I-551 (ADIT) Stamp Requests at Local USCIS Field Offices During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic
/The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has received member inquiries concerning how a lawful permanent resident (LPR) can obtain an I-551 (ADIT) stamp while USCIS Field Offices are closed to the public for routine in-person services. An I-551 stamp may be necessary to renew a driver’s license, to travel internationally or to complete a Form I-9 while waiting for the green card to arrive in the mail or while waiting for certain applications to be adjudicated (i.e., Form I-751).
USCIS Field Offices and Application Support Centers are closed to the public for routine (non-emergency)services until at least June 4, 2020 but even then walk-in services may be limited. USCIS has confirmed with AILA that the USCIS Contact Center (1-800-375-5283) continues to schedule local office appointments for those seeking an ADIT stamp “where there is an emergent need”. However, USCIS has not confirmed every circumstance under which it would allow for a local appointment. For example:
The fact that an CPR’s 18-month extension based on a pending Form I-751 has expired, is likely not sufficient to warrant a local appointment while USCIS field offices are closed.
It is unclear if needing an ADIT stamp in order to extend an LPR’s driver’s license is considered an emergency.
AILA recommends demonstrating the critical or emergent need to obtain an extension. The greater the need for the LPR to drive, the greater the chance that USCIS will consider the need meets the standard for an appointment. When calling the USCIS Contact Center to request a field office appointment for an I-551 stamp, the caller should explain the reason for which the request is being made (e.g., employment authorization, emergency international travel, driver’s license extension, etc.).
Iandoli Desai & Cronin P.C. will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
