Can I leave the country?

[gogogadget]

I am currently on F-1, and I am applying for OPT. Once I get OPT I will be able to leave the country and return. However, I recently married and I plan to apply for I-485. My questions are:

1) can I apply for OPT and I-485 at the same time?
2) my change in status (I-485) will not be ready before I have to leave the country, but my OPT will. Can I leave the country while I-485 is pending and return using my OPT? I.e. will this jeopardize my I-485 application?

Thanks!

[awalia]

I am currently on F-1, and I am applying for OPT. Once I get OPT I will be able to leave the country and return. However, I recently married and I plan to apply for I-485. My questions are:

1) can I apply for OPT and I-485 at the same time?
2) my change in status (I-485) will not be ready before I have to leave the country, but my OPT will. Can I leave the country while I-485 is pending and return using my OPT? I.e. will this jeopardize my I-485 application?

Thanks!

Answer:
1) No idea- I think I485 is independent and based on marriage u can apply.
2) File AP and after you have it in your hand, u can leave US and return with AP.

[daru786]

Answer:
1) No idea- I think I485 is independent and based on marriage u can apply.
2) File AP and after you have it in your hand, u can leave US and return with AP.

If you are an intending immigrant then you have to disclose this information when coming back. It is advisable that you apply for I485 and advance parole and use that to come back. In some cases it is not advisable to leave the country when you apply for I-485 as it MAY be considered null & void!