Last Updated: November 9, 2025.
Form I-551 is needed to prove one’s status as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. In this article, you’ll learn about what Form I-551 is, temporary proof of lawful permanent residence, evidencing permanent residence, making an appointment, Form I-551 processing time, Form I-551 fees, and more. First, let’s dive into the definition of Form I-551.
What is Form I-551?
Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card, is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to individuals who have been granted lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. Commonly referred to as a Green Card, Form I-551 serves as official evidence that an individual is legally authorized to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
Form I-551 comes in the form of a stamp on a U.S. passport or a physical card that indicates an individual’s status as a lawful permanent resident. It is needed for various purposes, including reentry into the U.S. after traveling abroad and proving one’s eligibility for employment.
Form I-551 Stamp
Upon entry into the U.S., individuals who have been granted lawful permanent residence and not a Permanent Resident Card will be issued a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) and temporary stamp that act as interim proof of lawful permanent resident status until their Permanent Resident Card arrives. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) endorses each lawful permanent residents’ passport and/or MRIV.
The Form I-551 stamp is also known as the Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp.This stamp is usually placed in an individual’s passport or on a temporary document, providing proof of their lawful permanent resident status. For DACA recipients, special rules may apply—learn more in our guide on Can Dreamers (DACA Recipients) Get a Green Card?
Since the I-551 stamp serves as temporary proof of status, it can be used similarly to the Permanent Resident Card. It is especially useful for individuals who need to demonstrate their permanent resident status for employment, travel, or other legal purposes while waiting for their official Green Card to be issued. The stamp is often only valid for a year, which is generally the amount of time it takes to process the Permanent Resident Card.
Form I-551 Statement on Visa
A Form I-551 statement will appear on a visa card or passport. The statement will say, “UPON ENDORSEMENT SERVES AS TEMPORARY I-551 EVIDENCING PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR 1 YEAR”. This statement is an endorsement that indicates an individual’s status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. It is often used when an individual is still waiting for their Permanent Resident Card to be processed.
This statement on a visa or passport helps to quickly confirm an individual’s permanent resident status. This documentation is essential for interacting with U.S. customs and immigration officials and can facilitate quicker verification of status during international travel or other interactions that require you to provide proof of status. You may need to present your I-551 when traveling or applying for certain benefits. If you haven’t received your physical Green Card, a temporary ADIT stamp in your passport can serve as valid proof of residency. Always ensure your documentation is up to date.
Form I-551 Card
The Form I-551 Card, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), is the principal form of identification for lawful permanent residents in the U.S. The card is issued for ten-year periods and must be renewed before it expires. The card contains key details such as the cardholder’s name, photograph, alien registration number, and an expiration date.
The Permanent Resident Card serves multiple functions. It provides proof of the holder’s right to live and work permanently in the U.S. and is essential for reentry into the country after traveling abroad. The card is also required for various legal and administrative purposes, including applying for a driver’s license, opening bank accounts, and obtaining a social security number.
USCIS updates the Permanent Resident Card design every three to five years. The card’s current design incorporates several security features to protect against fraud, including a hologram, a fingerprint, and other advanced technologies. Maintaining a valid card is necessary for maintaining lawful permanent resident status.
Form I-551 Stamp Appointment
Follow these steps to make a stamp appointment with USCIS:
1. Confirm Eligibility
Before scheduling an appointment, ensure that you are eligible for the Form I-551 stamp. You need to be an approved applicant for lawful permanent residence who has not yet received your Permanent Resident Card. Review any USCIS communications or instructions you received with your approval notice to confirm eligibility.
2. Gather Required Documents
Prepare the necessary documents for your appointment:
- Approval Notice: Your Form I-797, Notice of Action (provided to you by USCIS), showing that your application for permanent residence has been approved.
- Passport: A valid passport in which the Form I-551 stamp will be placed.
- Evidence of Status: Any additional documents requested by USCIS or relevant to your case.
- Receipt for the Application Fee: If applicable, proof of payment for any associated fees.
3. Locate the Nearest USCIS Office
Find the nearest USCIS Field Office or Application Support Center (ASC) where you can obtain the Form I-551 stamp. Navigate to the USCIS office locator, then scroll down and click “Field Offices”. Scroll down to the “Field Office Locator” section and enter your zip code to find the nearest USCIS Field Office to you.
4. Schedule an Appointment
- Online Appointment Scheduling: You may log in to your USCIS account, select the option for a Form I-551 stamp appointment, and follow the prompts to choose a convenient date and time, or request an appointment here.
- Call USCIS: If online scheduling is not available, call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Provide your details and request an appointment for obtaining the Form I-551 stamp.
5. Attend the Appointment
Arrive at the USCIS Field Office or Application Support Center (ASC) on time with all required documents. A USCIS officer will review your documents and may take your photograph and biometric data. The Form I-551 stamp is typically issued on the same day or scheduled for a later date depending on office procedures.
6. Follow Up
After your appointment, ensure you receive the Form I-551 stamp. If you encounter any issues or delays, contact USCIS for assistance. Keep track of any follow-up instructions or additional steps needed to complete your permanent residence documentation.
Form I-551 Evidencing Permanent Residence
Form I-551, in its various forms, serves as evidence of an individual’s permanent residence status in the U.S. This evidence is necessary for:
- Employment Verification: Employers are required by law to verify that all employees are legally allowed to work in the U.S. The Form I-551 card or stamp is sufficient for this verification, allowing individuals to demonstrate their eligibility for employment.
- Travel: The Permanent Resident Card is necessary for reentry into the U.S. after traveling abroad. The Form I-551 stamp also serves this purpose while waiting for the actual card.
- Legal Status: The Form I-551 card or stamp is used to prove legal status in various legal or administrative situations, such as applying for a driver’s license, obtaining a social security number, or dealing with government agencies.
Maintaining valid proof of permanent residence is essential to avoid complications with employment, travel, or legal matters. This documentation ensures that an individual’s status as a lawful permanent resident is recognized and upheld.
Form I-551 Stamp Processing Time
The processing time for obtaining a Form I-551 stamp is approximately six months to one year, but can vary based on several factors, including the applicant’s specific circumstances and the workload of the local USCIS office. Generally, the appointment for obtaining the Form I-551 stamp can be scheduled relatively quickly. However, the time required to process and issue the stamp can vary.
If there are delays in receiving the Green Card, individuals should follow up with USCIS to check the status of their application and ensure that their temporary proof of status remains valid.
I-551 Form PDF
The I-551 form itself is not available as a PDF for download, as it refers to the Permanent Resident Card or the temporary stamp rather than a specific application form. However, USCIS provides various forms and resources related to permanent residence applications and status on their official website.
Form I-551 Stamp Expired
If a Form I-551 stamp expires before the Permanent Resident Card is issued, it is important to seek an extension or renewal of the stamp. An expired stamp may create issues with proving permanent residence status, particularly if you need to travel or demonstrate your status for employment or other purposes.
To address an expired Form I-551 stamp, individuals should do one of the following:
- Call USCIS: You may call the USCIS Contact Center at (800) 375-5283 to request an appointment for an extension. You must call within 30 days of the expiration of the stamp.
- Schedule an Appointment Online: Log in to your USCIS account or schedule an appointment here.
- Request by mail: The USCIS Contact Center might be able to ask USCIS to mail you Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record with a new stamp.
Form I-551 Card Number
The Form I-551 Card number, often referred to as the Alien Registration Number (A-Number), is a unique identifier assigned to each permanent resident. This number is located on the front of the Permanent Resident Card and is used for various administrative and legal purposes.
The A-Number is essential for tracking an individual’s immigration status, processing renewals, and handling any issues related to permanent residence. It is important to keep this number secure as you will need to use it when communicating with USCIS or other immigration agencies.
Form I-551 Stamp While Waiting for Green Card
When an individual is awaiting the issuance of their Permanent Resident Card, they may be issued a Form I-551 stamp as temporary proof of their status. This stamp allows them to demonstrate their lawful permanent residence status during the interim period.
The Form I-551 stamp is particularly useful for individuals who need to travel or provide proof of their status for employment purposes.
Form I-551 Fee
There is no specific fee for the Form I-551 stamp itself, as it is typically provided as part of the permanent residence application process. However, you will need to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee and any other fees associated with the process of becoming a lawful permanent resident. Currently, the USCIS Immigrant Fee is $235
Check the USCIS Fee Schedule for the most current information on the cost of various immigration forms.
Form I-551 FAQs
Is the I-551 the same as the Green Card?
Yes, Form I-551 is often used interchangeably with the Green Card (Permanent Resident Card). Both terms refer to the physical card that serves as evidence of lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. It is important to note that while the Form I-551 stamp provides temporary proof of permanent residence, it is not a substitute for a Green Card after the one-year period ends, unless you are granted a Form I-551 stamp extension.
How do I get my I-551?
To obtain your I-551, you need to complete the process of applying for lawful permanent residence. Once USCIS approves your application, you will receive the Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
What is a temporary I-551?
A temporary I-551, or Form I-551 stamp, is issued by USCIS to provide proof of lawful permanent residence while waiting for the Permanent Resident Card. The stamp is placed in a passport or on a temporary document and functions as evidence of permanent residence status until the actual Green Card is issued.
Does approval mean a Green Card will be approved?
No, EAD approval does not necessarily guarantee that a Green Card will be approved. The EAD is a separate document that allows individuals to work in the U.S. while their application for permanent residence is pending.The approval of an EAD does not automatically imply that the green card application will be approved, as each application is evaluated independently.
Need help?
Consulting with our experienced and knowledgeable immigration professionals can provide valuable insights into Form I-551 and obtaining a temporary stamp.