On February 11, 2011, the USCIS issued a press release notifying the public that the Service has begun issuing Advance Parole travel authorizations and employment authorizations for applicants for adjustment of status on a single card. This change is one that the Service has hinted about for years and is a welcome change.

Up until now, the Advance Parole authorization was issued on "secure" paper similar to other original documents issued by the Service. The piece of paper listed the validity date of the travel authorization and allowed for multiple travel dates. With the move to a plastic card that contains both travel and employment authorization, the Service will provide applicants for adjustment of status a more secure document. The Service has indicated that applicants may continue to be issued the older version of the approvals depending on the individual's situation or may receive the new combined version.

You may review the USCIS press release here (pdf) and a Q&A here (pdf).

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