What is the process of getting an I-551 stamp?

You make an infopass appointment with your local USCIS field office, but due to COVID these may not be available at the moment.

According to USCIS policy, persons with I-829 stamps or receipt notices expiring within 30 days can call and schedule an infopass appointment to obtain a stamp or new stamp. Therefore, you can call the USCIS Contact Center in November 2020, within 30 days of your receipt notice expiration date. You will be scheduled to go to the local USCIS district office having jurisdiction over your U.S. residence address. Each person/family member must attend and must bring their green card or extension notice, their passport, and preferably photo ID with the correct address. The stamp will be valid for one year, work and travel authorized.

Sadly it is random. You have to call the 1-800 number and explain your need for the stamp. Some claim they need for a driver''s license renewal, or for employment verification has been refused. Some want to see an emergency business or urgent travel reason. It is chaotic and frustrating because by law a permanent resident must carry evidence of lawful status.

Call USCIS Customer Service and request an INFOPASS at the local district office near you.

Call the USCIS customer service to request an appointment. They may or may not grant it; you may need to get your attorney to do it for you. Appointment availability also depends on where in the country you are.

You need some urgent reason to get the stamp. For example, foreign travel for business purposes. You can contact customer service one week before you have to leave the country, and try to schedule to go to the local USCIS for the stamp.

You will need to make an appointment with your local USCIS, bring your I-829 receipt notice and get your passport stamped.