1. What Is an ADIT (I-551) Stamp?
An ADIT stamp, also known as an I-551 stamp, is temporary proof that someone is a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It is often placed on a passport or on Form I-94.
2. Who Needs an ADIT Stamp?
You may need an ADIT stamp if:
- Your Green Card is lost, stolen, or expired
- You are waiting for USCIS to process:
- Form I-90 (Green Card replacement)
- Form I-751 (Remove conditions on residence)
- Form N-400 (Naturalization)
- Your Green Card and extension notice are both expired
3. New USCIS Mail Process for ADIT Stamps
Before March 2023, applicants usually had to visit a USCIS field office to get an ADIT stamp. Now, many can receive it by mail. Here’s how the updated process works:
- USCIS verifies your identity and mailing address
- If no in-person visit is required, USCIS mails you:
- Form I-94 with ADIT stamp
- DHS seal
- A printed photo from their internal system
This stamp serves as temporary proof of permanent resident status while your case is pending.
4. How to Request an ADIT Stamp
To request an ADIT stamp by mail:
- Call the USCIS Contact Center
- Explain your need for temporary proof of status
- Verify your identity and mailing address (must accept UPS or FedEx)
- Wait for USCIS to determine whether a field office visit is needed
Visit the USCIS Contact Center: https://www.uscis.gov/contactcenter
5. When an In-Person Visit Is Still Required
USCIS may require a field office visit if:
- You have an urgent travel or legal need
- USCIS cannot confirm your photo or address
- Your case requires further review
6. Why This Matters
This updated mail process:
- Reduces the need for field office visits
- Saves time for applicants
- Improves processing efficiency for USCIS
7. Next Steps
If you need an ADIT stamp:
- Check your immigration case status
- Call USCIS to request temporary evidence
- Be ready to confirm your identity and address
- Follow instructions for mail delivery or appointment
This guide is for general informational purposes only. For legal questions, contact a licensed immigration attorney.
Quick Reference Table: Eligibility for ADIT Stamp by Mail
| Condition | Eligible for Mail Delivery |
|---|---|
| Green Card lost or expired | Yes |
| Form I-90, I-751, or N-400 pending | Yes |
| No photo on file with USCIS | No (In-person required) |
| Emergency travel need | No (In-person required) |
| Undeliverable address for UPS/FedEx | No (In-person required) |
We Can Help!
If you have questions regarding U.S. immigration, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
