What is an i-551 number?

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When it comes to verifying identity and employment authorization in the United States, understanding the significance of the I-551 document number is crucial. Among the various acceptable documents, Form I-551, also known as the Permanent Resident Card or “Green Card,” plays a pivotal role. In this article, we will delve into what an I-551 document number is, its importance, and its place within the List A documents that establish identity and employment authorization.

Why List A Documents Are Important and How the I-551 Number Matters

List A documents constitute a category of documents utilized in the United States to validate an individual’s identity and employment authorization during the completion of Form I-9. This form is the cornerstone of the process by which employers confirm an employee’s eligibility to work within the country. These A documents serve the dual purpose of establishing both identity and employment authorization, making them an integral component of the employment verification procedure.

Of particular relevance within the realm of ‘List A documents’ is the i-551 permanent resident card number. This number holds a pivotal role, primarily associated with Form I-551, also recognized as the Permanent Resident Card or colloquially known as the “Green Card.” This card is exclusively issued to lawful permanent residents of the United States and contains essential particulars, including the bearer’s photograph, name, USCIS number (commonly referred to as the I-551 permanent resident card number), date of birth, and card expiration date.

Unlocking the Significance of the I-551 Number in Employment Verification

The importance of the I-551 number lies in its role as a unique identifier for the cardholder. This number is essential for employers to verify an individual’s lawful permanent resident status and their authorization to work in the U.S. When an employee presents a Form I-551, their I-551 number must match the information provided on Form I-9, confirming their eligibility to work in the U.S.

List A documents are critical for employers to confirm both identity and employment authorization during the hiring process, and the I-551 number specifically matters because it is a key element of the Form I-551, which is a primary document used to establish an individual’s lawful permanent resident status and eligibility to work in the United States.

Locating the I-551 Number: Where to Find Your USCIS Number on the Green Card

The I-551 number, also known as the USCIS number or alien registration number, is typically located on the front of the Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly referred to as the “Green Card.” 

It is usually found in the bottom left corner of the card and is a unique identifying number assigned to each lawful permanent resident of the United States. It is a 13-character long combination of letters and numbers, with three letters at the beginning followed by ten numbers. It is different from your alien registration number and your USCIS number.

In this image “LIN0000000319” is the i-551 number. 

In certain instances, particularly with older Green Cards, you may find that the i-551 card number is situated on the front surface of the card.

Understanding the Importance and Usage of the I-551 Number in Immigration Cases

The form I-551 document number, commonly referred to as the I-551 number, is a critical element within the realm of immigration cases. This unique alphanumeric code serves as a key identifier, offering specific insights into your immigration case. 

The first three letters of the I-551 number correspond to the service centers responsible for processing your case, including options like: 

  • CSC (California Service Center), 
  • EAC (Eastern Adjudication Center, now known as Vermont Service Center), and others.

The subsequent two digits pertain to the fiscal year, which runs from October 1st to September 30th, distinct from the calendar year. The following three digits represent the computer workday, mirroring regular workdays and excluding weekends and holidays. For instance, the fourth computer workday falls on October 5 in the fiscal year. Finally, the last five digits of the I-551 number are specific to your case number, providing a unique reference point for tracking and processing. 

This I-551 document number assumes significance, especially when USCIS utilizes an I-551 (ADIT) stamp or a temporary I-551 printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) to indicate temporary evidence of lawful permanent residence. In situations where a foreign passport is unavailable, USCIS may affix the I-551 stamp on Form I-94 and attach a photograph of the bearer to the form, effectively recognizing it as a receipt of lawful permanent residence status. Understanding this number is essential for navigating the complexities of immigration cases and ensuring proper documentation and verification of immigration status.

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