An application to replace a previously issued permanent resident alien registration receipt card Form I-151 or I-551 shall be made on Form I-90 accompanied by the specified fee, if required, and two color photographs as described on Form I-90. All such applicants, regardless of age, shall be required to appear in person at a United States Immigration office prior to the issuance of Form I-551. Form I-89 shall be prepared by a Service employees at the time of such interview and the required fingerprint shal l be placed thereon. The fingerprint shall be required of all applicants regardless of age unless the interview, fingerprint and signature requirements are waived at the discretion of the district director because of confinement of age, physical infirmity, illiteracy, or other compelling reasons.

When an application is made for a new Form I-551 to replace a lost or destroyed Form I-151 or I-551 and the relating file is not available, a new Form I-551 may be issued on the basis of other evidence which establishes the alien's admission for permanent residence. For example, in a change-of-name case, a new Form I-551 may be issued upon presentation of evidence of a marriage and the old I-151 or I-551. In such cases, the relating files must be obtained and checks on a post-audit basis.

When an application is made for a new Form I-551 to replace a lost or destroyed Form I-151 or I-551, the loss or destruction must be satisfactorily established. An interview concerning the loss or destruction of a previously issued card my be required before action is taken on the application.

An original Form I-551 shall be forwarded to a Service officer or American consular officer abroad for delivery to an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence when, because of an emergency, the alien's departure is required before it can be delivered to the alien.

An application for replacement Form I-551 may be submitted by a lawfully admitted permanent resident alien temporarily sojourning abroad, directly to a Service officer stationed outside the United States or through an American consular officer. The application must be submitted in person and if the applicant has not previously been issued Form I-551, a completed Form I-89, with fingerprint, shall be prepared by the Service or consular officer nd shall be forwarded by the Service officer to the district dir ector having jurisdiction over the alien's place of residence in the United States. If the Service officer abroad is in a position at the time the application is initially received to note pertinent information on the Form I-90, he shall do so. When issued, Form I-551 shall be forwarded to the Service officer abroad for delivery. If the adjudicating officer in the United States determines that the applicant should be interviewed because of discrepancies existing between information contained in the I-90 and the applicant's file, Forms I-90 and I-89 shall be accompanied by a memorandum requesting the Service officer abroad to conduct such interview. After interview, I-90 and I-89 shall be returned to the appropriate stateside office by memorandum containing the information obtained including the recommendation of the Service officer who conducted the interview.

When an application for a new Form I-551 is made to an American consular officer, he will accept the application and follow the procedure set forth in the preceding paragraph.

When a Service officer stationed outside the United States forwards a Form I-90 to a stateside office for adjudication of the application, he shall attach a route slip requesting that adjudication, and mailing of the Form I-551 upon approval be expedited. Stateside offices shall give priority to the adjudication of Forms I-90 received through consular or Service offices outside the United States, and to the preparation and expeditious mailing of Forms I-551 issued in such cases. Every Form I-551 forwarded abroad shall be accompanied by Form G-94 in duplicate.

When any registration document is found in the wrongful possession of another person, it shall be lifted, if possible, and forwarded with an explanatory memorandum, including copies of Form I-213 or sworn statement, or both, to the file of the alien to whom the document was issued. However, counterfeit documents or documents with alterations or photo substitutions, unless needed for prosecution or other enforcement purposes shall be sent initially to the regional intelligence officer for examination.

When such action is clearly warranted because of an emergency, temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence shall be issued on the arrival section of Form I-94. Only the information regarding the alien's name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and alien registration number need be included. The registration number need be included. The admission block of the arrival section of Form I-94 shall be noted with a stamp using one of the following legends: (TM 3/86)

Processed for I-551. Temporary Evidence of Lawful Admission of permanent residence. Valid until ________ Employment authorized.

or:

Temporary Form I-551. Admission for permanent residence at _____ (port) _________ (date) verified. _________ (office of issuance) ________ (date) _______________ (signature of issuing officer) __________ (title)

The stamp must be in special formula ink in accordance with OI 103.2(m) . A photo of the applicant must be attached to the block next to the admission block, thereby obliterating the admission number. The Service seal shall then be placed half over the admission block and half over the photo. The alien shall be advised that the form should not be surrendered at the time of departure since t is a document for presentation at time of reentry. (TM 3/86)

The Form I-94 must be surrendered upon receipt f the laminated Form I-551. Every effort must be made to issue the laminated Form I-551 instead of Form I-94 as temporary evidence of permanent admission. Priority processing must be given to any Form I-90 when the alien has indicated that he/she intends to use the Form I-551 as a travel document. Any alien required by 8 CFR 264.1 to apply on Form I-90 shall do so prior to the issuance of Form I-94 as temporary evidence of permanent admission. For procedures for a returning resident alien reapplying for admission, see OI 235 .1(k)(3) and OI 235 .4(d). (TM 4/86)