Navigating the ADIT stamp process can feel massive when you’re stuck without a valid Green Card. If you’re a lawful permanent resident waiting for your new card while your I-90 application processes, you need immediate proof of your status – especially for travel, employment, or other essential activities. The good news? The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now offers a streamlined mail delivery option for obtaining this temporary proof of residency, eliminating in-person appointments for many applicants.
This guide walks you through exactly how to request an ADIT stamp by mail or, when necessary, through an in-person appointment. If your Green Card is lost, stolen, expired, or simply delayed in processing, the steps outlined here will help you secure this crucial temporary evidence of permanent residency without unnecessary stress.
| Need | How ADIT Stamp Helps | Timeline |
| Travel | Serves as valid proof of LPR status at borders | Valid for 1 year typically |
| Employment | Meets I-9 verification requirements | Immediate proof while awaiting card |
| Government Services | Establishes identity and immigration status | Recognized by all federal agencies |
The Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication stamp (ADIT stamp) serves as your lifeline during this waiting period. USCIS has recently updated their procedures to make this process more efficient for both applicants and field offices. Let’s break down exactly what you need to know to navigate this system successfully.
What Is an ADIT Stamp?
An ADIT stamp (Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication stamp) is your temporary proof of lawful permanent resident status when you don’t have a physical Green Card. Think of it as a stand-in ID that proves your legal right to live and work in the United States. This stamp gets placed either in your passport or on an official Form I-94 if you don’t have a passport available.
Also known as an I-551 stamp, this temporary marker serves a crucial purpose for permanent residents caught in documentation limbo. If your Green Card is lost, stolen, expired, or simply hasn’t arrived yet, this stamp bridges the gap.
The ADIT stamp differs from your actual Green Card in several important ways:
| Feature | Green Card | ADIT Stamp |
| Format | Physical plastic card | Ink stamp in passport or on I-94 |
| Validity | 10 years (2 years for conditional) | Usually 1 year |
| Issuance | Mailed after approval | Provided at USCIS office or by mail |
| Purpose | Permanent proof of status | Temporary evidence while waiting |
You’ll need an ADIT stamp in several common situations:
- When your Green Card application is approved but you haven’t received the physical card
- During renewal periods when your current card has expired
- After reporting a lost or stolen Green Card while waiting for replacement
- When your extension notice has expired but your case is still pending
The stamp contains critical information including your name, A-number (Alien Registration Number), and an expiration date. With this stamp, you can travel internationally, verify employment eligibility, and access other benefits available to lawful permanent residents while waiting for your permanent card to arrive.
Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining an ADIT Stamp
Getting an ADIT stamp isn’t automatic—you need to meet specific eligibility requirements. USCIS issues these temporary proof documents only to lawful permanent residents who genuinely need them.
You qualify for an ADIT stamp if you fall into one of these categories:
- You’re a lawful permanent resident awaiting your first Green Card after approval
- You’ve filed Form I-90 to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Green Card, and your case is pending
- You’ve submitted Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 for investors, and both your card and extension notice have expired
- You’ve applied for naturalization (Form N-400), and your Green Card has expired while waiting for a decision
It’s worth noting that you don’t need an ADIT stamp if your USCIS receipt notice extension is still valid. For example, if you filed a naturalization application (N-400) on or after December 12, 2022, at least six months before your Green Card expired, you automatically get a 24-month extension of your status.
To successfully obtain the stamp, you’ll also need:
- Verifiable identity (USCIS will check their systems)
- A confirmed physical mailing address that can receive express mail (if requesting by mail)
- A usable photo already in USCIS systems (typically from previous biometrics appointments)
The ADIT stamp process has become much more convenient since March 2023, when USCIS announced their mail delivery option. This change has significantly reduced the burden on both applicants and USCIS field offices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting an ADIT Stamp
A. Contacting USCIS
The first step in the ADIT stamp process begins with a phone call. Here’s exactly what to do:
- Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (or 212-620-3418 if you’re abroad)
- Request to speak with an immigration services officer about obtaining an ADIT stamp
- Explain your situation clearly, mentioning which form you’ve filed (I-90, I-751, N-400, etc.) and why you need temporary proof of status
During this call, be prepared to verify your identity. The officer will ask several questions to confirm you are who you claim to be. They’ll also verify your physical mailing address and check if that address can receive UPS or FedEx express mail deliveries.
B. Determining the Mode of Issuance
After verifying your information, the USCIS officer will determine whether you need an in-person appointment or can receive your ADIT stamp by mail.
The officer considers several factors:
| Factor | Mail Delivery Possible | In-Person Required |
| Urgency | No immediate need | Urgent travel/employment |
| Identity | Easily verified | Verification issues |
| Photo | Available in system | No usable photo |
| Address | Can receive express mail | Mail delivery problems |
If you qualify for mail delivery, the officer will submit your request to the appropriate USCIS field office. The field office will review your case and create a Form I-94 with the ADIT stamp, complete with a DHS seal and your photo from their system.
C. In-Person Appointments (If Required)
Some situations still require an in-person visit to a USCIS field office. You’ll likely need to schedule an InfoPass appointment if:
- You have an urgent need for the ADIT stamp (like imminent travel)
- USCIS can’t find a usable photo of you in their systems
- The officer can’t verify your identity or address over the phone
- You need the stamp placed directly in your passport rather than on a Form I-94
For in-person appointments, bring these documents:
- Your passport (if available)
- Your expired Green Card (if you have it)
- Proof that you’ve filed the relevant application (I-90, I-751, etc.)
- Any identity documents like a driver’s license
- Evidence of urgent need, if applicable
The New Mail Delivery Option: Key Changes
The mail delivery option for the ADIT stamp process represents a significant improvement in how USCIS handles temporary proof of status. Introduced in March 2023, this change makes life easier for thousands of permanent residents each year.
Before this update, everyone needed an in-person InfoPass appointment at a USCIS field office. These appointments were often difficult to schedule, required travel to sometimes distant offices, and created backlogs that delayed service for those with truly urgent needs.
The new process offers several advantages:
- Eliminates travel time and expenses for most applicants
- Reduces wait times for those who genuinely need in-person appointments
- Allows USCIS to process more requests with the same resources
- Provides a more consistent experience across different field offices
When your Form I-94 with ADIT stamp arrives by mail, it will include:
- Your photo (pulled from USCIS systems)
- The actual I-551 stamp showing your status
- A Department of Homeland Security seal
- An expiration date (typically valid for one year)
This document serves as temporary proof of permanent resident status and is accepted for I-9 employment verification, international travel, and other situations requiring proof of your status.
Common Challenges and Solutions
A. Address Verification Issues
Some applicants face problems with address verification during the ADIT stamp process. If your address can’t receive express mail:
- Explain this to the USCIS officer during your initial call
- Ask about alternative delivery options
- If no alternatives exist, request an in-person appointment
If you’ve recently moved, make sure to update your address with USCIS by filing Form AR-11 before requesting your ADIT stamp.
B. Delayed Delivery
If 60 days pass without receiving your Form I-94 with ADIT stamp:
- Call the USCIS Contact Center again
- Explain that you’re following up on a previously requested ADIT stamp
- Have your receipt number or A-number ready
- Ask for a status update and next steps
The officer may need to submit a new request or schedule you for an in-person appointment if there are delivery issues.
C. Urgent Needs
For truly urgent situations requiring expedited temporary evidence of permanent residency:
- Clearly explain your emergency when first calling USCIS. If your travel plans can’t wait for the standard processing time, check our comprehensive guide on Can I Travel While i-90 is Pending? for additional options.
- Provide specific dates if travel is involved
- Be prepared to show documentation of your urgent need
- Request an emergency InfoPass appointment if necessary
USCIS typically accommodates genuine emergencies like imminent travel, critical employment verification needs, or medical situations.
FAQs About the ADIT Stamp Process
1. How long is an ADIT stamp valid?
Most ADIT stamps are valid for one year from the date of issuance. However, in some cases, USCIS may issue stamps with shorter validity periods based on your specific situation.
2. Can I travel internationally with an ADIT stamp?
Yes, you can travel internationally with an ADIT stamp. However, it’s always wise to check with your airline and the embassy of countries you plan to visit, as some may have additional requirements. Carry all your immigration documentation when traveling.
3. Is there a fee for obtaining an ADIT stamp?
No, there is no fee specifically for the ADIT stamp itself. However, you must have already filed and paid for the underlying application (like Form I-90 for Green Card replacement) that makes you eligible for the stamp.
4. What should I do if my Green Card is lost or stolen?
If your Green Card is lost or stolen:
Consider placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus to prevent identity theft
File Form I-90 immediately
Report the loss to local police if stolen
Contact USCIS to request an ADIT stamp while your replacement card is processing
5. How do I know if I need an in-person appointment or can receive my ADIT stamp by mail?
The USCIS officer will determine this during your initial phone call based on factors like urgency, identity verification, and your address’s ability to receive express mail.
The ADIT stamp process has evolved to become more accessible and efficient for lawful permanent residents. With the mail delivery option now available, many people can avoid the hassle of in-person appointments while still obtaining this crucial temporary evidence of permanent residency.
Remember to start by calling the USCIS Contact Center, clearly explaining your situation, and following their guidance on whether you qualify for mail delivery or need an in-person appointment. Keep all your immigration documents organized and accessible throughout this process.
If your case involves complex circumstances or you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, consider consulting with an immigration attorney. While the steps outlined here work for most standard situations, individual cases can sometimes have unique requirements.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the ADIT stamp system and maintain proper documentation of your lawful permanent resident status even while waiting for your Green Card.
