USCIS BEGINS ISSUING ADIT STAMPS VIA MAIL FOR QUALIFYING LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS

On March 16, 2023, USCIS announced that they will begin issuing Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamps through the mail for qualifying Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs).

An ADIT stamp provides temporary evidence of LPR status and can be requested in situations where a LPR cannot rely on their Green Card for evidence of status. An ADIT stamp can be requested when:

1. The LPR no longer has their Green Card; or
2. The LPR’s Green Card expired while a Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card; Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence; or, Form N-400, Application for Naturalization is pending and any automatic extension of their green card has also expired.

Previously, a LPR had to make an appointment with a USCIS field office and have their passport physically stamped to obtain an ADIT stamp. Now in qualifying cases USCIS will issue ADIT stamps by mail.

 The new procedure for obtaining an ADIT stamp through the mail is:

1.  The LPR calls the USCIS contact center at 800-375-5283 and explains why they need temporary evidence of LPR status.
2. The LPR identifies themselves and provides their mailing address. At this time, USCIS will check whether the mailing address provided can receive UPS or FedEx express mail. Since USCIS will issue the stamp via UPS or Fedex, a P.O. Box should not be provided as the mailing address as P.O. Boxes only receive USPS mail.
3. If USCIS determines that the LPR qualifies to receive an ADIT stamp through the mail, then they will mail a Form I-94 with an ADIT stamp, DHS seal, and a printed photo of the LPR from USCIS systems.

In cases where there is an urgent need for an ADIT stamp, USCIS will provide an appointment at a Field Office. Additionally, USCIS will not issue an ADIT stamp via mail if they cannot confirm the LPR’s identity or address, or if they do not have a useable photo of the LPR in their systems.