My I-94 doesn't have a stamp and what is the I-551 stamp for??

[kkrxo 2]

I don't know too much about this immigration process... I just sent out my AOS package on 09/15/2010 and my interview is scheduled to be on 12/16/2010. With my AOS package, I included an application to replace my I-94 and I got the replacement in the mail a few weeks ago....but it doesn't have a stamp.

Does it matter that it doesn't have a stamp?

I want to apply for a social security number once I get my EAD or Green Card (which ever comes first) and I read somewhere that I would need to show SSA my I-94.. but like I said, it doesn't have a stamp and I'm afraid it might cause an issue.

is that something I should bring up at my interview so they can stamp it?

And one last question, what is the I-551 stamp for? I've been reading other posts where people say that immigration stamps that in their passport during the interview and I wasn't sure what it was for or if I should be asking for that stamp also lol

Sorry to ask so many questions!

Thanks!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Once you have your EAD you won't need to show your I-94 to get a SSN (you may have been reading instructions for K-1 visa people or something that isn't your situation). Just go to the office with your EAD and your passport and you'll get your SSN issued.

I-551 stamp shows that you are a permanent resident (it's like a green card in a stamp). You can ask for one but they aren't really giving them out anymore. If you are approved at the interview you will wait about 2 weeks for the physical card to come in the mail.

Good luck! Your case is moving pretty fast!

[NikosF 6]

The I-551 stamp is useful if you think you will be travelling before the GC arrives. I travel frequently for business (which the IO noticed) so he offered the stamp at the time of my interview which was useful since I needed to travel soon after my interview and before my GC arrived. He said I was no longer allowed to enter under my L1A visa or AP since I was now a PR.

So - if you have a need to travel soon after the interview (e.g. going home for Xmas) ask for it, if you think you'll be in the US for the next two weeks don't bother. I didn't need to show any travel plans (he could plainly see I had dozens of entry stamps) but I have heard some people have been asked to show itineraries before they got the stamp.

[kkrxo 2]

Once you have your EAD you won't need to show your I-94 to get a SSN (you may have been reading instructions for K-1 visa people or something that isn't your situation). Just go to the office with your EAD and your passport and you'll get your SSN issued.

I-551 stamp shows that you are a permanent resident (it's like a green card in a stamp). You can ask for one but they aren't really giving them out anymore. If you are approved at the interview you will wait about 2 weeks for the physical card to come in the mail.

Good luck! Your case is moving pretty fast!

Thank you so much for clearing that up for me!!