Congratulations! Your green card has been approved and you received an electronic alert from USCIS:
On August 20, 2015, we registered your permanent resident status and mailed you a Welcome Notice for Receipt Number LIN1234567890. Please follow the instructions in the notice. Your new permanent resident card should arrive by October 19, 2015, after this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice, whichever is later.
Yet, do you have to complete another step before you receive your actual green card? What does ADIT processing mean?
ADIT processing stands for “Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunication System.” ADIT was designed to prevent the tampering of green cards and foreign nationals from using fraudulent identity cards to enter the United States.
In some cases, green card applicants are required to submit information such as fingerprints, photographs, etc. so USCIS can update their records and process the production of your green card. If you are to receive such a request, you will have to do a walk-in visit at your local USCIS office by scheduling an appointment on INFOPASS at https://infopass.uscis.gov. You may be required to bring the following documents and information with you to your appointment:
- Form I-797, Welcome Notice
- Two (2) new passport-style photographs and a valid passport
If you do not receive your green card after 60 days, schedule a request at USCIS’ case inquiry online: https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/Intro.do.