Green Card Stamps: I-551 (ADIT) Requests at USCIS Field Offices During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic
In the past, a lawful permanent resident (LPR) typically was able to schedule an appointment with a local USCIS office to obtain an ADIT stamp from USCIS when their Permanent Resident Card was expiring. An I-551 stamp is temporary evidence of lawful permanent residence. It is issued in the passport upon arrival in the U.S. and serves as proof that the immigrant has permanent resident status while the actual green card is being generated. Many Application Support Centers (ASC) routinely would place a sticker on the back of a Permanent Resident Card during a biometrics appointment in connection with an I-90 application.
However, even though USCIS Field Offices and Application Support Centers are closed to the public for routine in-person services until at least June 4, 2020, USCIS continues to schedule local office appointments for those seeking an ADIT stamp for emergency purposes.
Examples of a situation where an appointment will likely be scheduled include a need to document continued status for employment verification purposes or necessary international travel. By itself, the fact that an LPR’s 18-month extension based on a pending Form I-751 has expired is likely not sufficient to warrant a local appointment while USCIS field offices are closed. In other cases, it is unclear if needing an ADIT stamp in order to extend an LPR’s driver’s license is considered a new need by USCIS. We recommend in this situation to contact the state’s Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many offices are automatically extending driver’s licenses during this crisis. If the state has not automatically extended driver’s licenses during the crisis, or the extension period has already elapsed, an appointment may be requested at a local USCIS office. It is important to remember that USCIS accepts your appointment, and you must demonstrate the critical or emergent need to obtain an extension.
If you would like to contact the USCIS Contact Center to request a field office appointment for an I-551 stamp, please follow the steps below:
Please be clearly explain the reason for which the request is being made (e.g., employment authorization, emergency international travel, driver’s license extension, etc.);
You should be prepared to document why the stamp is needed to both the USCIS Contact Center representative, as well as the local USCIS officer.
If you need any legal assistance or for more information, please contact our office, as we are happy to provide free initial consultations.
About Us
The Law Office of Nicholas J. Mireles is an experienced Los Angeles based U.S. Immigration law firm that has been practicing immigration law since 2013. Our background makes us uniquely well suited to help you with any issue relating to your immigration status.
Law Office of Nicholas J. Mireles, APC
411 West 7th St. Ste 310 - Los Angeles, CA 90014
attorney@loonjm.com