When the alien does not have a machine readable immigrant visa (see RM 10211.025C.2), DHS places a temporary I-551 stamp in the foreign passport as evidence of immigration
status when the alien is admitted to the U.S. as an LAPR for the alien to use until
the permanent I-551, Permanent Resident Card, is received. The stamp may be placed
in the alien’s foreign passport or on a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure record, when
the alien does not have a passport.
When an alien previously admitted to the U.S. applies for a replacement I-551 or adjusts
to LAPR status, DHS places a temporary I-551 stamp in the foreign passport.
When the alien does not have a foreign passport, DHS places the temporary I-551 stamp,
a photo of the alien, and DHS seal on Form I-94. The temporary I-551 stamp, which
is printed in red ink, reads:
Upon endorsement, serves as
temporary I-551 evidencing
permanent residency for one year.
Issue date (date)
Officer (name)
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZED
Valid Until (date)
Each stamp is uniquely numbered with a five-digit identifier which can be found below
the “Valid Until” line. Also, the officer writes the “A” number on the stamp.
See the ACM Alert No. 2006A-31 New DHS/USCIS ADIT Stamp under the “I-94” document number and
“I-551” document number for more information on the design and fluorescent security
features.
NOTE: DHS may not specify an expiration date. The stamp is valid until the alien receives
an I-551. If the stamped document has no date entered in the “Valid Until” area, check
the date of entry to the U.S. If the entry date is over a year old, verify with DHS
that the person’s alien status is unchanged.