What is an ADIT Stamp and When is it Needed?

An ADIT stamp (also known as an I-551 stamp) can be used by lawful permanent residents (LPRs) as evidence of their permanent residence when the permanent residence card has not yet been received, has expired, or has been lost. The ADIT stamp provides evidence of status so that LPRs are able to work and travel while awaiting the production of their green cards.

USCIS has just announced a new process to obtain this stamp. Previously, LPRs had to make an “InfoPass” appointment by calling the USCIS Contact Center and then appearing at a local USCIS field office for the stamping. Now, when LPRs call the USCIS Contact Center to request temporary evidence of status, an immigration services officer will verify their identity, their physical mailing address, and whether that address can receive UPS or FedEx express mail. They will then either schedule an in-person appointment for the lawful permanent resident, if needed, or submit a request to the USCIS field office to issue the ADIT stamp. If an in-person appointment is not needed, the USCIS field office will review the request for temporary evidence and send the applicant a Form I-94 with ADIT stamp, DHS seal, and a printed photo of the LPR obtained from USCIS systems.

Some LPRs will still need to appear in person at a USCIS field office to receive temporary evidence of their status, including those who have urgent needs, do not have a useable photo in USCIS systems, or whose address or identity cannot be confirmed.

The new process will allow USCIS to issue temporary evidence of lawful permanent resident status in a timely way without requiring a scheduled appointment at a field office, thereby reducing the burden on applicants.