Home > I-551 Temporary Evidence Stamp: The Complete Guide for Immigrants
Key Facts You Should Know
The I-551 Stamp, also known as the temporary evidence stamp, serves as official proof of lawful permanent residency in the United States.
- Issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the stamp temporarily replaces your physical green card.
- The I-551 stamp is generally valid for 6 to 12 months.
- A standard green card is valid for 10 years, while conditional green cards—often issued through marriage or certain investment-based immigration—expire in 2 years and must be renewed or adjusted to maintain permanent resident status.
If your green card is lost, stolen, expired, or still being processed, you can’t wait months to prove your lawful status. That’s where the I-551 temporary evidence stamp becomes essential. Placed directly in your passport, this stamp allows you to work, travel internationally, and access key benefits without interruption while your new or replacement green card is being issued.
This guide from Green Card Link explains everything you need to know—when and how to obtain the I-551 stamp, who qualifies for it, required documents, and how long it remains valid.
What Is Form I-551?
Form I-551 is the official term used by USCIS for the Permanent Resident Card, more commonly known as the green card. While “green card” is the everyday name, Form I-551 is the legal and technical designation for the document that confirms your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States.
When your physical card is not yet available—due to processing delays, loss, or expiration—USCIS issues a temporary I-551 stamp as substitute proof of permanent residence. This stamp, placed in your passport, acts as your short-term verification of lawful status until your new card arrives.
Recently, USCIS has streamlined this process by introducing mail delivery of the I-551 stamp, allowing eligible applicants to receive it without visiting a USCIS field office in person.
Whether you are waiting for your first green card, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost card, the I-551 stamp safeguards your ability to work, travel, and access vital benefits during the processing period.
Your Form I-551 number is the unique identifier on your permanent resident card. This document:
- Confirms your lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.
- Authorizes you to live and work permanently in the United States.
- Serves as valid re-entry documentation after international travel.
- Allows visa-free entry into certain countries, depending on bilateral agreements.
In summary, the physical Form I-551 (green card) provides long-term proof of status, while the temporary I-551 stamp in your passport acts as official short-term evidence of permanent residency until your card is issued.
Who Qualifies for an I-551 Temporary Evidence Stamp?
The I-551 temporary evidence stamp is available to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who temporarily lack access to their physical green card. This includes individuals waiting for renewal, replacement, or those newly admitted to the U.S. as immigrants.
USCIS typically issues this stamp in two main situations:
1. Green Card Holders with a Pending Renewal (Form I-90)
If you’ve filed Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, but your renewal is still pending, you may need temporary proof of your LPR status.
According to processing time data, renewals can take around four months or more, leaving many residents in limbo. In these cases, you can request an I-551 stamp from USCIS as interim evidence of your permanent residency.
This stamp can be especially critical in emergencies—such as international travel, employment verification, or proving status for government benefits—when your green card has expired but your renewal is still under review.
Tip from immigration attorneys at Green Card Link: Always apply for green card renewal well before your current card expires to minimize the risk of needing a temporary stamp. However, given that USCIS processing times often extend beyond expected timelines, the I-551 stamp remains a vital backup option.
If you look at a sample green card, the top left corner displays “Form I-551,” which signifies your permanent resident status and enables lawful employment and travel.
2. Newly Arrived Immigrants to the United States
When entering the U.S. for the first time as a new permanent resident, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) in your passport. This visa acts as your temporary I-551 and typically includes the statement:
“UPON ENDORSEMENT SERVES AS TEMPORARY I-551 EVIDENCING PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR 1 YEAR.”
This notation means your permanent resident status is valid for one year from your admission date, giving USCIS sufficient time to issue your physical green card. Even if the MRIV doesn’t include this exact statement, it is still considered an acceptable List A employment document for one year from your date of entry.
Important Notes About I-551 Validity
The one-year validity of the I-551 stamp does not mean your U.S. residency expires after one year. It simply represents how long the temporary evidence remains valid while USCIS processes your actual green card.
In most cases, new immigrants receive their physical green cards within 120 days of arrival. Once issued, you can live and work in the United States indefinitely, provided you maintain your permanent resident status and comply with U.S. immigration laws.
Why the I-551 Stamp Matters
The I-551 temporary evidence stamp helps you maintain access to vital rights and benefits while waiting for your permanent documentation. It serves as official proof of eligibility for employment, travel, and government services.
For example, employers can accept your MRIV (I-551 stamp) as a List A document that confirms both your identity and your work authorization—ensuring compliance with U.S. employment laws.
When Should You Get an I-551 Temporary Evidence Stamp?
You may need an I-551 Temporary Evidence Stamp if your Green Card has expired, is lost, or has been damaged. This stamp acts as temporary proof of your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status while you wait for your replacement card. Although your permanent resident status itself never expires, your physical Green Card typically remains valid for 10 years. Having a valid, unexpired card is crucial for proving your legal status, work authorization, and eligibility to reenter the United States after short trips abroad.
If your Green Card expires while you are traveling internationally—or you must travel for less than one year—you’ll need valid proof of your status to return to the U.S. The I-551 stamp serves this purpose. It also helps when renewing your driver’s license, completing employment verification (Form I-9), or proving your eligibility to work in the country.
Can You Travel Internationally When Your Immigrant Visa (IV) Date Has Expired?
The Immigrant Visa (IV) validity date only matters before you first enter the United States. It serves as a deadline to use your visa to enter and become a lawful permanent resident (LPR).
Once admitted, that visa validity date no longer applies. What matters instead is the I-551 stamp that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) places in your passport upon entry. This stamp is valid proof of your permanent resident status for one year from your date of entry and allows you to travel internationally during that period.
How to Obtain an I-551 Temporary Evidence Stamp
If you’ve filed Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) and need proof of your LPR status while waiting for the new card, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can issue an I-551 temporary evidence stamp. The stamp is placed either in your passport or on a Form I-94.
Step 1: Contact USCIS
To request the I-551 stamp, contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833). A USCIS officer will:
- Verify your identity and mailing address.
- Determine if your address can receive express mail (UPS or FedEx).
- Decide whether you’ll need an in-person appointment at your local field office or if the temporary evidence can be mailed to you.
Mailed Form I-94 with ADIT Stamp
If an appointment isn’t required, USCIS will mail you a Form I-94 containing an ADIT (temporary I-551) stamp, which:
- Includes your photograph (retrieved from USCIS records).
- Displays the DHS seal over the stamp.
- Serves as valid proof of status for Form I-9 and E-Verify purposes.
In-Person I-551 Stamp Appointment
If USCIS determines an in-person appointment is needed, you’ll be scheduled at your local USCIS field office. There, the stamp will be placed in your passport or on Form I-94 with your photo and the DHS seal. Both the mailed and in-person versions serve as valid proof of your permanent resident status.
Validity Period
The validity of your I-551 stamp varies depending on your situation.
USCIS usually issues stamps for up to 12 months, but shorter durations may apply if your passport expires sooner or if your biometrics are still pending. In some cases, USCIS can reuse previously captured biometrics, while in others, you’ll receive a separate notice for a new biometrics appointment.
Important Points to Remember
- You must contact USCIS to request the temporary I-551 stamp.
- USCIS may mail your stamp on a Form I-94 or schedule you for an in-person appointment.
- Both forms of the stamp are valid for employment verification and international travel.
- The validity period depends on factors like your passport expiration, biometrics status, and individual case details.
Documents to Bring for an I-551 Stamp Appointment
When attending your USCIS appointment, make sure to bring:
- A valid, unexpired passport
- InfoPass appointment notice (if applicable)
- Form I-90 receipt notice (usually received 2–4 weeks after filing)
- Proof of residence within the USCIS office’s jurisdiction
- Copy of your expired or lost Green Card, if available
- Copy of ASC appointment notice showing biometrics capture (if applicable)
If your request is urgent—such as travel for medical reasons, a family emergency, or work—you should bring documentation like a flight itinerary, doctor’s letter, company letter, or death certificate to support your request.
Green Card Renewal vs. Replacement: What’s the Difference?
Although both processes use Form I-90, renewing a Green Card differs from replacing it.
Green Card Renewal
You’ll need to renew your Green Card if:
- Your 10-year Green Card has expired or will expire within six months.
- You still have an old Green Card without an expiration date, which is no longer considered valid.
If you’re a conditional permanent resident, you must renew your card before it expires.
Renewal must be filed 90 days before expiration, and upon USCIS approval, your conditions will be removed, granting you a standard 10-year Green Card.
However, conditional residents cannot use Form I-90 to remove conditions. Instead, you must file:
- Form I-751 – Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (for marriage-based cases)
- Form I-829 – Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (for investor-based cases)
Green Card Replacement and I-551 Stamp Assistance
If your green card has been lost, stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information, you’ll need to apply for a replacement green card as soon as possible. Green card replacement is also necessary if your permanent resident status was issued before you turned 14 years old and you are now older than 14. In these situations, U.S. immigration law requires an updated card to maintain your lawful permanent resident documentation.
Replacing your green card ensures your legal residency status remains valid and verifiable, which is essential for employment, travel, and access to federal benefits. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help you file your replacement application accurately and avoid unnecessary delays or rejections.
I-551 Stamp FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Temporary Evidence of Permanent Residence
Can I Travel with an I-551 Stamp Without My Green Card?
Yes. You can travel internationally using a valid I-551 stamp in your passport even if you haven’t yet received your physical green card. The I-551 stamp serves as official proof of your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status and is typically valid for 12 months.
Keep in mind that the expiration date printed on your Immigrant Visa (IV)—under “IV expires on”—only applies before you enter the United States for the first time. Once you have been admitted as a permanent resident, that date no longer matters.
If you obtain a new passport, you must bring both your old passport (containing the valid I-551 stamp) and your new one when traveling to ensure a smooth inspection by border officers. The validity of your temporary I-551 does not depend on whether you’ve received a new passport.
Is There a Fee for the Temporary Evidence (I-551) Stamp?
No. USCIS does not charge a separate fee for issuing the temporary I-551 stamp. Whether you visit a local USCIS office by appointment or through an approved walk-in process, the stamp itself is free of charge.
Will My Employer Accept the I-551 Stamp for Employment Verification?
Yes. A valid I-551 stamp—together with a Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV)—qualifies as a List A document under Form I-9. This means it verifies both your identity and your authorization to work in the United States. Employers should accept it as long as the stamp remains valid.
Can I Travel with My I-551 Stamp?
Yes, the I-551 stamp allows you to travel outside the United States while your physical green card is being processed. The stamp temporarily confirms your LPR status and enables re-entry into the U.S.
However, always check the expiration date before traveling abroad. If your stamp expires while you are outside the U.S., you may face challenges re-entering the country. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid disruptions.
Where Is the I-551 Stamp Placed?
USCIS places the I-551 stamp directly inside your passport. This stamp includes key details such as your Alien Registration Number (A-Number), the date of issuance, and the expiration date.
What Happens When the I-551 Stamp Expires?
Once your temporary I-551 expires, you must present your official green card as proof of your permanent resident status. Typically, USCIS mails the 10-year green card within 45 days of your arrival in the U.S., provided you’ve paid the required immigrant fee.
If you have not received your card within this timeframe, you should contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 for assistance.
What Is an ADIT Stamp (Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication)?
An ADIT stamp—another name for the I-551 stamp—serves the same purpose. It temporarily proves your lawful permanent resident status while your actual green card is pending. The stamp lists your date of admission, validity period, and residency details.
Together with the MRIV, the ADIT stamp serves as valid proof of permanent residence for up to one year from your entry date into the United States.
Who Is Eligible for a Permanent I-551 (Green Card)?
Several categories of individuals may be eligible for a permanent I-551 card, including:
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents)
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Employment-based immigrants
- Diversity Visa (DV) lottery winners
If you are an asylum seeker, note that there is no annual cap on green cards for this category. Likewise, marriage to a U.S. citizen allows your spouse to file for an I-551 card on your behalf as an immediate relative.
Why Is Someone Issued a Temporary I-551?
USCIS issues a temporary I-551 stamp to lawful permanent residents who are awaiting the renewal or replacement of their physical green card. This may apply to individuals with a pending Form I-90 (green card replacement) or Form I-751 (removal of conditions on residence). The temporary stamp ensures continued proof of status and travel eligibility while the replacement process is ongoing.
What Is the Cost of the I-551 Permanent Resident Card?
There is no fee for the temporary I-551 stamp. However, if your physical green card has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
- Online filing fee: $415
- Paper filing fee: $465
How Can I Obtain an I-551 Stamp?
There are several ways to obtain an I-551 stamp, depending on how you gained U.S. permanent resident status:
- Through an Immigrant Visa: Once you enter the United States as an immigrant, you automatically receive an I-551 stamp in your passport confirming your LPR status.
- Through Adjustment of Status: If you are already in the U.S. on a visa that permits “dual intent” (such as the H-1B), you can apply to adjust your status to permanent resident. Upon approval, USCIS issues the I-551 stamp while your physical card is in production.
Regardless of the route, the I-551 stamp on your passport officially indicates that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
Get Help with Your I-551 Stamp Process
Dealing with the I-551 stamp process can be confusing—especially when urgent travel, document delays, or renewal issues arise. That’s where the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can assist you.
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have extensive experience helping clients obtain and renew I-551 stamps efficiently. From determining eligibility to scheduling USCIS appointments and preparing the required documentation, our team ensures every step is handled correctly and on time.