The I-551 Stamp: What It Is and How To Get One

An I-551 stamp serves as temporary proof of lawful permanent residence in the U.S. Most people request this document when they need to travel internationally or verify their employment authorization, but don’t have their permanent resident card (Green Card).

Unlike many immigration requests, getting an I-551 stamp requires you to contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) directly instead of filing a form. This may feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but the process is more straightforward than it sounds. In many cases, you can complete this request with a single phone call or online inquiry.

What is an I-551 stamp?

The Form I-551 stamp is a temporary document U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issues to confirm a foreign national’s permanent resident status. Most people request it when they need documentation but don’t have their Green Card on hand.

Foreign nationals may obtain their temporary ADIT stamp through the mail or during an in-person appointment with an immigration officer. Depending on which method is used, the temporary I-551 may be placed within a person’s passport or I-94 arrival/departure record.

Regardless of its purpose, I-551 stamps do not exceed a year of validity. USCIS also has discretion to approve shorter validity periods.

Reasons to request an I-551 stamp

Manifest immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar says there are two main scenarios a foreign national would receive or request a temporary I-551 stamp.

1. Initial admission into the U.S.

This scenario affects individuals who applied for permanent residency through consular processing. Before entering the country, your respective embassy must place a Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) within your passport. Once you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an immigration officer will stamp it with an I-551 endorsement.

This endorsed MRIV then serves as a temporary ADIT stamp while your physical Green Card is processed and mailed to you.

2. A stopgap while your Green Card remains lost or pending

Permanent residents can use an I-551 stamp to bridge documentation gaps between filing for a renewal or replacement and actually receiving their new Green Card. After filing Form I-90, USCIS will automatically extend the validity of your existing card by 36 months. If processing runs longer than expected, you can request a temporary ADIT stamp as proof of status in the meantime.

Urizar says the stamp is particularly valuable for those who need to travel internationally while their renewal is still pending. “Even if their underlying status remains valid, a lawful permanent resident may face issues getting back into the U.S. without a Green Card,” she says. “The I-551 stamp prevents that, as it confirms their current immigration status.”

How to obtain an I-551 stamp

Gather initial evidence

Before you can request an ADIT stamp, you’ll need to gather evidence that you qualify for it. Urizar notes that because this request can be made live with USCIS, you may not have the chance to track down missing documents.

She explains: “If you’re applying for an I-551 stamp through a phone call, an immigration agent doesn’t have to put you on hold while you look around for missing evidence. Therefore, I always recommend having all your information on hand to keep the process moving.”

In most cases, documents you should have on hand include your:

• Valid, unexpired passport
• Current mailing address
• Alien registration number (also known as an A-number)
• Proof that your I-90 is pending

Request an I-551 stamp through the USCIS Contact Center

To reach the USCIS Contact Center, you may schedule an appointment online or call  1 (800) 375-5283. An officer will then verify your identity, confirm your mailing address, and check whether they have an usable photo of you on file.

Based on that information, USCIS will do one of two things:

• Submit a request to mail you Form I-94 with the I-551 stamp.
• Schedule you for an in-person appointment at a USCIS field office.

Attend an in-person appointment, if necessary

If USCIS schedules you for an appointment, an immigration officer will review your documents, confirm your identity, and place the I-551 stamp in your passport that day.

Before your appointment, Urizar recommends you bring your:

• Valid foreign passport
• Expired Green Card, if available
• Form I-797 receipt notice for your pending I-90
• Government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license
• Printed appointment confirmation
• Supporting documentation for travel needs (such as airline tickets or an employer letter)

Receive your I-551 stamp

After your call with USCIS, there are two ways you might receive your I-551 stamp:

• By mail: USCIS will issue Form I-94 with the I-551 stamp printed on it.
• In person: An immigration officer will place the stamp directly in your passport at a service center. You will leave the same day with the temporary I-551 in hand.

How Manifest Law can help

The I-551 process is straightforward, but it’s just one more immigration process you need to closely manage. Whether you’re trying to reach the USCIS Contact Center or making sure you have all the documents needed for your appointment, the right immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

If you have questions or need help getting an I-551 stamp, request a consultation with Manifest today. Our attorneys will guide you through every step of the process.

I-551 Stamp FAQs

Can I get an I-551 stamp online?

Yes. You may now request an I-551 stamp online through the myUSCIS portal. However, you’ll receive the actual document through the mail, not as a digital file.

Can I travel internationally with an I-551 stamp?

Yes. A valid I-551 stamp serves as temporary proof of your LPR status and allows you to travel internationally and re-enter the United States. Make sure you have your passport alongside any other relevant documentation, such as your Form I-797 receipt notice, in case they are requested at the port of entry.

Can I enter the U.S. with an expired I-551 stamp?

No, you may not re-enter the country with an expired I-551 stamp. Depending on how long you remained outside the U.S., you might need to apply for a Returning Resident visa (SB-1), which is available to LPRs who have been outside the U.S. for more than one year for reasons beyond their control.