The I-551, or permanent resident card, is a registration card for foreign nationals that is commonly referred to as "a green card;" it must be renewed after a period of 10 years (United States 30 Oct. 2003). To do this, Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Residence Card, must be completed by the permanent resident within the last six months of the card's expiry date (ibid. 30 Sept. 2004).

According to an officer at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Buffalo, New York, "processed for I-551" means that the person has been given permanent resident status, but not the actual permanent resident card (19 Nov. 2004). The person receives a temporary card, even though the stamp in his or her passport is enough to prove that the person has permanent resident status (United States 19 Nov. 2004). The I-551 is "evidence of [a person's] status as a lawful permanent resident with a right to live and work permanently in the United States" [hence the "Employment authorized" part of the stamp granting conditional permanent residence] (ibid. 30 Oct. 2003).

The stamp that reads "Temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence valid until" is followed by a date which is usually one year away from the date of the stamp; this should give ample time to the person to receive his or her permanent resident card (Embassy of the United States of America 24 Nov. 2004).

"I-751 pending" indicates that the person has completed Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence, but that a decision has not yet been rendered (ibid.). A person married to an American citizen must apply to remove the conditions on his or her residence by filing this form "during the 90 days immediately before the second anniversary of the date [he or she was] accorded conditional resident status" (United States n.d.).

For more information on the requirements and deadlines related to Form I-751, please see USA43172.FE of 24 November 2004.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Embassy of the United States of America, Ottawa. 24 November 2004. Telephone interview with a customs officer.

United States. 19 November 2004. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Telephone interview with an officer from the office in Buffalo, NY.

_____. 30 September 2004. Department of Homeland Security. Citizenship and Immigration Services. "'Green Card' (I-551) Renewal Program." http://uscis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/greencard.htm [Accessed 17 Nov. 2004]

_____. 30 October 2003. Department of Homeland Security. Citizenship and Immigration Services. "How Do I Renew My Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)?" http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/renew.htm [Accessed 17 Nov. 2004]

_____. n.d. Department of Homeland Security. Citizenship and Immigration Services. "I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence." http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/I-751.pdf [Accessed 17 Nov. 2004]

United States. n.d. Department of Homeland Security. Citizenship and Immigration Services. "I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence." http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/I-751.pdf [Accessed 17 Nov. 2004], 5 pp.

Internet sites, including: American Citizen Information Services, Immigration Links, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.