Green Card Stamping: New Process Begins for Obtaining an ADIT Stamp from USCIS through USPS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new procedure where requesting parties can now receive via mail a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp (I-551 Stamp) to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who need temporary evidence of their status. This means that many LPRs will no longer need to make an infopass (infomod) appointment, a challenge in and of itself, and then physically go to a local USCIS field office to obtain this stamp.
Eligibility for this new ADIT/I-551 stamp roll out requires the following:
The LPR does not have their Green Card (i.e. it was lost, stolen, or damaged); OR
The LPR filed one of the following petitions/applications, it is still pending adjudication, and the Green Card and extension notice have expired:
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card),
Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
The New Process
Step #1 is to call the USCIS Contact Center listed on most USCIS receipts and request "temporary evidence of your LPR status", and wait for the Contact Center Representative to:
Verify the LPR's identity and physical mailing address;
Confirm if the LPR can receive UPS or FedEx express mail at the physical mailing address listed;
Determine whether to schedule an in-person appointment OR send your request to a USCIS field office.
If an appointment is needed, the USCIS Contact Center will schedule one for you.
If an appointment is not needed, the USCIS field office will review your request and mail you a Form I-94 that includes the ADIT stamp, DHS seal, and your photo.
As you can imagine, there are still many instances where an LPR will need to go to a USCIS field office in person, i.e. emergency situations, when USCIS does not have a usable photo, or if the USCIS Contact Center cannot confirm your address and/or identity. In the event this is the case, the process to request and be approved for an ADIT/I-551 Stamp is the same as it ever was. Call the 1800#, request an appointment, wait for a call back, confirm the reasons for the stamp, and then be given an appointment to walk into a local USCIS Field Office and be given a stamp.
It is no secret that LPRs have had many issues with the traditional ADIT/I-551 stamping process, specifically when it comes to trying to schedule an in-person appointment. Additionally, LPRs have long reported having complications related to providing the requisite proof of their continuing status to employers, departments of motor vehicles, and other government agencies. This new process then was created to assist LPRs in its effort to reduce wait times for an ADIT stamps and to provide customer service within a reasonable timeframe.
About Us
The Law Office of Nicholas J. Mireles, APC is an experienced Los Angeles-based U.S. Immigration Law firm practicing since 2013. Our background makes us uniquely well suited to help you with any issue relating to your immigration status.
We are happy to provide free initial consultations for any and all immigration matters, including seeking second opinions for those already represented.
Law Office of Nicholas J. Mireles, APC
411 West 7th St. Ste 310 - Los Angeles, CA 90014