SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

A transportation letter (boarding foil) is an emergency travel document that allows permanent residents to return to the U.S. when their green card is unavailable. Upland residents can request this document at a USCIS field office for urgent international travel when their green card hasn't arrived, is lost, or was stolen abroad.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

When Upland residents have an urgent need to travel internationally but their green card is unavailable, a transportation letter provides a solution. SoCal Immigration Services helps Inland Empire residents understand when and how to obtain this emergency travel document.

What is a Transportation Letter?

A transportation letter, also known as a boarding foil or travel stamp, is an emergency document placed in your passport by USCIS that allows you to board a flight to the United States and re-enter as a permanent resident.

When You Need One:
• Your green card was approved but hasn't arrived yet
• Your green card was lost or stolen while traveling abroad
• Your green card expired while you were outside the U.S.
• Your green card was damaged and is unreadable
• Your I-551 stamp has expired and new card hasn't arrived

The transportation letter is typically valid for a single entry and is meant for emergency situations only.

Who Can Get a Transportation Letter?

Transportation letters are available to lawful permanent residents in specific situations:

•You have approved permanent resident status
•Your green card is unavailable through no fault of your own
•You have urgent travel needs (not convenience)
•You can prove your permanent resident status
•You're currently in the U.S. or at a U.S. consulate abroad
•You have a valid passport from your country of nationality
•You can attend an appointment at USCIS or a U.S. consulate

How to Request a Transportation Letter in Upland

For Upland residents still in the United States, follow these steps:

1
Schedule InfoPass Appointment
Call USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to schedule an emergency appointment at your nearest field office (San Bernardino serves Upland area).
2
Gather Required Documents
Bring passport, proof of permanent resident status (approval notice, previous card, I-94), travel itinerary, and proof of emergency if applicable.
3
Explain Emergency Need
Be prepared to explain why you need to travel urgently and why your green card is unavailable. USCIS grants these for genuine emergencies.
4
Receive ADIT Stamp or Letter
If approved, officer stamps your passport with temporary I-551 evidence or provides transportation letter. Valid for re-entry.
5
Travel with Documentation
Carry stamped passport, any approval notices, and copy of I-90 receipt if applicable when traveling.

Getting Help While Abroad

If your green card is lost or stolen while outside the United States:

At U.S. Consulate/Embassy:
• Report to nearest U.S. consulate or embassy
• Bring passport and any proof of LPR status
• Explain situation and request transportation letter/boarding foil
• Consulate will verify your status with USCIS
• If verified, you'll receive a boarding foil in your passport

What to Bring:
• Valid passport
• Copy of green card (if you have one)
• Any USCIS approval notices or receipts
• Police report (if card was stolen)
• Proof of travel itinerary

Processing time varies by consulate but emergency cases are typically expedited.

Required Documents Checklist

Gather these documents before your USCIS appointment:

•Valid passport from your country of nationality
•Copy of green card (if available, even if expired)
•I-797 approval notice for I-485 or other immigration benefit
•Receipt notice for I-90 (if renewal pending)
•Previous I-551 stamp (if any)
•Travel itinerary showing urgent travel dates
•Evidence of emergency (death certificate, medical records, etc.)
•Police report (if card was stolen)
•Any other USCIS correspondence

Common Situations for Transportation Letters

Upland residents often need transportation letters for these reasons:

Situation	Solution	What to Bring
Green card not received after I-485 approval	ADIT stamp at USCIS	I-797 approval notice, passport
I-90 pending, need to travel	ADIT stamp at USCIS	I-90 receipt, expired card
Green card lost abroad	Boarding foil at consulate	Police report, passport, any LPR evidence
Card stolen abroad	Boarding foil at consulate	Police report, passport
Card damaged/unreadable	ADIT stamp at USCIS	Damaged card, passport

ADIT Stamp vs. Transportation Letter

Understanding the difference:

ADIT Stamp (I-551 Stamp):
• Placed directly in your passport at USCIS office
• Typically valid for 1 year
• Serves as temporary proof of LPR status
• Can be used for employment verification
• Can be used for multiple entries during validity

Transportation Letter (Boarding Foil):
• Issued by U.S. consulate abroad
• Usually valid for single entry
• Allows you to board flight to U.S.
• Proves LPR status for CBP re-entry
• Does not replace green card for other purposes

For Upland residents, you'll typically receive an ADIT stamp if you're still in the U.S., or a boarding foil if you're abroad.

Processing Time and Validity

What to expect for processing:

Document Type	Processing Time	Validity Period
ADIT Stamp (in US)	Same day with appointment	Usually 1 year
Boarding Foil (abroad)	1-5 business days	Single entry
Emergency cases	May be expedited	As needed
Status verification	Varies by case	N/A

What If USCIS Denies the Request?

If your transportation letter request is denied:

Common Denial Reasons:
• Cannot verify your permanent resident status
• Travel doesn't qualify as emergency
• Insufficient documentation provided
• Status issues discovered during verification

Next Steps:
• Ask for explanation of denial
• Provide additional evidence if available
• Reschedule appointment with better documentation
• Consider whether travel is truly urgent
• Consult with immigration professional

Note: Denial of transportation letter doesn't affect your underlying status, just your ability to travel with emergency documentation.

Preventing Future Emergencies

Tips for Upland residents to avoid needing transportation letters:

•File I-90 renewal 6 months before card expires
•Keep copies of green card in safe place and digitally
•Carry green card when traveling (but keep copy at home)
•Update address with USCIS promptly (AR-11)
•Check USCIS case status online regularly
•Keep approval notices permanently
•Consider naturalization if eligible (citizenship = U.S. passport)
•Know consulate locations when traveling abroad

Nearest USCIS Offices to Upland

Upland residents can visit these USCIS offices for transportation letters:

•USCIS San Bernardino Field Office - Serves Upland directly
•USCIS Los Angeles Field Office - Alternative option
•USCIS Santa Ana Field Office - Orange County option
•Note: All require appointments - no walk-ins for this service
•Call 1-800-375-5283 to schedule emergency appointment

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services

We help Upland residents with emergency travel situations:

•Arabic and English-speaking staff for Inland Empire community
•Emergency appointment assistance
•Document preparation and organization
•Guidance on proving LPR status
•Communication with USCIS on your behalf when possible
•Coordination with consulates if you're abroad
•Prevention strategies to avoid future emergencies
•I-90 filing assistance to prevent card expiration

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How quickly can I get a transportation letter?

A: At a USCIS field office, you can typically receive an ADIT stamp the same day if you have an appointment and proper documentation. At a U.S. consulate abroad, processing usually takes 1-5 business days but may be expedited for genuine emergencies.

Q:Does a transportation letter cost money?

A: There's no fee specifically for a transportation letter or ADIT stamp at USCIS. However, if you need to file I-90 for a lost/stolen card, that costs $465. Consulate fees vary.

Q:Can I get a transportation letter for convenience travel?

A: Transportation letters are intended for emergencies, not convenience. USCIS expects genuine urgency like family emergencies, business requirements, or medical situations. Routine vacation travel typically doesn't qualify.

Q:My green card expired while I was abroad. What do I do?

A: Go to the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy. They can verify your status and issue a boarding foil to allow your return. You remain a permanent resident even with an expired card - you just need valid documentation to travel.

Q:Can I work with a transportation letter?

A: An ADIT stamp (I-551 stamp in passport) can be used for employment verification on Form I-9. A boarding foil from a consulate is primarily for travel and may not be accepted for employment verification. Request an ADIT stamp once you return.

Q:How long is the ADIT stamp valid?

A: ADIT stamps are typically valid for 1 year. This gives you time to receive your physical green card. If your I-90 is still pending after the stamp expires, you can request another stamp.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Upland 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: January 29, 2026Last Updated: January 29, 2026

Need Emergency Travel Help in Upland?

Don't miss your urgent travel because of green card issues. Our team can help you navigate the transportation letter process quickly and efficiently.

Serving Upland and all of Southern California

Schedule Free Consultation (714) 421-8872

travel•El Cajon

Transportation Letter in Upland: Emergency Travel Document While Awaiting Green Card