Can I Apply for AP only when needed ?

[Dhruva]

Here is my status:
1. I have H1B,valid upto Nov 2008, reaching 6 yr limit, and currently working on H1B only.
2. Got EAD & AP for me and for family a while back and valid till Sep 2008
3. My employer says, he will sponser either one of the above for me, not for dependents, I.E H1B or EAD & AP.

My current thinking:

Asking employer to sponser H1B for another 3 years and I will pay for EAD Extension for me & Spouse for another year. I will NOT apply for extension of AP.

Reason: As Long as I am on H1B, I can travel using my H1B stamping and by keeping EAD in force, provides me flexibility in switching the jobs.

I understood from reading couple of posts, if I switch to EAD, I can't travel on H1B stamp, right ? . However, my family can still travel on H4B eventhough she is using her EAD.

Now Question:
Can I apply for AP any time while letting the current AP lapse on its own ? I am just thinking of saving $1000 (3 people) by not applying for AP extension.

Since I don't really have any plans to switch the job, why should I apply for AP and keep it ? If I can apply for AP any time, why not apply when I switched the job on EAD.

I request you to share your experience and thoughts on this question.

[txh1b]

You need not extend the AP if you don't plan on using it or travelling on AP or become a parolee. You can always use H1b provided you continue to maintain that status. Once you use EAD, you will need AP.