Key Takeaways
• The ADIT stamp temporarily proves lawful permanent resident status when a Green Card is delayed or lost.
• It is valid for up to one year and accepted for work authorization and travel in the US.
• Applicants file Form I-485 or I-90, schedule an Infopass appointment, and bring documents to get the stamp.
When someone becomes a lawful permanent resident in the United States 🇺🇸, they usually receive a Green Card as proof of their status. But what happens if the Green Card is delayed, lost, or needs to be replaced? In these situations, an immigration stamp—specifically The ADIT stamp, also called the I-551 stamp—plays a key role. This stamp is much more than just an ink mark in a passport; it is a lifeline for many immigrants, allowing them to work, travel, and prove their legal status while waiting for their official card.
Let’s break down what the immigration stamp is, who needs it, how to get it, and why it matters so much for immigrants, employers, and families.
What Is an Immigration Stamp (ADIT/I-551 Stamp)?
An immigration stamp is a special mark placed in a person’s passport or on a temporary document by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The most important type for permanent residents is the ADIT stamp (Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication), also known as the I-551 stamp. This stamp acts as temporary proof that someone is a lawful permanent resident of the United States 🇺🇸.
Key Points:
– The ADIT stamp is used when a person’s Green Card is not available.
– It is accepted by employers, government agencies, and border officials as proof of permanent resident status.
– The stamp is usually valid for up to one year.
Why Is the Immigration Stamp Needed?
There are several common situations where a lawful permanent resident might need an ADIT stamp:
- Green Card Processing Delays: After approval of permanent residency, it can take weeks or months for the physical Green Card to arrive.
- Lost, Stolen, or Expired Green Card: If the card is lost, stolen, or expired, and a replacement is being processed, the stamp fills the gap.
- First Entry to the U.S.: New immigrants who enter the United States 🇺🇸 with an immigrant visa may need the stamp before their Green Card is mailed.
- Re-entry After Travel: If a permanent resident travels abroad and their Green Card is lost or expired, the stamp allows them to re-enter the country.
Example:
Maria, a new immigrant, was approved for her Green Card but had to travel for a family emergency before it arrived. She visited her local USCIS office, got an ADIT stamp in her passport, and was able to return to the United States 🇺🇸 without problems.
What Rights Does the ADIT Stamp Provide?
The ADIT stamp gives the same rights as a Green Card for the time it is valid. This includes:
- Work Authorization: Employers must accept the stamp as proof that the person can work legally in the United States 🇺🇸. It is valid for Form I-9, which is used to verify work eligibility.
- Travel: The stamp allows the holder to travel internationally and return to the United States 🇺🇸, as long as it is still valid.
- Proof of Residency: The stamp can be shown to government agencies, banks, schools, and other organizations as proof of lawful permanent resident status.
Important:
The stamp is only temporary. Once the physical Green Card arrives, the stamp is no longer needed.
How Is the ADIT Stamp Different from Other Immigration Stamps?
It’s easy to get confused about the different stamps and visas used in the United States 🇺🇸 immigration system. Here’s how the ADIT stamp stands out:
- Not a Visa: Visitor or work visa stamps (like B-1/B-2 or H-1B) allow people to enter the country for a specific purpose and time. The ADIT stamp is not a visa—it shows that the person is already a permanent resident.
- Broader Rights: Temporary visas have limits on work and how long someone can stay. The ADIT stamp gives full rights to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸, just like a Green Card.
- Issued After Approval: The ADIT stamp is only given after someone’s permanent residency is approved, not before.
Who Is Eligible for an ADIT Stamp?
Not everyone can get an ADIT stamp. It is only for people who are already lawful permanent residents or have been approved for that status. Common groups who need the stamp include:
- People waiting for their first Green Card after approval of Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
- Permanent residents who have lost, had stolen, or have an expired Green Card and have filed Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card).
- Immigrants who entered the United States 🇺🇸 with an immigrant visa and are waiting for their Green Card to arrive.
- Permanent residents who need to travel urgently and do not have their Green Card.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Get an ADIT/I-551 Stamp
Getting an ADIT stamp is a clear process, but it does require following certain steps and providing the right documents.
1. File the Correct Application
- If you are adjusting your status to permanent resident, file Form I-485.
- If you lost your Green Card or it expired, file Form I-90 for a replacement.
2. Attend Required Appointments
- USCIS may ask you to come in for biometrics (fingerprinting) or an interview as part of your application.
3. Schedule an Infopass Appointment
- Once your application is approved or while waiting for your replacement card, schedule an appointment at your local USCIS office. This is called an Infopass appointment.
- You can schedule this online through the USCIS website.
4. Bring the Right Documents
At your appointment, you will need to bring:
– Your passport (or other government-issued photo ID)
– Proof of your pending application (receipt notice for Form I-485 or Form I-90)
– Any old or expired Green Card, if available
– Police report if your card was stolen
– Travel tickets if you need the stamp for urgent travel
5. Receive the ADIT Stamp
- A USCIS officer will review your documents and, if everything is in order, place the ADIT stamp in your passport or on a temporary I-94 form.
- The stamp is usually valid for up to one year.
6. Use the Stamp as Proof
- Show the stamp to employers, border officials, or anyone else who needs to see proof of your status.
- Once your new Green Card arrives, you no longer need the stamp.
What If You Are Outside the United States 🇺🇸?
If you are a permanent resident who is outside the United States 🇺🇸 and your Green Card is lost or expired, you should contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy. They can help you get a boarding foil or temporary document to return to the United States 🇺🇸, and then you can get the ADIT stamp at a USCIS office once you are back.
Real-World Example: How the ADIT Stamp Helps
Imagine Samir, who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for several years as a lawful permanent resident. He lost his wallet, which had his Green Card inside, just days before a big job interview. Without the card, he worried he couldn’t prove his status to the new employer. Samir filed Form I-90 for a replacement, scheduled an Infopass appointment, and got an ADIT stamp in his passport. He was able to show the stamp to his new employer and start his job without delay.
Practical Implications for Immigrants and Employers
For Immigrants:
– The ADIT stamp prevents gaps in legal status, which can cause problems with work, travel, or getting government services.
– It helps avoid being seen as undocumented while waiting for a new Green Card.
– It is important to keep the stamp safe and know when it expires.
For Employers:
– Employers must accept the ADIT stamp as proof of work authorization for Form I-9.
– Refusing to accept the stamp can lead to legal trouble for the employer.
– Employers should be aware that the stamp is temporary and check the expiration date.
For Families:
– Family members who are also permanent residents may need their own ADIT stamps if their Green Cards are delayed or lost.
– The process is similar for each person.
How Long Is the ADIT Stamp Valid?
The ADIT stamp is usually valid for up to one year from the date it is issued. In some cases, it may be valid for a shorter time, depending on the person’s situation. It is important to check the expiration date and apply for a new stamp if needed before it runs out.
What Happens When the Green Card Arrives?
Once you receive your physical Green Card, you no longer need the ADIT stamp. The Green Card becomes your main proof of lawful permanent resident status. If you still have the stamp in your passport, you can keep it, but you should always use your Green Card for official purposes.
Recent Developments and Policy Updates (2024-2025)
As of 2025, there have been no major changes to the ADIT stamp policy. USCIS continues to use the stamp to help permanent residents during processing delays, which are still common because of high application volumes. The agency has also stressed the importance of the stamp for people who have lost their Green Cards and are waiting for replacements.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the ADIT stamp remains a vital tool for immigrants and employers, especially as processing times for Green Cards can still be unpredictable.
Common Questions About the ADIT Stamp
Q: Can I travel internationally with only the ADIT stamp?
A: Yes, as long as the stamp is valid, you can travel and return to the United States 🇺🇸. Always check the expiration date before leaving.
Q: What if my ADIT stamp expires before my Green Card arrives?
A: You should schedule another appointment at USCIS to get a new stamp if your Green Card has not arrived.
Q: Is the ADIT stamp accepted everywhere?
A: Yes, it is accepted by employers, border officials, and most government agencies as proof of permanent resident status.
Q: Can I get the stamp if I am not a permanent resident?
A: No, only people who are already lawful permanent residents or have been approved for that status can get the ADIT stamp.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
For the most up-to-date information about the ADIT stamp, how to schedule appointments, and what documents to bring, visit the USCIS official page on Green Card evidence.
You can also call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 for general questions.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the ADIT Stamp
There are no announced changes to the ADIT stamp policy as of mid-2025. USCIS may work to speed up Green Card processing times in the future, which could reduce the need for temporary stamps. New technology may also make it easier to prove status electronically, but for now, the ADIT stamp remains a key part of the immigration system.
Key Takeaways
- The immigration stamp—especially the ADIT stamp—is essential for lawful permanent residents who are waiting for their Green Card or need a replacement.
- It allows people to work, travel, and prove their status while their Green Card is being processed.
- The stamp is temporary and usually valid for up to one year.
- Employers and government agencies must accept the stamp as proof of status.
- Always check the expiration date and keep the stamp safe until your Green Card arrives.
If you are a lawful permanent resident facing a delay or problem with your Green Card, the ADIT stamp can help you keep your life on track. For more details and to start the process, visit the USCIS website or contact your local USCIS office.
By understanding how the immigration stamp works, you can avoid unnecessary stress and make sure you keep your rights and opportunities while waiting for your official Green Card.
Learn Today
ADIT stamp → Temporary immigration mark for permanent residents awaiting their Green Card or replacement document.
Form I-485 → USCIS application to adjust immigration status to lawful permanent resident.
Form I-90 → Application to replace a lost, stolen, or expired Green Card.
Infopass appointment → Scheduled USCIS office visit to obtain the ADIT stamp or discuss immigration cases.
Lawful permanent resident → Non-citizen authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
The ADIT stamp is a vital temporary proof of lawful permanent residency. It enables work, travel, and legal status while waiting for a Green Card, helping immigrants avoid gaps in authorization. This stamp ensures continuous US residency rights during processing delays or lost Green Card replacements.
— By VisaVerge.com
