I-551 Stamp and Green Card Evidence in Garden Grove: Temporary Proof of Permanent Residence

Quick Answer

Garden Grove has one of the largest Arab-American communities in Orange County, and many permanent residents here encounter situations where they need proof of their immigration status but their physical green card is unavailable. Whether your card is lost, stolen, expired, or simply has not arrived yet, the I-551 stamp (also called the ADIT stamp) provides temporary evidence of your permanent resident status that is accepted by employers, airlines, and government agencies.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

What Is the I-551 Stamp

The I-551 stamp, formally known as the ADIT (Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication) stamp, is a temporary endorsement placed in your passport by a USCIS officer. This stamp serves as official proof that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

The stamp includes your Alien Registration Number (A-Number), the date the stamp was placed, and an expiration date (typically one year from the date of stamping). It functions as a temporary replacement for your physical green card (Form I-551) and is recognized by all federal agencies, employers, and transportation authorities.

The I-551 stamp is not a separate immigration benefit. It is simply a verification mechanism that confirms your existing permanent resident status when your green card is not available.

When You Need an I-551 Stamp

There are several common situations where Garden Grove residents need the I-551 stamp to prove their permanent resident status. Understanding these scenarios helps you take action before a problem becomes urgent.

•Your green card has expired and your I-90 renewal is still pending
•Your green card was lost or stolen and you need proof of status immediately
•You are a new permanent resident and have not yet received your card in the mail
•Your green card was damaged and is no longer legible or acceptable
•You recently entered the United States with an immigrant visa and need proof of status before the card arrives
•Your conditional green card expired and your I-751 petition to remove conditions is pending
•Your employer is requesting re-verification of your status for I-9 purposes
•You need to travel internationally and cannot use your expired or missing green card
•You are applying for government benefits that require proof of permanent residency

How to Get the I-551 Stamp at USCIS

Obtaining an I-551 stamp requires an in-person visit to your local USCIS field office. The process involves scheduling an appointment and bringing the required documentation.

1
Schedule an InfoPass Appointment
Visit the USCIS website (uscis.gov) or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to request an InfoPass appointment at the nearest field office. For Garden Grove residents, the Santa Ana USCIS Field Office is the primary location.
2
Gather Required Documents
Collect your valid passport, any available green card evidence (expired card, receipt notices, approval notices), government-issued photo ID, and any pending application receipts (I-90, I-751, etc.).
3
Attend Your Appointment
Arrive at the USCIS field office on your scheduled date with all documents. A USCIS officer will verify your identity and permanent resident status in the system.
4
Receive the I-551 Stamp
If the officer confirms your status, they will place the I-551 stamp in your passport. The stamp is typically valid for one year and serves as temporary proof of your permanent residency.

Required Documents for Your Appointment

Bringing the correct documents to your USCIS appointment is critical. Missing documents can result in a wasted trip and additional delays. Prepare the following items before your visit.

•Valid, unexpired passport from your country of nationality (required for the stamp to be placed)
•Expired or damaged green card (if available)
•I-90 receipt notice (if you filed for renewal or replacement)
•I-751 receipt notice (if you filed to remove conditions on residence)
•I-485 approval notice (if you recently adjusted status)
•Immigrant visa packet or entry stamp in passport (for new permanent residents)
•Government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID)
•Any correspondence from USCIS regarding your case
•Two passport-style photographs (some offices require these)

Using the I-551 Stamp for Employment

The I-551 stamp is a List A document for Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification purposes. This means it serves as both proof of identity and proof of work authorization in a single document.

Employers are legally required to accept the I-551 stamp as valid evidence of your right to work in the United States. An employer who refuses to accept a valid I-551 stamp may be in violation of anti-discrimination laws under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

If your green card has expired but you have a valid I-551 stamp in your passport, your employer should accept the stamp for I-9 re-verification. The stamp confirms that your permanent resident status remains valid even though the physical card has expired.

New employees can present the I-551 stamp along with their passport to satisfy the I-9 requirement at the time of hire. There is no need to present additional documents when you have a valid stamp.

•The I-551 stamp is a standalone List A document for I-9 purposes
•Employers must accept the stamp and cannot demand a physical green card
•The stamp is valid for employment until its expiration date
•If your stamp expires before your new card arrives, you may need a new stamp
•Report employers who refuse to accept the I-551 stamp to the Office of Special Counsel

Traveling with an I-551 Stamp

International travel as a permanent resident requires proof of your status to re-enter the United States. The I-551 stamp serves this purpose when your green card is unavailable.

When returning to the United States from abroad, present your passport with the I-551 stamp to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. The officer will verify your status and admit you as a returning permanent resident.

Airlines are trained to recognize the I-551 stamp as valid travel documentation. If an airline agent questions the stamp, ask them to contact their documentation verification center, which will confirm the stamp's validity.

Keep in mind that the I-551 stamp must be valid (not expired) at the time of your return to the United States. If your stamp will expire during your trip, obtain a new stamp before departing.

•Always carry your passport with the I-551 stamp when traveling internationally
•The stamp must be unexpired at the time you re-enter the United States
•Airlines and CBP are trained to recognize and accept the I-551 stamp
•Trips longer than 6 months may raise questions about abandonment of residency
•If you plan extended travel, consider applying for a re-entry permit (I-131) in addition to the stamp
•Carry copies of your I-90 or I-751 receipt notices as additional supporting evidence

Common Situations Requiring the I-551 Stamp

Understanding the most frequent scenarios helps you prepare in advance rather than scrambling when an urgent need arises.

Situation	Why the Stamp Is Needed	Typical Urgency
Green card expired, I-90 pending	Receipt notice extends card 24 months, but some entities require additional proof	Medium - plan ahead
Green card lost or stolen	No physical proof of status available; stamp provides immediate evidence	High - obtain promptly
New permanent resident, card not received	Entered on immigrant visa but card takes 2-4 weeks to arrive	Medium - needed for employment
Conditional card expired, I-751 pending	Receipt extends status but physical evidence expired	High - especially for travel
Employment re-verification needed	Employer requests updated proof of work authorization	High - affects livelihood
International travel planned	Cannot board international return flight without proof of status	Critical - must have before departure

Expired Green Card While Renewal Is Pending

One of the most common situations faced by Garden Grove residents is dealing with an expired green card while the I-90 renewal application is being processed. USCIS processing times for I-90 applications currently range from 12 to 24 months, meaning your card may expire well before your new one arrives.

When you file Form I-90, the receipt notice (Form I-797C) automatically extends your green card validity for 24 months from the date on your expired card. This extension is recognized for employment and most other purposes.

However, some situations require the I-551 stamp even with a valid receipt notice. Certain government agencies, financial institutions, and foreign airlines may not recognize the receipt notice extension. In these cases, the I-551 stamp in your passport provides unambiguous proof of your status.

If you need to travel internationally while your renewal is pending, the I-551 stamp is strongly recommended. While the receipt notice technically extends your card, having the stamp prevents potential complications at airports and ports of entry.

•The I-90 receipt notice extends your expired card for 24 months
•Carry both your expired card and receipt notice at all times
•Get the I-551 stamp if you plan international travel during the renewal period
•Some banks and government agencies prefer the stamp over receipt notices
•If your receipt notice is lost, request a duplicate from USCIS before traveling
•Monitor your case status online at uscis.gov for processing updates

Why Garden Grove Residents Choose Us

Our team has extensive experience helping Garden Grove's diverse community navigate permanent resident status issues. We understand the stress of not having your green card when you need it for work, travel, or daily life, and we work to resolve these situations as quickly as possible.

We provide full Arabic and English bilingual support, ensuring you understand every step of the process. Our staff is familiar with the procedures at the Santa Ana USCIS Field Office and can help you prepare a complete document package that minimizes the chance of delays or return visits.

Whether you need help with your I-90 renewal application, I-751 conditional residence removal, or simply guidance on obtaining an I-551 stamp, we are here to help Garden Grove families maintain proper documentation of their immigration status.

•Full Arabic and English bilingual assistance throughout the process
•Familiarity with Santa Ana USCIS Field Office procedures and requirements
•Same-week appointment scheduling for urgent situations
•Complete document preparation and review before your USCIS visit
•Assistance with I-90 renewals, I-751 filings, and related applications
•Conveniently located for Garden Grove, Westminster, and Santa Ana residents

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How long is the I-551 stamp valid?

A: The I-551 stamp is typically valid for one year from the date it is placed in your passport. If your situation requires proof of status beyond that period and your green card has still not arrived, you can return to USCIS to request a new stamp.

Q:Can I get the I-551 stamp without a passport?

A: No, the I-551 stamp must be placed in a valid, unexpired passport. If you do not have a valid passport, you will need to obtain or renew one from your country's consulate before requesting the stamp. USCIS cannot place the stamp on any other document.

Q:Do I need an appointment to get the I-551 stamp?

A: Yes, you generally need an InfoPass appointment at your local USCIS field office. Walk-in availability varies by office and is not guaranteed. Schedule your appointment through the USCIS website or by calling 1-800-375-5283 to avoid unnecessary trips.

Q:Can my employer fire me if my green card expired but I have the I-551 stamp?

A: No. The I-551 stamp is valid proof of your permanent resident status and work authorization. An employer who terminates you solely because your physical green card expired, despite your having a valid I-551 stamp, may be engaging in immigration-related discrimination, which is illegal under federal law.

Q:Is the I-551 stamp the same as a temporary green card?

A: The I-551 stamp functions similarly to a temporary green card in that it proves your permanent resident status. However, it is not a separate card. It is a physical stamp placed in your passport by a USCIS officer. It carries the same legal weight as the green card for proving your status.

Q:Can I use the I-551 stamp to apply for citizenship?

A: The I-551 stamp itself does not change your eligibility for citizenship. However, when filing Form N-400 for naturalization, you can use the stamp as evidence of your continuous permanent resident status if your green card is unavailable. You will still need to meet all other naturalization requirements including residency and physical presence.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Garden Grove and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 7, 2026Last Updated: February 7, 2026

Need Help Proving Your Permanent Resident Status?

Our Garden Grove team helps permanent residents obtain I-551 stamps, renew green cards, and resolve status documentation issues. Call (714) 421-8872 for assistance.

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