An ADIT stamp, also called a temporary I-551 stamp, is a stamp USCIS places in a passport or on a travel document to show that the holder is a lawful permanent resident when no physical green card is available. It is temporary evidence, not a replacement for the card. We explain what it proves, when people need one, how to request it, and what to do next.
The short version
The ADIT (temporary I-551) stamp is short-term proof that you are a lawful permanent resident. It is commonly used when a card has not arrived, was lost, or is being replaced and you need proof of status quickly. USCIS lists it among the documents that show permanent resident status on its commonly used immigration documents page.
Key Takeaways
- The ADIT stamp is temporary evidence of permanent resident status, usually placed in a passport, and it has its own validity period.
- It can help with employment verification, travel planning, and other proof-of-status needs while you wait for a green card or a replacement.
- The stamp does not fix the underlying problem, so you still need to follow through on the replacement or renewal.
What is an ADIT stamp?
ADIT stands for Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication, the system USCIS has long used for this stamp. The stamp reads as a temporary Form I-551 and is placed in the holder’s passport or on a Form I-94. Employers recognize it too: the USCIS Handbook for Employers (M-274) lists a foreign passport with a temporary I-551 stamp among the List A documents that can establish identity and work authorization for Form I-9.
It is the same status document the permanent resident card represents, just in a temporary form. If you want to understand the card itself, read our plain-English guide to Form I-551, the Permanent Resident Card.
When do people need an ADIT stamp?
The most common situations are:
- A new permanent resident whose card has not arrived. Cards are mailed after approval, and a delay or a mail problem can leave someone without proof for weeks.
- A lost, stolen, or damaged card. If you filed to replace the card and need proof of status before the new one arrives, the stamp can fill the gap.
- An expiring card and an urgent need. Some residents need proof for work, a benefit, or a trip before renewal is complete.
- A card with an error. If the card has incorrect information, a replacement process starts, and temporary proof may be needed in the meantime.
USCIS explains how it handles replacement cards in its Policy Manual chapter on replacing the Permanent Resident Card. Whether you qualify for the stamp depends on the facts of your case, and USCIS decides each request.
How do you get an ADIT stamp?
Traditionally, a permanent resident requested the stamp in person at a USCIS field office after scheduling an appointment through the USCIS Contact Center. USCIS has also announced an additional mail delivery process for some ADIT stamps, described in a USCIS bulletin on mail delivery of the ADIT stamp. Because USCIS can change how it handles these requests, check the current process on the USCIS website or speak with an attorney before you plan around a particular method.
Bring your passport, any receipt notice, and any proof that you are a permanent resident. If you have a pending Form I-90, bring the receipt notice. Our article on Form I-90 explains what you should have in hand.
Need proof of your permanent resident status?
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How long does the stamp last?
A temporary I-551 stamp is generally valid for a limited period, often one year from the date it is issued, and some stamps show a specific expiration date. Read the date on your stamp rather than assuming. USCIS’s I-9 guidance in the handbook linked above explains how employers treat the stamp and its validity.
Treat the stamp as a bridge. If your card has not arrived or has expired, make sure the replacement or renewal is actually moving. For expired cards, our article on the 36-month receipt notice explains another form of temporary proof.
Can you travel with an ADIT stamp?
Many permanent residents have used a temporary I-551 stamp in a passport when they needed to travel, but travel carries its own risks, and the right documents depend on the facts. A permanent resident can also be sent to secondary inspection at the airport. Read our guide to green card holders and secondary inspection before you go, and speak with an immigration attorney first if you have any criminal history, a long stay abroad, or any other concern.
What is the difference between the ADIT stamp and a green card?
The green card is the long-term evidence of status, valid for years. The ADIT stamp is a temporary measure that points back to the same status. It shows USCIS has recognized you as a permanent resident, but it will expire, and it is not the card. For how long a card lasts and when to renew, see our guide to what happens when your green card expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ADIT stamp the same as a green card?
No. It is temporary evidence that you are a lawful permanent resident. The card is the long-term document.
Where is the ADIT stamp placed?
Usually in your passport or on a Form I-94. It appears as a temporary I-551 stamp.
Can an employer accept an ADIT stamp for Form I-9?
Yes. USCIS lists a foreign passport with a temporary I-551 stamp among the List A documents for Form I-9.
What if my card was lost and I need proof right away?
You generally need to file to replace the card, and in some cases you can request temporary proof. Talk with an immigration attorney about your options before you rely on any one document.
How We Can Help
At Ilabaca Law, PLLC, we help permanent residents who are missing a card, waiting on a replacement, or worried about proof of their status. We start with a free pre-evaluation: our attorney reviews the facts and determines whether we can help. If your case is a fit, we invite you to a paid consultation that includes a full case review and a written flat-fee quote. Our founding attorney Denisse Ilabaca is Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by The Florida Bar, a distinction held by fewer than two percent of Florida attorneys.
To get started, use our contact page or call (407) 917-2087.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and laws change. Please speak with a Florida attorney about your specific situation.