If you're a lawful permanent resident, Form I-551 is your proof of status. But what happens if your green card is delayed, lost, or expired? This guide explains everything you need to know about Form I-551, including how to get a temporary ADIT stamp if your card isn't available. We’ll explain what the stamp is, when you might need it, how to get one, which documents to bring, and how long it remains valid.
What Is Form I-551?
Form I-551 is the official name for a Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card. It serves as proof that someone has been granted lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States.
Form I-551 can appear in several different formats:
- A physical green card (10-year or 2-year conditional)
- An immigrant visa with a temporary I-551 notation
- An ADIT stamp (also called a "temporary I-551 stamp") in a passport or on Form I-94
Each version serves the same legal purpose: to demonstrate that you are a permanent resident of the United States. If you look closely, you’ll see that “Form I-551” is printed in the upper left corner of the backside of the current green card.
Temporary Form I-551 for New Immigrants
If you were granted permanent residence at a U.S. embassy, a consular officer will place an immigrant visa inside your passport before you depart for America. A machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) usually has the following text on it: “UPON ENDORSEMENT SERVES AS TEMPORARY I-551 EVIDENCING PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR 1 YEAR.”
When you first enter the U.S. as a new immigrant, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will stamp your passport to confirm permanent resident status and record your entry date. Your passport with the immigrant visa (MRIV) serves as proof of permanent residence for one year from that date. You should receive your 10-year green card within 4 to 8 weeks.
ADIT Stamp in Passport for Lost Green Cards
USCIS may issue a temporary ADIT (Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications) stamp for permanent residents who have a lost, stolen or destroyed green card. This is another form of a temporary Form I-551 that gets placed inside your foreign passport. Example stamps are displayed below:
Because the ADIT stamp is a valid form of Form I-551, it serves as temporary proof of permanent resident status. While it’s valid, you can use it to accept employment or reenter the U.S. after traveling abroad.
Types of Form I-551
| Format | Description | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Green Card (Plastic) | Standard proof of permanent resident status | Typically 10 years |
| Immigrant Visa with I-551 | Temporary I-551 annotation on visa issued by U.S. consulate | Usually valid for 1 year |
| ADIT Stamp (I-551 Stamp) | Temporary proof stamped into passport or I-94 at USCIS | Generally 6 to 12 months |
When Do You Need a Temporary I-551 (ADIT) Stamp?
If you don't currently have a valid green card in hand, you may need an ADIT stamp to prove your lawful status. This situation comes up often when:
- Your green card was lost, stolen, or damaged
- You have filed Form I-90 to replace or renew your green card and are still waiting
- Your green card has expired, but you filed Form N-400 for naturalization early
- You must travel internationally while waiting for your card
- You are newly approved for a green card, but haven't received it yet
An ADIT stamp is considered temporary evidence of permanent resident status and can be used for many of the same purposes as a green card.
How to Get an ADIT (I-551) Stamp
Getting a temporary I-551 stamp usually involves making an appointment with USCIS. Here are the typical steps:
File Form I-90
To obtain a temporary I-551, you must begin the process to replace your green card first. USCIS requires proof that you've started the replacement process before they will issue an ADIT stamp. CitizenPath provides an affordable service designed by immigration attorneys that helps you prepare the application quickly and correctly. Approval is guaranteed. Get start here →
Receive I-797 Receipt Notice
Once USCIS accepts your I-90, you will receive a receipt notice (Form I-797C Notice of Action). This document is important for scheduling your ADIT appointment.
Schedule the ADIT Stamp Appointment Online
The easiest way to schedule your appointment is online. Select “ADIT Stamp” as the reason and have your I-90 receipt number and A-Number ready. For urgent cases or if you're missing key information, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. Be prepared to explain why you need immediate proof of permanent resident status — such as for employment or travel. To reach a live agent, wait for the prompt “How can I help you?” and respond with “Schedule an Appointment.”
Attend Appointment for USCIS ADIT Stamp
Generally, USCIS will require you to appear at a local office for the scheduled Infopass appointment. Be sure to take the following items:
- Valid, unexpired passport
- InfoPass appointment notice (if applicable)
- Form I-797 Notice of Action (I-90 receipt letter)
- Copy of lost card (if available)
If your request is urgent, take additional documents as evidence of your need for the ADIT stamp. Examples include airline tickets, travel itinerary, letter from lender, doctor’s letter about sick relative or death certificate, company letter, etc.
What Can You Do with an ADIT Stamp?
An ADIT stamp provides temporary proof of your permanent resident status. It can be used to:
- Re-enter the United States after international travel (if abroad less than 1 year)
- Prove work eligibility as an acceptable Form I-9 document
- Access benefits or services that require proof of LPR status
However, some agencies may be unfamiliar with temporary forms of the I-551. You may need to explain its function or provide supporting documents.
Validity Period of an ADIT Stamp
Typically, ADIT stamps are valid for 6 to 12 months. The duration depends on the reason for issuance and officer discretion. If your green card remains unavailable after the stamp expires, you may request a new one.
I-551 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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