to Legal Permanent Resident?

For most visa categories, you need advance parole from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to travel internationally if you have applied to become a legal permanent resident (LPR). Failure to obtain advance parole BEFORE departing the U.S. effectively invalidates your LPR application. It is not enough to have applied for advance parole; you must have received approval before you travel.