Is I-551 same as green card?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Apr 08, 2026
The U.S. Green Card, officially referred to as the “I-551 Permanent Resident Card” is an official document issued by the US government serving as evidence of your legal permanent residency in the U.S. It is called a “Green Card” because the original document issued was green.
Where is the I-551 number on a visa?
Form I-551 is the form number for a green card. It is proof of a foreign national’s immigration status to live and work permanently in the United States. If you look closely, you’ll see that “I-551” is printed in the upper left corner of the backside of the current green card.
What is resident alien card I-551?
A Permanent Resident Card (I-551) is proof of lawful permanent resident status in the United States. The card may also serve as a valid identification document and proof that the noncitizen is eligible to live and work in the United States.
Can I travel abroad with I-551 stamp?
Yes, the I-551 stamp enables you to travel abroad.
Who is eligible for i-551 stamp?
It can take up to six months for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process and approve Form I-90. Permanent residents who applied for a renewal Green Card but have not yet received their card must obtain an I-551 stamp.
Can you travel while waiting for green card renewal?
The most true answer is technically “Yes” but travel at your own risk. If you submit the Form I-131 with your green card application and it is approved by the USCIS you are essentially authorized to travel in and out of the US while your green card is being processed.
What is I-551 I 766 number?
Your green card number, also known as the receipt number, is a 13-digit number that is printed on a permanent resident card. It’s also called a case number because it refers to your specific immigration case. In some situations, people may even call it a I-551 receipt number.
How long is I-551 stamp valid?
six months to 1 year
An I-551 temporary evidence of permanent residence status is usually valid for six months to 1 year. The validity period varies and depends on the specific circumstances of each individual. The expiration date on an applicant’s passport can also impact the length of time the stamp’s validity.
How can I get I-551 stamp without appointment?
In the case that you cannot get an InfoPass appointment in time for your trip or need the stamp as soon as possible, you can walk into your local USCIS field office to request this stamp. At your InfoPass interview, the USCIS officer will put a stamp in your passport that should be valid for 6-12 months.
How long does it take to get a I-551 stamp?
It may take 6 months to 1 year to get your new Green Card processed. That’s where the I-551 stamp comes into the picture as it serves as temporary proof of your lawful permanent resident status. The purpose of the I-551 stamp is to avoid issues involving a lost, stolen, expiring, or expired Green Card.
How much does it cost to get i-551 stamp?
How much does an I-551 stamp cost? While there is no cost associated with the I-551 temporary evidence stamp issued in a passport, there is a fee for Form I-90 amounting to $455. In addition to the $455 fee for Form I-90, there is also an $85 biometrics fee, if a biometrics appointment is required.
Can my green card renewal be denied?
Green card renewal applications can be accepted, rejected, approved, and denied. Your green card renewal could be denied if you are no longer eligible for permanent residence or make mistakes in filing paperwork. This could have serious consequences, including deportation.
What does I-551 null mean?
Does anyone have an idea what does I-551 null mean? Thank you. Means nothing. All cases will share the same message.
Is there a fee for I-551 stamp?
Can I walk in to USCIS office without appointment?
USCIS field offices do not allow walk-ins. You must have an appointment to visit an office. Field offices in the U.S. and its territories provide: Interviews for all non-asylum cases (for example, getting a Green Card);