Proof of Permanent Resident Status may now be Delivered by Mail

The long waiting times for legal permanent residents who do not have green cards to receive evidence of their status may now be reduced by a new policy introduced by USCIS. At this time USCIS will deliver proof of lawful permanent resident status by mail to LPRs (legal permanent residents) in certain situations.
Lawful permanent residents who do not have their green cards, or who have filed 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, which is still pending, and their extensions notices have expired may receive proof of their status by mail. The procedure for obtaining proof of lawful permanent residence by mail is to call the USCIS customer service telephone number (1-800-375-5283) and request temporary evidence of their status. A USCIS service officer will then verify the identity and physical mailing address of the LPR and determine whether the person’s physical mailing address can receive UPS or FedEx express mail. The service officer will then decide whether to schedule an in person appointment for the LPR at the USCIS field office, or to send the LPR a temporary “ADIT” stamp by mail.
An ”ADIT” stamp, or Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication stamp (also known as the I-551 stamp) is temporary evidence of legal permanent resident status. It may be issued for up to one year. Eligible LPRs will receive an I-94 card with an ADIT stamp, DHS seal, and a printed photo of themselves obtained from the USCIS system. This I-94 card will then be delivered to them by FedEx or UPS. This will eliminate the need for an in person appointment at USCIS. Some LPRs will still be scheduled for an in person appointment at USCIS, including those who have urgent needs, who do not have a usable photo in the USCIS system, or whose address or identity cannot be confirmed.
It is hoped that this system will reduce the long waiting times for obtaining in person appointments at USCIS and speed the process of obtaining proof of legal permanent resident status.