My I-551 temporary stamp expired on Nov 7th and I still haven't got my Green card yet after a year of waiting. Is this typical?

Since I'm travelling back to the UK next month, I guess I'll need to go back to the local INS Service Center (what a pleasant place!) and get another stamp in my passport. I've tried calling Nebraska Processing Center but that is a joke because it is constantly engaged!!

When you get a new stamp, you should have them check on the status of your plastic
card. Occasionally, cards get lost in the mail, or sent back and destroyed, or they
may not have even ordered your card yet (someone posted that experience once). Take
Care. Shelley

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"Shelley" <[email protected]>
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My spouse recently immigrated to U.S. She has an I-551 stamp on her passport. It
writes "Temp. evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence. Valid until Oct.
2002. Employement authorized". Does it mean that INS will follow-up with a green
card? Right now she has no other documents or visa. If she wants to travel outside
US, then is this stamp considered a visa for entering US again? Or does she need to
apply for a visa abroad to get back. Or does she need to get some travel documents
before travelling? I'd appreciate any helpful suggestions. Thanks much. Bulent

An I-551 stamp is the paper equivalent of the actual green card. It confers all the same rights to the holder as the green card which will be sent via first class mail in one to 12 months.

However, if the green card is not received before the expiration of the stamp one should go to the local INS office governing their living jurisdiction and ask for another I-551.

You can also inquire as to the status of your card after 90 days at the Service Center by completing form G-731.

Rita