USCIS Ends I-512 Combo Cards, Issues Separate EAD and AP Documents

Key Takeaways

• USCIS stopped issuing the I-512 Combo Card in July 2025, reverting to separate EAD and Advance Parole documents.
• Separate documents aim to reduce backlogs and speed up Employment Authorization processing times.
• Applicants now manage two documents for work and travel, increasing complexity but improving USCIS efficiency.

The I-512 Combo Card once played a central role for green card applicants in the United States 🇺🇸, offering a single document that combined both Employment Authorization and Advance Parole. As of July 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has ended the issuance of this combined card, instead providing separate documents for each purpose. This analytical content explores the reasons behind this policy shift, the practical effects on applicants and employers, and the broader implications for U.S. immigration processes. The analysis draws on official sources, expert commentary, and recent procedural updates to provide a clear, unbiased overview for anyone affected by or interested in these changes.

Purpose and Scope

This analysis aims to:

• Explain the history and function of the I-512 Combo Card
• Detail the recent policy change to separate Employment Authorization and Advance Parole documents
• Present the practical impacts on applicants, employers, and the immigration system
• Compare the old and new systems, highlighting trends and patterns
• Offer evidence-based conclusions and practical guidance for stakeholders
• Identify limitations and areas for future improvement

The content is designed for adjustment of status applicants, employers, immigration professionals, and anyone seeking to understand the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration document processing.

Methodology

This analysis is based on:

• Official USCIS policy updates and procedural guides
• Statements and commentary from immigration attorneys and advocates
• Historical context from previous USCIS practices
• Practical guidance from government resources and legal experts
• Data and trends reported by reputable immigration news sources, including VisaVerge.com

All information is drawn from publicly available, authoritative sources, with direct links to official forms and government pages where appropriate.

Key Findings

• USCIS stopped issuing the I-512 Combo Card in July 2025, returning to separate Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole (AP) documents.
• The main goal is to reduce backlogs and speed up EAD processing, as the combo card system created bottlenecks.
• Applicants must now manage two separate documents—one for work and one for travel—rather than a single card.
• The change may simplify USCIS operations but adds complexity for applicants, who must track both documents and their expiration dates.
• No recent public statements from USCIS officials specifically address the combo card change, but the agency’s focus on efficiency and backlog reduction is clear.
• Future improvements may include digital solutions to further streamline document management.

Data Presentation

Historical Overview: The I-512 Combo Card

• Introduced in 2011, the I-512 Combo Card combined the functions of an EAD and Advance Parole for green card applicants.
• The card displayed the phrase “Serves as I-512 Advance Parole,” allowing holders to both work and travel while their adjustment of status (Form I-485) was pending.
• Benefits included:
  • Less paperwork for applicants
  • Only one card to carry and renew
  • Simpler verification for employers

Policy Change: Separate EAD and AP Documents

• As of July 5, 2025, USCIS issues:
  • A standard EAD card (Form I-765 approval) for work authorization
  • A separate Advance Parole document (Form I-131 approval) for travel
• Reasons for the change:
  • Combo cards required coordination between EAD and AP processing, causing delays
  • Issuing EADs separately allows faster approval and reduces backlogs

Visual Comparison: Old vs. New System

Step-by-Step Process for Adjustment of Status Applicants

1. File Form I-485: Begin the process to become a lawful permanent resident.
   • Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
2. Apply for EAD and AP: Submit Form I-765 for Employment Authorization and Form I-131 for Advance Parole, usually at the same time as Form I-485.
3. Receive Separate Documents: USCIS will mail a separate EAD card and AP document if approved.
4. Maintain Both Documents: Keep both valid and up-to-date for work and travel.

Processing Times and Practical Considerations

• EAD processing times: Vary by service center, but the goal is to reduce delays by separating from AP processing.
• Advance Parole processing: Typically takes 3–5 months.
• Applicants must not travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 without a valid AP document, or their green card application may be considered abandoned.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Why Did USCIS End the Combo Card?

• Backlog Reduction: Combo cards required both EAD and AP to be approved together, so delays in one could hold up the other.
• Operational Efficiency: By splitting the processes, USCIS can approve EADs faster, helping applicants start work sooner.
• Applicant Impact: While the change helps USCIS, it means applicants must now manage two documents, increasing the risk of losing or forgetting one.

Applicant and Employer Perspectives

• Applicants:
  • Must track two expiration dates
  • Need to carry both documents when traveling internationally
  • May face confusion about which document to present for work or travel
• Employers:
  • Only need to verify the EAD card for employment eligibility
  • No longer see the “Serves as I-512 Advance Parole” notation on EADs

Trends in Document Processing

• USCIS is moving toward more digital solutions, with the possibility of online document management in the future.
• Processing times for EADs may improve, but AP processing remains a separate step.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

• The end of the I-512 Combo Card is a direct response to operational challenges faced by USCIS, especially in managing growing application volumes.
• Applicants benefit from potentially faster EAD approvals, allowing them to work sooner while waiting for their green card.
• The main drawback is the added complexity for applicants, who must now keep track of two separate documents and their renewal dates.
• Employers’ processes remain largely unchanged, as they only need to verify the EAD card for new hires.
• No current data is available on the exact reduction in backlogs, but the policy is designed to improve overall efficiency.

Limitations

• Lack of public data: USCIS has not released specific statistics on the impact of this change, such as average processing time reductions or the number of applicants affected.
• No recent official statements: While the policy change is documented, there are no recent public comments from USCIS leadership specifically about the combo card.
• Applicant confusion: The transition period may cause confusion for applicants used to the combo card system.
• Advance Parole delays remain: While EAD processing may speed up, AP still takes several months, which can be a problem for those needing urgent travel.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

For Applicants

• Apply for both EAD and AP early: File Form I-765 and Form I-131 at the same time as your green card application to avoid delays.
• Track expiration dates: Set reminders for both documents to avoid gaps in work or travel authorization.
• Do not travel without valid Advance Parole: Leaving the United States 🇺🇸 without AP can result in your green card application being denied.
• Keep both documents safe: Carry your EAD for work and your AP document for travel; do not lose them.

For Employers

• Verify EAD cards as usual: The EAD card remains the document for employment eligibility verification.
• Be aware of the change: New hires may no longer present a combo card; expect to see a standard EAD.

For Immigration Professionals

• Educate clients: Make sure applicants understand the need for two documents and the risks of traveling without AP.
• Monitor policy updates: Stay informed about any future changes, especially regarding digital document management.

For All Stakeholders

• Consult official resources: The USCIS website provides the latest updates and instructions.
• Seek legal advice if unsure: Immigration attorneys can help with complex situations or urgent travel needs.

Multiple Perspectives

• Applicants: Some appreciate the potential for faster work authorization, while others find managing two documents more stressful.
• Employers: The change has little impact, but awareness is important to avoid confusion during hiring.
• Immigration Advocates: Stress the need for clear communication from USCIS and support for applicants during the transition.

Future Developments

• Digital Document Management: USCIS may introduce digital EAD and AP documents, making it easier for applicants to manage their status.
• Further Streamlining: Ongoing efforts to reduce backlogs and improve efficiency may lead to more changes in document processing.
• Feedback-Driven Adjustments: USCIS may adjust policies based on applicant and employer feedback.

Official Resources

• USCIS Forms and Instructions:
  • Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
  • Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
  • Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole)
• General Information: USCIS Official Website

Summary Table: Key Differences

Conclusion

The end of the I-512 Combo Card marks a significant change in how green card applicants manage their work and travel authorization in the United States 🇺🇸. While the shift to separate Employment Authorization and Advance Parole documents is designed to reduce backlogs and improve efficiency, it places new responsibilities on applicants to track and maintain multiple documents. Employers and immigration professionals should be aware of these changes and help applicants adjust to the new system.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the move away from the combo card reflects USCIS’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and respond to growing demand. While the change brings some challenges, especially for applicants, it may lead to faster work authorization and, in the future, more digital solutions that make the process easier for everyone involved.

For the most current information and official guidance, always refer to the USCIS website. If you have questions about your specific situation, consider consulting an immigration attorney for personalized advice.

Learn Today

I-512 Combo Card → A USCIS document combining Employment Authorization and Advance Parole for green card applicants from 2011 to 2025.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → A card allowing immigrants to legally work in the U.S. while their status adjusts.
Advance Parole (AP) → Permission for certain immigrants to travel internationally without abandoning their U.S. status.
Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) → The USCIS process for applying to become a lawful permanent resident in the U.S.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency handling immigration and naturalization processes.

This Article in a Nutshell

The I-512 Combo Card’s end in July 2025 marks a shift to separate Employment Authorization and Advance Parole documents to reduce delays. Applicants must now track two documents, balancing faster work authorizations with added management. USCIS aims for improved processing efficiency and potential future digital solutions.
— By VisaVerge.com