USCIS Announces New Mail Delivery Process for ADIT Stamp
By: Immigration Attorney Osas Iyamu
Published: March 18, 2023
USCIS announced a new mail delivery process for the Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp. This stamp, also called an I-551 stamp or Green Card stamp, therefore serves as temporary evidence of permanent resident status. Furthermore, it is often issued when a Green Card has expired or is lost, so individuals can prove their status while waiting for a replacement card. As a result, they are still able to travel and work legally during this time. The new process allows lawful permanent residents to receive temporary evidence of their status by mail. They no longer need to visit their local USCIS field office in person.
Who is eligible for the ADIT Stamp Mail Delivery Process?
Lawful permanent residents are entitled to evidence of their status, including the ADIT stamp, if they do not have their Green Card or if their Green Card or extension notice has expired while their Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence or Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is still pending adjudication.
How does the ADIT Stamp Mail Delivery Process work?
Under the new process, lawful permanent residents request temporary status evidence by contacting the USCIS Contact Center. An immigration officer verifies their identity and mailing address. If an appointment isn’t required, the USCIS field office reviews the request. They then mail a Form I-94 with an ADIT stamp, DHS seal, and a photo from USCIS records.
Who is still required to appear in person at USCIS Field Office for an ADIT Stamp?
Some lawful permanent residents will still need to appear in person at a USCIS field office to receive temporary evidence of their status, including those with urgent needs, no usable photo in USCIS systems, or unconfirmed address or identity.
What is the validity period of the ADIT stamp?
USCIS will determine if a requestor should receive an ADIT stamp and has the discretion to determine the validity period, to be at most one year unless specified otherwise by regulation or policy.
What are the benefits of the ADIT Stamp mail Delivery Process?
This new process will reduce the burden on applicants of having to attend the appointment in person and increase the availability of USCIS field office resources, allowing for the timely issuance of temporary evidence of lawful permanent resident status. It’s a significant development that benefits all concerned parties. Lawful permanent residents will now receive temporary proof of their status by mail instead of visiting a field office physically. This is welcome news for those who have to travel, take time off work, or incur high transportation costs to visit a local USCIS field office for such evidence of status.
Is the ADIT Stamp an acceptable Document for employment?
This document is an acceptable List A receipt for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification purposes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult with a qualified immigration attorney regarding your specific situation.
