June 1, 2009
On May 29, 2009, the USCIS announced that there may be delays of up to 8 weeks in the delivery of Permanent Resident Cards because they are updating their card production equipment. Currently, Permanent Resident Cards are issued quickly usually within 2 weeks of approval.
USCIS plans to issue proof of permanent resident status in the form of an I-551 stamp to applicants whose permanent residence applications are approved at an interview. As a result, applicants are reminded to bring a passport to their interview. USCIS is instructing applicants who do not possess a passport to bring a passport-style photo and government-issued photo identification to receive temporary proof of permanent residence status.
If an application for permanent residence is approved following the interview, then the applicant may bring his or her passport (or a passport-style photograph and government-issued ID) to an INFOPASS appointment to receive temporary proof of permanent residence status in the form of an I-551 stamp.
