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what is i-551 visa

by Florida Orn DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What is Form I-551? If you've received Form I-551, it means you've successfully obtained permanent resident status. While it is, in essence, your green card, you might notice the I-551 designation on a number of different documents as you make your move abroad.

Do I need to get I-551 stamped on passport?

You need a valid green card or confirmed I-551 temporary evidence status for work authorization and driving licenses as well. If you find yourself with a pending I-90 and need proof of your status, then the local USCIS office responsible for your jurisdiction can issue a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport.

How early can you get an I-551 stamp?

How soon can I get I 551 stamp? 6 to 12 months . 36 Related Question Answers Found Is I 551 same as green card? Well, an I-551 Form is a Green Card. In the olden days, this document used to be green in color and was therefore called a "green card". The basic of the document remain the same. The form grants you permanent resident status.

How long is an I-551 stamp typically valid for?

How long is an I-551 stamp valid for? USCIS issues I-551 stamps for six to twelve months. The actual duration given depends on the time it takes to process your actual Green Card, your individual circumstances, and the validity of your passport.

Can I travel with I-551 stamp in passport?

If you haven't yet received your permanent green card, you can travel with an I-551 stamp in your passport if you don't have one. How do I make an InfoPass appointment? Visit the InfoPass website. Select the language you want to use (English or Spanish). Fill in your information as directed on the screen.

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What type of visa is I-551?

In this case, the document is a permanent resident card. Form I-551 is the form number for a green card. It is proof of a foreign national's immigration status to live and work permanently in the United States.

How long is 551 good for?

10 yearsA Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-551) Although some Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, contain no expiration date, most are valid for 10 years. If you have been granted conditional permanent resident status, the card is valid for 2 years.

Can I travel outside the U.S. with I-551 stamp?

Can you travel with an I-551 stamp? As long as the stamp is not past the expiration date on the CBP admission stamp on your visa, you are free to travel.

Who is eligible for i-551 stamp?

You should get an I-551 Temporary Evidence Stamp if you are a legal permanent resident of the United States and you are waiting for USCIS to adjudicate your pending Form I-90, or you are a conditional resident waiting for your Form I-751 to be approved and you need to travel or need to show your status is current.

Is I-551 same as green card?

Form I-551 is the formal designation of your permanent resident card (aka green card) What is Form I-551? If you've received Form I-551, it means you've successfully obtained permanent resident status.

Is I-551 stamp same as green card?

What Is an I-551 Stamp? Historically, the I-551 Form was simply called a green card because it was green in hue. The card grants an immigrant permanent resident status for up to 10 years at a time. It also has the potential to be renewed before it expires.

How much does it cost to get i-551 stamp?

An I-551 stamp does not cost you any direct fee, but to get Form I-90—which is a mandatory document that you must submit during your InfoPass appointment—you need to pay a fee of $445. Moreover, a biometric procedure, if applicable, will cost you an additional $85.

Can I stay in US while waiting for green card?

Some people can stay in the U.S. for the entire period of applying for a U.S. green card. Others must leave the U.S., either while they wait for a visa to become available (which can take years in some cases) or in order to attend their immigrant visa interview, which is the last major step in the immigration process.

Can I travel to Canada with temporary I-551?

Your valid green card (or valid I-551 stamp on your passport) is sufficient proof of U.S. permanent residence. However, if you are traveling to Canada from another country other than the U.S. you will be required to have a valid passport, even if you have possession of a green card.

How do I check my i 551 status?

Applying within the United StatesFind your “Receipt Number.” (See “Receipt Numbers” below.)Visit USCIS' “Case Status Online” tracker.Enter your Receipt Number.Click “Check Status.”

How do I check my i 551 status?

Applying within the United StatesFind your “Receipt Number.” (See “Receipt Numbers” below.)Visit USCIS' “Case Status Online” tracker.Enter your Receipt Number.Click “Check Status.”

How do I find my i 551 number?

The number is printed on the back of a Green Card. In this image “LIN0000000319” is the i-551 number. Some older Green Cards might have the i-551 number located on the front of the card.

How long is ADIT stamp good for?

1 yearThe ADIT stamp is generally granted for 1 year. However, in case of a LPR that is in removal proceedings, the ADIT stamp will most likely be granted through the date of the following immigration court hearing.

Can I travel with I 797 Notice of Action?

Can I Travel With I-797 Notice of Action? Yes, your I-797F allows you to travel to the U.S. if you are overseas. USCIS will send the form to your overseas address so that you may travel (back) to the United States.

How Do I Obtain an I-551 Stamp?

For foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to the United States, there are several methods to immigrate and get a Form I551 in order to permanently reside in the country. Typically, foreigners come into the U.S. on a non-immigrant or immigrant visa.

What is a I551 Stamp?

customs officer shall stamp the passport of foreign origin with a stamp. This stamp indicates your permanent resident status valid up to 1 year. This stamp is also referred as Form I-551 or 511 Stamp. This period is from the date of admission to the country. The endorsement of the stamp is valid as long as the resident can display a passport with a non-expired I-551 stamp. An I-551 stamp is meant to be served as a temporary proof of legal residence. Individuals who receive the stamp should receive an official green card via mail soon after arriving to the United States.

How to make an appointment with USCIS?

To make an InfoPass appointment, applicants must have a computer with internet and access the appointment section of the USCIS. InfoPass appointments are free, so applicant should be cautious of any private services claiming to provide expedited InfoPass appointment services. InfoPass appointments can occur in the United States or outside the country. However, appointment availability may differ significantly among locations as the queue in each location varies. If you cannot find a service type through the website, you can contact the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 to seek assistance.

What is an example of a non-immigrant visa?

Typically, foreigners come into the U.S. on a non-immigrant or immigrant visa. An example of a non-immigrant visa is a temporary worker visa, H-1B. Although H-1B Visas are meant for temporary nonimmigrant employment in the United States, it is recognized by the U.S. government as a dual intent visa. This means that H-1B Visa holders may apply ...

What is the lottery for foreigners?

The lottery gives an opportunity for foreign nationals who would not otherwise have the financial resources to enter the U.S. Regardless of the path taken to the permanent resident status, applicants who have successfully become U.S. permanent residents can receive an I-551 stamp on their foreign passports to indicate the legal status.

Can I get an I-551 stamp for permanent residence?

As previously mentioned, a valid cause to obtain an emergency I-551 stamp for permanent residents is when the processing time for a green card takes too long . To prevent this emergency situation, applicants should check the current USCIS processing times. In the case of emergency, applicants can request an interim evidence ...

Is an I-551 stamp valid?

The endorsement of the stamp is valid as long as the resident can display a passport with a non-expired I-551 stamp. An I-551 stamp is meant to be served as a temporary proof of legal residence. Individuals who receive the stamp should receive an official green card via mail soon after arriving to the United States.

Temporary I-551

Before you receive your official green card — and assuming you’ve applied from outside the United States — you will first be given what is known as a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV). This will be placed in your passport and will contain the following phrase:

FAQs

In this section, we’ll briefly cover some common questions about Form I-551.

Can I work with a temporary I-551 stamp?

As mentioned above, you can use the ADIT stamp, with the MRIV, for purposes of employment. If you’ve received the stamp as a placeholder for a lost or stolen card, you may use it for work authorization in this case as well.

What is a machine readable immigrant visa?

A machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) usually has the following text on it: “UPON ENDORSEMENT SERVES AS TEMPORARY I-551 EVIDENCING PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR 1 YEAR.” When a new immigrant first enters the U.S., U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will stamp the passport with an admission stamp that indicates the immigrant has permanent resident status and has the date the new immigrant entered the U.S. The employee’ s foreign passport with the MRIV is evidence the employee has permanent residence status for 1 year from the date of admission. Even if the MRIV is issued without the statement “FOR 1 YEAR,” employers should treat the MRIV as an acceptable List A document valid for 1 year from the date of admission.

How long is an MRIV valid?

Even if the MRIV is issued without the statement “FOR 1 YEAR,” employers should treat the MRIV as an acceptable List A document valid for 1 year from the date of admission. Here is an example of an immigrant visa with the CBP endorsement:

Is a stamp on a passport a valid endorsement?

If the stamp in the passport is endorsed and is near but not on the immigrant visa, it is still a valid endorsement.

What is an I551 number?

An i551 number can also be referred to as a case number, receipt number, Green Card number, permanent resident card number, or permanent resident document number. It is a 13 character long combination of letters and numbers; with three letters at the beginning followed by 10 numbers.

Where is the i551 number on a green card?

Where is the i-551 number located? The number is printed on the back of a Green Card. In this image “LIN0000000319” is the i-551 number. Some older Green Cards might have the i-551 number located on the front of the card.

New Immigrant Visas

When granted permanent US residency at a US embassy, the consular officer will put an immigrant visa inside your passport, known as a “machine-readable immigrant visa” or MRIV. It will typically read as follows:

I-551 Stamp for Lost Green Cards

Has your Green Card been lost, stolen, or destroyed? If so, USCIS can issue a temporary Form I-551 by placing an I-551 stamp in your foreign passport. This was formerly known as the ADIT, or Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications stamp.

What is an I-551?

Understanding Form I-551 and Green Card. Form I-551 is more commonly known as a green card. A green card or Form I-551 provides the holder with proof of permanent residence in the United States. Green card holders have the right to live and work permanently in the United States for as long as they wish or as long as they do not violate the terms ...

How long is a 551 valid for?

If you receive a green card through marriage, you will generally be given a conditional Form I 551. This permanent residency will be valid for two years. When that time frame has almost expired, you will need to apply to have your status readjusted ...

Can I get an I-551?

In some cases, you may also attain Form I-551 through investment in the US economy. Once you have entered the United States on a visa and have become eligible for Form I-551, you may simply apply for a green card. There’s also a green card lottery which gives applicants from underrepresented nations the chance to compete for a Form I-551.

Can I be a resident of the US for a lifetime?

In general, as long as one obeys the laws of the United States, files taxes as a resident, and maintains residence in the United States, one can remain a resident of the United States for a lifetime. Form I 551 is the first step towards US citizenship, as well.

Can I enter the US on a nonimmigrant visa?

For example, you can enter the United States on an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. There are many ways to be eligible for this. For example, you may enter the United States as a skilled worker, through a family member who is a US Citizen or green card holder, or through marriage. In some cases, you may also attain Form I-551 through investment in ...

What is the I-551?

Temporary evidence of lawful permanent resident status in the United States, commonly known as the I-551 stamp, is a stop-gap arrangement to ascertain the legal resident status of an immigrant while his/her Green Card is being renewed.

What Is an I-551 Stamp?

The I-551 stamp is temporary evidence of permanent resident status in the United States. It is issued on a passport while an immigrant’s Green Card is being renewed. It serves as the temporary approval of permanent resident status while the actual Green Card is being generated.

How Long Is an I-551 Stamp Valid?

If your passport is due to expire before that time, then the I-551 stamp validity will mostly be set until the expiration date of the passport.

How to apply for a USCIS visa in person?

Alternatively, you may also file your application in person by visiting a regional USCIS office or by sending your application through the mail.

How long is a green card valid?

Typically, a U.S. Green Card is valid for 10 years. If you are a permanent resident and your Green Card tenure has expired, or about to expire within the next 6 months, then you are eligible to begin the renewal process by obtaining an I-551 stamp on your passport.

How long is a temporary I-551 valid?

Temporary evidence of permanent resident status is valid for a period of 6 months to 1 year from the date of issuance. If your passport is due to expire before that time, then the I-551 stamp validity will mostly be set until the expiration date of the passport. for Non-U.S. Citizens!

What is the purpose of the I-551 stamp?

The purpose of the I-551 stamp is to avoid issues involving a lost, stolen, expiring, or expired Green Card.

Where is the A number on a visa?

Your immigrant visa in your passport—also known as a visa stamp/visa foil—also contains your A-Number. You can locate it on the right-hand side below your case number.

What is the USCIS case number?

No, these are distinct numbers. Your USCIS case number (also called receipt number) is the one USCIS assigns to your application. The government uses the Alien Registration Number to identify you as a person. The USCIS case number is 13 digits and always starts with 3 letters and then 10 numbers. Your A-number (seven to nine digits) remains the same across your documents, visas, or green cards issued. If you apply for a green card and then apply for citizenship later on, the two applications you fill out will have different USCIS case numbers, but the same A-number will be listed. If you see “USCIS#” or “USCIS number” on documentation that doesn’t use the word “case” after it, then you should use your Alien Registration Number in that instance. As you can see, it can get quite confusing, so we highly recommended trusting your immigration case with an experienced attorney.

Where Do I Find My Alien Registration Number?

The back of the green card also contains the alien number.

What is the USCIS number on my EAD card?

On your Employment Authorization Document, the “USCIS#” is your Alien Registration Number. The section next to “Card#” is your EAD card number.

What is an alien number?

An Alien Registration Number —also referred to as an A-Number—is a seven-to-nine digit number assigned to green card holders by the Department of Homeland Security. Typically, nonimmigrants who are in the United States only temporarily don’t receive Alien Registration Numbers. However, nonimmigrant classes holding employment authorization documents ...

How long does it take to get an alien registration number for marriage?

If you are already married to your U.S. citizen partner, your Alien Registration Number will arrive roughly 30 days after filing the green card application (I-485). If you are married to a green card holder, you need to wait for your I-130 petition to be approved before you file your I-484 (green card application) and wait for your immigrant visa to become available. Your A-number will be sent to you roughly a year into that process.

What to do if you see USCIS number?

If you see “USCIS#” or “USCIS number” on documentation that doesn’t use the word “case” after it, then you should use your Alien Registration Number in that instance. As you can see, it can get quite confusing, so we highly recommended trusting your immigration case with an experienced attorney.

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