How to Schedule an InfoPass Appointment for I-551 Stamp

Key Takeaways

• I-551 stamp provides temporary proof of lawful permanent resident status for up to one year.
• USCIS allows many to request I-551 stamps by mail as of July 2025, reducing office visits.
• InfoPass appointments required for urgent cases or when identity verification by phone fails.

If you’re a lawful permanent resident in the United States 🇺🇸 and your Green Card is lost, expired, or being replaced, you might need temporary proof of your status. The I-551 stamp—sometimes called an ADIT stamp—serves this purpose. As of July 2025, the process for getting this stamp has changed, making it easier for many people. This guide will walk you through every step, explain what you need, and help you avoid common mistakes.

Introduction: Why You Might Need an I-551 Stamp

The I-551 stamp is a special stamp placed in your foreign passport or on a Form I-94. It acts as temporary proof that you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States 🇺🇸. You might need this stamp if:

• Your Green Card is lost, stolen, or expired.
• You’re waiting for a replacement Green Card.
• You need to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 soon.
• You need to prove your status to an employer or government agency.

The I-551 stamp is usually valid for up to one year. It lets you travel, work, and re-enter the United States 🇺🇸 while you wait for your new Green Card.

Step 1: Understand the New Process for Getting an I-551 Stamp

What’s Changed?

USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has made it easier to get the I-551 stamp. Now, many people can get the stamp by mail instead of going to a local office. This saves time and avoids long waits.

But, some people still need an InfoPass appointment at a USCIS office. This is usually for urgent cases or when USCIS can’t confirm your identity by phone.

When Do You Need an InfoPass Appointment?

You’ll need an in-person appointment if:

• You have urgent travel plans and need the stamp right away.
• USCIS can’t verify your identity or address over the phone.
• There’s no usable photo of you in the USCIS system.
• Your case is complex or unusual.

For most other cases, you can request the I-551 stamp by calling the USCIS Contact Center.

Step 2: Check If You Qualify for Mail Delivery or Need an Appointment

Before you do anything else, figure out if you can get the I-551 stamp by mail or if you need to go in person.

How to Check

• Call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.
• Explain your situation and ask if you qualify for mail delivery.
• Be ready to answer questions to confirm your identity and address.

If you qualify: USCIS will mail you a Form I-94 with the I-551 stamp.

If you don’t qualify: You’ll need to schedule an InfoPass appointment at a local USCIS office.

Time estimate: The phone call usually takes 15–30 minutes. If you qualify for mail delivery, you may receive your stamp within 7–14 days. If you need an appointment, the wait is usually 2 to 4 weeks.

Step 3: Schedule Your InfoPass Appointment (If Needed)

If you’re told you need an in-person appointment, here’s what to do:

How to Schedule

1. Online: Go to the USCIS online appointment system and follow the instructions.
2. By Phone: Call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 and ask to schedule an InfoPass appointment.

Tip: Appointment slots fill up fast, especially in busy cities. Try to schedule as soon as you know you need the stamp.

Time estimate: It usually takes 10–20 minutes to schedule. You may wait 2 to 4 weeks for your appointment, depending on your location.

Step 4: Gather All Required Documents

Whether you’re getting the stamp by mail or in person, you’ll need to provide certain documents. Having everything ready will help avoid delays.

What You Need

• Valid, unexpired passport (the stamp goes inside)
• Proof of pending Green Card application (Form I-797 receipt or approval notice)
  • Form I-797 official info
• Expired, damaged, or lost Green Card (if you still have it)
• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID)
• Appointment confirmation notice (if you have an InfoPass appointment)
• Proof of emergency travel (flight tickets, medical documents) if you need the stamp urgently
• Proof of U.S. residence (utility bills, lease agreement)
• Name change documents (marriage certificate, court order) if your name has changed

Tip: Make copies of all documents for your records.

Step 5: Attend Your InfoPass Appointment

If you need to go in person, here’s what to expect:

What Happens at the Appointment

• Arrive at the USCIS field office on time with all your documents.
• Go through security and check in at the front desk.
• A USCIS officer will review your documents and ask questions to confirm your identity and status.
• If everything is in order, the officer will place the I-551 stamp in your passport or on a new Form I-94.

Time estimate: The appointment itself usually takes 30–60 minutes, but allow extra time for security and waiting.

Step 6: Use Your I-551 Stamp

Once you have the stamp, you can use it as temporary proof of your permanent resident status.

How to Use the Stamp

• Travel: Show the stamp to airline staff and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers when you re-enter the United States 🇺🇸.
• Employment: Show the stamp to your employer as proof of your right to work. Employers can use it for Form I-9 verification.
• Other purposes: Use it for government benefits, driver’s license renewal, or other situations where you need to prove your status.

Validity: The stamp is usually valid for one year. If you need more time, contact USCIS before it expires.

Step 7: Troubleshooting and Common Pitfalls

Even with the new process, some people run into problems. Here’s how to avoid the most common issues:

Common Mistakes

• Not having all required documents: Missing paperwork can delay your stamp.
• Not checking mail delivery eligibility: Some people go to the office when they could have gotten the stamp by mail.
• Waiting too long to schedule: Appointments can fill up quickly, especially before holidays or busy travel seasons.
• Not bringing proof of emergency: If you need the stamp urgently, bring proof like flight tickets or medical letters.
• Not updating your address: If you’ve moved, update your address with USCIS before requesting mail delivery.

What to Do If You Have Problems

• Didn’t receive your stamp by mail? Call the USCIS Contact Center to check the status.
• Appointment canceled or delayed? Ask for the next available slot or explain if you have an emergency.
• Documents lost or stolen? File a police report and bring a copy to your appointment.

Step 8: Checklist Summary

Before you start, use this checklist to make sure you’re ready:

Eligibility
– [ ] Are you a lawful permanent resident?
– [ ] Is your Green Card lost, expired, or being replaced?

Mail Delivery or Appointment
– [ ] Did you call USCIS to check if you qualify for mail delivery?
– [ ] If not, did you schedule an InfoPass appointment?

Documents
– [ ] Valid passport
– [ ] Proof of pending Green Card application (Form I-797)
– [ ] Old Green Card (if available)
– [ ] Photo ID
– [ ] Appointment confirmation (if needed)
– [ ] Proof of emergency travel (if needed)
– [ ] Proof of U.S. residence
– [ ] Name change documents (if needed)

After Receiving the Stamp
– [ ] Use it for travel, work, or other needs
– [ ] Note the expiration date and plan ahead if you need an extension

Time Estimates for Each Step

• Phone call to USCIS: 15–30 minutes
• Mail delivery of stamp: 7–14 days after approval
• Scheduling InfoPass appointment: 10–20 minutes
• Wait for appointment: 2–4 weeks (varies by location)
• Appointment duration: 30–60 minutes

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• USCIS Contact Center: 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833)
• USCIS Online Appointment System: my.uscis.gov/appointment
• USCIS I-551 Stamp Information: uscis.gov/i-9-central/temporary-i-551-stamps-and-mrivs
• Form I-797 Info: uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/form-i-797-notice-of-action

If you have questions about mail delivery, appointment scheduling, or what documents you need, contact the USCIS Contact Center.

Expert Tips and Real-World Scenarios

Who Benefits Most from the New Mail Delivery Process?

• People with simple cases: If your Green Card is just lost or expired and your identity is easy to confirm, mail delivery saves you time.
• Busy families: Parents with children or people with mobility issues can avoid travel to a USCIS office.
• People in rural areas: If you live far from a USCIS office, mail delivery is much more convenient.

When an InfoPass Appointment Is Still Best

• Urgent travel: If you need to leave the United States 🇺🇸 in a few days, an in-person appointment is usually faster.
• Complex cases: If your documents are complicated or you’ve had problems with your immigration record, seeing an officer in person can help clear things up.

What Immigration Experts Say

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the mail delivery process for the I-551 stamp has made life easier for many permanent residents. Experts say it reduces stress, saves time, and helps USCIS offices focus on more complex cases. However, they also remind applicants to read all instructions carefully and keep copies of everything they send or receive.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for I-551 Stamp Issuance?

USCIS is expected to keep improving remote services for permanent residents. There may be digital proof of status in the future, but as of July 2025, nothing official has been announced. It’s a good idea to check the USCIS website for updates before you travel or apply for a job.

Final Takeaways and Action Steps

• Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to request your I-551 stamp, especially if you need to travel or start a new job.
• Check for mail delivery first: It’s faster and easier for most people.
• Keep your documents organized: This helps avoid delays and problems.
• Contact USCIS if you have questions: The Contact Center is there to help.
• Stay informed: Policy changes happen often, so check official sources regularly.

By following these steps, you can get your I-551 stamp with less stress and more confidence. Remember, the process is designed to help you prove your status and continue your life in the United States 🇺🇸 without interruption.

Learn Today

I-551 stamp → Temporary stamp proving lawful permanent resident status, placed in passport or Form I-94.
InfoPass appointment → Personal meeting at USCIS office for urgent or complex cases needing identity verification.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency handling immigration benefits and processing.
Form I-94 → Official record of a non-citizen’s entry and exit from the United States.
Form I-797 → USCIS notice used to confirm receipt or approval of immigration applications.

This Article in a Nutshell

The I-551 stamp replaces a lost or expired Green Card by offering temporary status proof. USCIS now mostly mails the stamp, saving time. In-person appointments remain for urgent or complex cases. This change improves accessibility and reduces delays for lawful permanent residents in the United States.
— By VisaVerge.com