Travelling outside US after I-485 filed

[parkerjohn03]

Hi,

My I-485 has been filled . I have completed Biometrics. AP / EAD is still pending. My H1B Stamp is valid till 2024.

Is it safe to travel outside the US ( to Canada) for 2 to 3 days ?


Thanks ,

[newacct]

yes

[cali2022]

yes

Hi newacct, let me ask you something. So, I have the same situation - My I-485 has been filled. I have completed Biometrics. AP / EAD is still pending. I'm on L1 visa, 3yrs expired, and an extension is filed with USCIS. I have an urgent journey, so I was thinking to get an L1 visa extension in the embassy abroad. The first lawyer told me I can travel only AP will be declined, so I will have to reapply. But 2nd lawyer told me that the whole I-485 application will be abandoned. Any idea what could be correct?

[shiva_82]

Hi newacct, let me ask you something. So, I have the same situation - My I-485 has been filled. I have completed Biometrics. AP / EAD is still pending. I'm on L1 visa, 3yrs expired, and an extension is filed with USCIS. I have an urgent journey, so I was thinking to get an L1 visa extension in the embassy abroad. The first lawyer told me I can travel only AP will be declined, so I will have to reapply. But 2nd lawyer told me that the whole I-485 application will be abandoned. Any idea what could be correct?

Your first lawyer I believe is correct. Your AP will be denied, you will have to reapply but your 485 will continue to be valid. But be mindful that getting interview/Dropbox appointment is very difficult so you might get stuck there for a while.

[shiva_82]

As a after thought, I would advise you to get your L1 extension bumped to premium processing, get an approval and then leave so you just need to get a stamping in India and the decision of approving the petition doesn't rest with the visa officer in the US consulate in India. I don't see a risk of it was a H1 but L1 is a totally different ball game and the rejection rate based on my knowledge is high. I'm not sure what will happen if your L1 extension approval gets denied as then your 485 would truly become abandoned and you won't have a chance to re-enter US.

I wish that you get your extension without any issues and get your GC soon. All the best.