What is Form I-551?
I-551 is your permanent resident card or green card, as it is called. If you are reading this form then you have been approved for permanent resident status in the United States. You see this I-551 number on all kinds of immigration documents, and it is proof that you have a legal right to live and work in the US as a lawful permanent resident (LPR).
Let us walk you through Form I-551, how to get it, and where you can get it in this tutorial on navigating your immigration process. Also discussed are what to do if you lose or steal your green card, and how to use the I-551 stamp temporarily while you wait for a new one.
Where to Download the Form I-551?
When you finally get your green card, months or years after all this twilight waiting, you will find the I-551 code at the top left corner of the back of your card. It is the official proof of your permanent resident card.
You may also find the I-551 mark on other documents if you’re still getting adjusted or waiting for your real green card. It is crucial to know this number because it signifies that you are now a permanent resident.
Temporary I-551 (ADIT Stamp)
In exchange for your official green card, if you come from outside the United States, you’ll get a Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV). It’s a visa that goes in your passport and states:
“Once Accepted, PERMANENT LIVING FOR 1 YEAR IS TRANSFERRED AS PUTTING IN PLACE OF TEMPORARY I-551”.
After you are here in the United States, the Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp will be applied by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This stamp shows:
Your lawful permanent resident status.
The day you were admitted to the United States.
The deadline for the temporary I-551 status.
It is a provisional I-551 for use to live and work in the U.S. for up to one year before your green card is issued.
Where to Use the I-551 Temporary?
The temporary I-551 stamp can be helpful for certain circumstances, in particular the first year after you enter the United States. Here’s how you can use it in real life:
1. Working Before You Get Your Green Card – This is How You Can Avoid These Mistakes!
You can show the MRIV and ADIT stamp as proof of working status if you are currently employed or plan to be employed in the US. Employers will accept the I-551 stamp as proof of legal permanent residence. But once the I-551 stamp runs out, you’ll need to show the proper green card so you can keep working without issues.
You will receive your 10-year green card after coming to the United States in 45 days if you pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee. : In case your green card does not arrive in this time period, call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
2. Permanently Replacing a Lost or Stolen Green Card.
When you lose, theft, or damage your green card, you’ll have to complete Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card). But the wait time for a new card can be long (up to 13 months), so you may need an alternative work or travel plan.
If you are USCIS-aligned, you can ask for an interim I-551 stamp at an appointment. This stamp will be proof of permanent residency while you await your new green card.
You will need to bring documents like:
Copy of your expired/damaged green card (if one exists).
An unexpired passport.
Receipt notice (Form I-797) from your Form I-90 application.
After approval, you’ll get the I-551 stamp placed on your passport or your Form I-94.
Answers To Common Questions Concerning Form I-551
Do I Have To Use a Perennial I-551 Stamp?
Yes! With the MRIV you can get an ADIT stamp to show that you’re still fit to work. If you are applying to replace a lost or stolen green card, the stamp is also your work authorization until your new card arrives.
How Does the Form I-551 Look Like?
Your Form I-551 designation usually appears on the back of your green card. And the green card itself, with important information such as:
Your full name.
Your photograph.
Your green card number.
Your date of birth.
This is the primary proof of your legal permanent resident status in the US – it is the green card.
How Long Does It Take For My Green Card To Appear Once I Enter?
After you get to the U.S., your green card is issued within 45 days (if all goes well). If you don’t get it on time, or if it isn’t sent to you, call USCIS to check on your card.
The I-551 is a very important document for anyone who has become a permanent resident in the US. Be it the provisional I-551 stamp or your permanent green card, this paperwork proves you are lawfully authorized to live and work in the US.
When your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, don’t sweat it! You can use things such as the I-551 stamp to temporarily replace it until you get a new card. So stay informed and do what you need to do to stay a permanent resident.
To learn more about the U.S. immigration system or have any concerns regarding Form I-551, Law and Visas is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need advice, a filing guide, or answers to your queries, we make things easy.
