Traveling With An I-551 Stamp: Is It Possible?

The I-551 stamp is a temporary proof of permanent residency in the U.S. for those who are awaiting, or have an expired or missing Green Card. The stamp is placed directly in the passport and is valid for up to a year. It allows the holder to travel outside the U.S. and return, as well as acting as proof of their right to work.

What is an I-551 stamp?

An I-551 stamp is a temporary proof of permanent residency in the United States. It is placed in a person's passport or on an I-94 card, which is an arrival and departure card given to non-residents when adjusting or extending their stay. The stamp is also referred to as an ADIT (Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication) stamp.

The I-551 stamp is particularly useful for individuals who are in the process of obtaining or renewing their Green Card, or who have lost their Green Card. It serves as a stand-in for the physical Green Card and allows individuals to re-enter the United States without issues. It also serves as proof of work eligibility, as employers recognise it as valid documentation.

The stamp is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is typically valid for up to one year, although this may vary depending on individual circumstances. To obtain the stamp, individuals need to schedule an appointment with USCIS and provide relevant documents, including a valid passport, proof of a pending Green Card application, and any expired or damaged Green Card they may have.

How do I get an I-551 stamp?

The I-551 stamp is a temporary proof of permanent residency in the U.S. and is placed directly in your passport. It is useful when your Green Card is still being processed, lost, expired, or damaged. It is typically valid for up to a year and can be used for travel and employment purposes.

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment with USCIS

Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to schedule an appointment at your local USCIS office. Remember to mention that you need the appointment to obtain an I-551 stamp due to a lost, expired, or pending Green Card.

Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Documents

Gather the following documents before your appointment:

• A valid passport
• Proof of your pending Green Card application, such as the I-90 receipt notice (Form I-797)
• Your expired or damaged Green Card, if available
• A government-issued ID, such as a driver's license
• Appointment confirmation notice from USCIS
• Proof of emergency travel (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate or name change document (if applicable)

Step 3: Attend Your USCIS Appointment

Arrive at the USCIS office on time with all the required documents. A USCIS officer will review your case and decide whether to approve your request for an I-551 stamp. They may ask questions about your Green Card status and the reason for your request.

Step 4: Receive the I-551 Stamp

If your request is approved, the USCIS officer will place the I-551 stamp in your passport. The stamp is typically valid for up to one year, but the duration may vary depending on your specific situation.

Once you have the I-551 stamp, you can use it as proof of your permanent resident status for travel, employment, and other legal purposes until your new Green Card arrives.

What documents do I need for an I-551 stamp application?

To apply for an I-551 stamp, you will need to schedule an appointment with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This appointment can be made by calling the USCIS Contact Center helpline at 1-800-375-5283. It is important to mention that the reason for your appointment is to obtain an I-551 stamp due to a lost, expired, or pending Green Card.

• A valid passport: The I-551 stamp will be placed inside your passport, so you must bring it to your appointment.
• Proof of pending Green Card application: Bring your I-90 receipt notice (Form I-797) or any other documentation showing you have applied for a new or replacement Green Card.
• Expired or damaged Green Card (if available): If your Green Card is expired, damaged, or lost but you still have it, bring it to your appointment. This can help verify your status and speed up the process.
• Government-issued photo ID: Other forms of identification, such as a driver's license, can be useful.
• Appointment confirmation notice: Print and bring your appointment confirmation from USCIS.
• Proof of emergency travel (if applicable): If you are requesting the stamp due to urgent travel, bring proof of your travel plans, such as flight tickets or medical documentation.
• Marriage certificate or name change document (if applicable): If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, bring legal documents that reflect this change to ensure your records are up to date.
• Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record): Bring your most recent I-94, which shows your last entry into the United States.
• Police report (if your Green Card was stolen): If your Green Card was stolen, having a police report may help verify your situation.

It is important to ensure that all your documents are original or certified copies, as USCIS may not accept photocopies unless specified.

How long does an I-551 stamp last?

The I-551 stamp is valid for up to one year from the date it is issued. However, the exact duration may vary depending on individual circumstances. For instance, if your passport is due to expire before the end of that one-year period, the validity of the I-551 stamp will typically be adjusted to align with the passport's expiration date.

The I-551 stamp serves as temporary proof of permanent residency in the US while your Green Card is still being processed, has expired, or has been lost or damaged. It is placed directly into your passport and allows you to travel and work in the US during the validity period.

If your Green Card has not arrived by the time your I-551 stamp expires, you can renew the stamp by scheduling another appointment with USCIS. They will review your case and may extend the stamp's validity if necessary.

Can I travel internationally with an I-551 stamp?

An I-551 stamp is a temporary proof of permanent residency in the U.S. for those who are awaiting, or have an expired, physical Green Card. The stamp is placed directly in your passport and is valid for up to one year. It allows you to travel internationally and can be used as a re-entry permit when returning to the U.S.

When travelling with an I-551 stamp, it is important to ensure that the stamp is valid for the duration of your trip. Upon re-entering the U.S., you will need to present your passport with the I-551 stamp to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer to demonstrate your permanent resident status.

It is worth noting that extended stays outside of the U.S. can lead to questions about your intention to maintain permanent residence in the country. Therefore, it is recommended to keep trips within reasonable durations to maintain your permanent resident status.

In addition to the I-551 stamp, you may also need to present other identity documents, such as a foreign national ID card or a U.S. driver's license, when re-entering the U.S.

Frequently asked questions