By: Jioselin Juarez Contreras

Introduction

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued an announcement for lawful permanent residents. Instead of having to visit a field office to obtain an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp  also known as an I-551 stamp, lawful permanent residents will be able to obtain temporary evidence of their lawful permanent residence by mail.

When would a Lawful Permanent Resident be allowed to request temporary evidence of their status in the form of an ADIT stamp?

• They do not possess their Green Card; or
• Form I-90, Replacement of Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence; or
• Form N-400 Application for Naturalization is pending adjudication and their Green Card and extension notice have expired.

In order to request temporary evidence of their lawful permanent residence status, the lawful permanent resident must first call USCIS Contact Center. Then, they will be asked the following:

1. Confirm identity, physical mailing address, and whether that address receives UPS or FedEx express mail.
2. If an in-person appointment is needed the officer will schedule or submit ADIT request to USCIS field office for stamp to be issued.
3. If an in-person appointment is not needed, USCIS field office will review request and mail the applicant an I-94 Form along with ADIT stamp, DHS seal, and a printed photo of applicant from USCIS systems.

Conclusion

Only USCIS can determine if an applicant receives an ADIT stamp. At USCIS’ discretion they also determine the period of its validity according to the lawful permanent resident’s situation. Although, some lawful permanent residents may still need to attend in person at a USCIS field office. Including those with urgencies, those who do not hold a usable photo in USCIS systems, or their identity and address could not be confirmed. USCIS plans to issue temporary evidence of their status in an appropriate manner.

For any questions regarding the additional mail delivery process for receiving ADIT Stamp, please contact your trusted Chugh, LLP immigration professional.