12/9/2009

The USCIS issued a announcement regarding delays in preparation of permanent resident cards (commonly referred to as "green cards") following approval. These delays in production of Form I-551 of up to eight weeks are temporary, as they are the result of an equipment upgrade that is in process. 

This does not impact processing times for any cases or forms. It only temporarily affects the length of time it currently is taking to receive the plastic green card as proof of permanent resident status, following approval of one's application for adjustment of status (I-485).

One who obtains approval of the I-485 after a personal interview at the local USCIS field office should be given an I-551 stamp in the passport. This stamp is temporary evidence of I-551 (permanent residency, commonly referred to as "green card") status and is valid for work and travel. Thus, an I-485 applicant should carry the passport to his/her interview. The instructions indicate that anyone without a passport will need to bring a passport-style photo and a government-issued photo identification to obtain the I-551 stamp.

Individuals who obtain the I-485 approval through the USCIS without interviews, as occurs in many employment-based cases, can request the I-551 stamp at the local USCIS office, if required. It is necessary to make an Infopass appointment for this purpose. The appointment can be made by visiting the USCIS Web Site.

In prior years, obtaining the I-551 stamp was standard procedure, as green card production often took many months. The need to do so, yet again, appears to be a temporary inconvenience. There is no fee involved in requesting an Infopass appointment or I-551 stamp, although any time needed away from work may be inconvenient or difficult for some.