What Is an ADIT Stamp? Temporary Proof of Status
An ADIT stamp is temporary proof that you are a lawful permanent resident, used when you do not have a valid green card in hand. An ADIT stamp, sometimes called a temporary I-551, is a stamp USCIS places in your passport that serves as evidence of permanent residence for a limited period, typically up to a year. It lets you work, travel, and prove your status while you wait for a new or renewed green card.
This guide explains what the stamp does, how to get one, and when you need it. It connects to our guides on replacing a green card و traveling with an expired green card.
Need proof of your status before your card arrives? Atlas Legal can help you request an ADIT stamp appointment. Contact our team to get started.
الوجبات الرئيسية
- An ADIT stamp is temporary evidence of permanent resident status.
- It is placed in your passport and is also called a temporary I-551.
- It is valid for a limited period, often up to about a year.
- You use it when your card is lost, expired, or being replaced.
- You generally request it by scheduling an appointment with USCIS.
What This Guide Covers
- What an ADIT stamp is
- What it lets you do
- When you need one
- How to get one
- Its limits
- Frequently asked questions
What an ADIT Stamp Is
An ADIT stamp is a stamp USCIS places in your passport that confirms you are a lawful permanent resident. Its formal name is a temporary I-551, referring to the code for permanent resident status. It functions as interim proof when your physical green card is unavailable.
The stamp exists because processing a new or renewed card takes time, and permanent residents still need to prove their status during that wait. It bridges the gap between losing or expiring a card and receiving a replacement.
What It Lets You Do
The ADIT stamp serves the same core purposes as the green card, for a limited time. It provides evidence of your status for the situations where you would otherwise show the card:
| Use | How the stamp helps |
|---|---|
| Employment verification | Proves work authorization as a permanent resident |
| International travel | Helps you board a flight and reenter the U.S. |
| Proof of status | Serves as temporary evidence of permanent residence |
Because it carries the weight of your status, the stamp is a practical solution when you need to show proof and your card is not available.
When You Need One
You typically need an ADIT stamp when you are a permanent resident without a valid card in hand and you need proof of status before a new card arrives. Common situations include a lost or stolen card, an expired card, or a card that is being renewed or replaced.
It is especially useful when you have upcoming travel or a job that requires you to verify status, and the replacement card will not arrive in time. Our guide on replacing a green card explains the underlying I-90 process.
How to Get One
You generally obtain an ADIT stamp by requesting an appointment at a USCIS office, often after or in connection with filing to replace or renew your card. At the appointment, USCIS verifies your status and places the stamp in your passport.
Because appointments take arranging, plan ahead if you know you will need proof of status by a certain date. Bring your passport and any documentation of your case, such as receipt notices.
Have a travel date or job start and no card yet? Timing the ADIT stamp appointment matters. Ask Atlas Legal to help arrange it.
Its Limits
The ADIT stamp is temporary, valid only for a limited period, so it is a bridge, not a permanent substitute for the card. You still need to obtain the actual green card through the appropriate filing.
It also does not change your underlying status or resolve other issues, such as long absences that could raise abandonment. It simply provides proof of the status you already hold, for a set time.
When to Work With an Immigration Attorney
Getting an ADIT stamp is usually straightforward, but timing and coordination can be tricky. Legal help is valuable when you need proof of status quickly for travel or work, when your card is lost or expired and you are unsure of the process, when an appointment is hard to get before a deadline, or when other status issues are involved. An attorney can help you arrange the stamp in time. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case.
الأسئلة الشائعة
What is an ADIT stamp?
An ADIT stamp, also called a temporary I-551, is a stamp USCIS places in your passport that serves as temporary proof that you are a lawful permanent resident. It is valid for a limited period, often up to about a year, and lets you work, travel, and prove your status when you do not have a valid green card in hand, such as when a card is lost, expired, or being replaced.
What does an ADIT stamp let me do?
It serves the same core purposes as the green card for a limited time. You can use it to verify work authorization with an employer, to help board a flight and reenter the U.S. when traveling, and generally to prove your permanent resident status. Because it carries the weight of your status, it is a practical substitute for the physical card while you wait for a replacement.
When do I need an ADIT stamp?
You need one when you are a permanent resident without a valid card and need proof of status before a new card arrives. Common situations include a lost or stolen card, an expired card, or a card being renewed or replaced. It is especially useful if you have upcoming travel or a job requiring status verification and the replacement card will not arrive in time.
How do I get an ADIT stamp?
You generally request an appointment at a USCIS office, often in connection with filing to replace or renew your card. At the appointment, USCIS verifies your status and places the stamp in your passport. Bring your passport and documentation of your case, such as receipt notices. Because appointments take arranging, plan ahead if you need proof of status by a specific date.
How long is an ADIT stamp valid?
It is valid for a limited period, commonly up to about a year, though the exact validity can vary. It is meant to bridge the gap until you receive your new or renewed green card, not to serve as a permanent document. If your card still has not arrived as the stamp nears expiration, you may need to return to USCIS for further temporary evidence.
Can I travel internationally with an ADIT stamp?
Yes, an ADIT stamp helps you board a flight and reenter the U.S. when you do not have a valid card, since it serves as proof of permanent resident status. Normal travel rules for permanent residents still apply, including limits on time abroad. If you plan to travel while your card is unavailable, arrange the stamp before you leave so you can board and return.
Is an ADIT stamp the same as a green card?
It serves the same proof-of-status purpose but is temporary, while the green card is the standard, longer-lasting document. The stamp is a bridge for when your card is lost, expired, or being replaced. You still need to obtain the actual card through the appropriate filing. Think of the ADIT stamp as short-term evidence and the green card as your regular proof of status.
Does an ADIT stamp fix a long absence abroad?
No. The stamp only provides proof of the status you already hold; it does not resolve concerns like abandonment from a long absence. If you have been outside the U.S. for an extended period, that issue is separate and may affect your ability to reenter regardless of the stamp. Get legal advice if a long absence is part of your situation.
خلاصة القول
An ADIT stamp is temporary proof of your permanent resident status, placed in your passport when you do not have a valid card. It lets you work, travel, and prove status for a limited period while you wait for a replacement. Request it by appointment, plan ahead, and remember it is a bridge, not a permanent substitute. Each case depends on its own facts.
If you need an ADIT stamp, Atlas Legal Immigration Law can help you arrange it. Reach us at 1750 E Golf Rd Ste 214, Schaumburg, IL 60173, call (+1) 872 382 2762, or email info@theatlaslegal.com. Learn more on our services page.
Reviewed by the Atlas Legal Immigration Law editorial team. Last reviewed on July 24, 2026.
Sources
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, After We Grant Your Green Card
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Proof of Permanent Resident Status
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, government fees, policies, and processing times may change. Reading this article or contacting Atlas Legal does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship. The outcome of any immigration matter depends on its individual facts and circumstances.
