Permanent Residents with Expired Temporary "I-551" Stamps

The Embassy can issue transportation letters for those who have yet to receive a permanent resident card and the stamp in his or her passport that states "processed for I-551..." has expired. Transportation letters may only be issued to Permanent Resident Aliens who are returning to the United States after an absence of less than one year.

How To Apply

Transportation letters must be applied for in person. To make an appointment individuals should call 09042-450045 Monday through Friday, between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm, and Saturday, between 09.00 am and 4.00 pm. The service is not available on British public holidays.

Calls to this line are charged at £1.20/min from BT landlines. Some mobile and network providers may charge more.

Callers from outside the UK and some mobile and network providers cannot access this number. No one will be admitted to the Embassy for this purpose without first securing an appointment.

You should bring with you the following documentation:

• Your passport;



• Three passport-sized photographs;



• Evidence that you have been outside the United States for less than one year. This would normally be the airline tickets or boarding card indicating your last departure from the United States;



• Confirmed airline tickets (E-tickets) for your trip to return to the United States.



• Dependents of U.S. Military personnel should bring a copy of the orders posting them outside the United States, especially if they have remained outside the United States for more than one year.

A fee of $165 is charged for the issuance of a transportation letter. The fee may be paid in dollars or sterling equivalent to the Embassy cashier on the day of the appointment. The fee may be paid in cash or by credit card - Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, Discover or American Express. If paying in dollars, we will also accept a certified money order.

Because transportation letters are valid only for a maximum of 30 days, your intended trip back to the United States must be within 30 days of your appointment. The transportation letter will be returned to you by courier. The delivery envelope is purchased from the Embassy contracted courier service on the day of the appointment. Please keep this in mind when scheduling the appointment.

I have been outside the United States for longer than 12 months

A transportation letter cannot be issued to a person who has been outside the United States for more than one year. In addition, permanent resident cards cannot be extended or revalidated. Persons who have been outside the United States for more than one year may be eligible for returning resident status. Important Notice: The one-year limitation is not applicable to Lawful Permanent Residents who have been outside the United States in conjunction with U.S. Military or Government orders.

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