Understanding Form I-551
Receiving Form I-551 indicates that you have been granted permanent resident status. Often referred to as your Green Card, the I-551 designation can appear on various documents as you relocate overseas. Regardless of where you see it, this designation confirms your status as a permanent resident of the United States and entitles you to work and travel without restrictions.
This guide will provide you with all the necessary information about the I-551 designation. Additionally, we'll explore how this important document impacts your rights and responsibilities as a new resident.
Locating the Form I-551 Designation
After navigating through an extensive process of planning, petitions, and appointments, you'll finally have your Green Card in hand. If you look at the back of the card, you'll find "FORM I-551" printed in all caps in the top left corner. This is the official label for your Permanent Resident Card. You may also come across this designation on several other documents related to your residency status.
Guide to Temporary I-551 Designation
When applying for U.S. residency from overseas, you will not receive your official Green Card right away. Initially, a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) will be issued and placed in your passport. This visa contains the notation: "UPON ENDORSEMENT SERVES AS TEMPORARY I-551 EVIDENCING PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR 1 YEAR."
Upon your arrival in the United States, an officer from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will review your MRIV and then stamp your passport. This stamp, often referred to as the Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp, includes several critical pieces of information:
- Your status as a lawful permanent resident (LPR), indicated by the temporary I-551 designation at the top of the stamp.
- Your date of admission into the United States.
- The expiration date of your temporary I-551 status.
Although the MRIV itself may not specify a 1-year limit, the ADIT stamp explicitly limits the temporary I-551's validity to no more than one year from your date of entry. During this period, the combination of the MRIV and the ADIT stamp effectively grants you the same rights as if you were holding an official Green Card, allowing you to live and work in the United States under permanent resident status.
Making the Most of Your Temporary I-551 Document
The temporary I-551 serves as an essential interim document for various activities like working and traveling before you receive your official Green Card.
Employment Before Your Official Green Card Arrives
Upon entering the United States with a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) stamped in your passport, you can use these documents as a provisional replacement for the official Green Card for one year. Employers should recognize the MRIV, along with the passport stamp, as acceptable “List A” documents that verify your identity and authorize your employment in the U.S. However, it's important to note that once the expiration date on the stamp passes, you'll need to present the actual Permanent Resident Card, also known as Form I-551.
Typically, the official 10-year Permanent Resident Card should arrive within 45 days of your entry into the United States, assuming you have paid the USCIS Immigrant Fee. In the event that you do not receive your card within this timeframe, you should contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 for assistance.
In addition to employment, the temporary I-551 also facilitates travel outside the U.S. During its validity period, you can re-enter the U.S. without needing a visa, similarly to how you would with a permanent Green Card. This makes it particularly valuable for new residents who might need to travel internationally soon after their arrival.
Steps to Replace a Lost or Stolen Green Card
Should your Green Card go missing, be stolen, or become damaged, initiate the replacement process by filing Form I-90, the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The wait for a new card can extend up to 13 months. In the interim, you may need a temporary form of identification for travel or employment purposes. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) have the right to obtain an I-551 stamp, which acts as a temporary Green Card.
To secure an I-551 stamp, contact the USCIS Contact Center to arrange an appointment. During this appointment, you'll be instructed on the specific documents required, generally including:
- A photocopy of your lost or damaged Green Card, if possible
- Your current, valid passport
- Your I-797 form, the Notice of Action, which serves as your receipt for the filed Form I-90
The I-551 stamp, once issued, will be affixed to your valid passport or Form I-94, ensuring you can continue your daily activities without disruption. Best of luck as you navigate this process!
Last Updated 08/02/24 11:00:31AM
Form I-90 | Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card