What to Expect at Your USCIS Appointment for an Advance Departure Document (Adit Stamp)

An Adit Stamp Appointment Is Where USCIS Issues Your Travel Document

An Adit stamp (also called an advance departure document or ADP) is a stamp placed in your passport by USCIS that lets you leave and re-enter the United States while your immigration case is pending. You cannot get this stamp by mail — you must attend an in-person appointment at a USCIS office. The appointment itself is brief, usually 10 to 15 minutes, and involves USCIS verifying your identity and then physically stamping your passport.

The adit stamp is not the same as a work permit or travel document like an advance parole. It is specifically for people whose cases are still open with USCIS and who need proof they can travel internationally without abandoning their application. Once USCIS stamps your passport, you can leave the country and return without losing your place in line.

Key Takeaways

• You must bring your passport, your appointment notice, and a photo ID to your adit stamp appointment.
• USCIS will verify your identity, check your case file, and stamp your passport in your presence — the whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes.
• You cannot request an adit stamp by mail; USCIS must issue it in person at a local office.
• The adit stamp is valid for the duration of your case and allows you to travel internationally and return without abandoning your application.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Bring your original passport, your appointment notice (the letter USCIS sent you), and a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID. If you do not have a photo ID, bring a second form of identification — a school ID, work ID, or consular ID can work. USCIS will not stamp your passport without verifying who you are.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring a pen in case you need to sign anything. Do not bring weapons, sharp objects, or large bags — USCIS offices have security screening, and you may be turned away if you cannot pass through. Leave extra time for parking and security if you are unfamiliar with the location.

If your passport is damaged, expired, or missing pages, contact your passport issuing country's consulate before your appointment. USCIS will not stamp a passport that is not in acceptable condition, and you will have to reschedule.

What Happens During the Appointment

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the receptionist your appointment notice. You will be called to a window or interview room. A USCIS officer will ask you to confirm your name, date of birth, and case number. They will verify this information against your file and your ID.

The officer will then examine your passport to make sure it is valid and in good condition. They will stamp the adit notation directly into your passport, usually on a blank page. The stamp includes the date it was issued and the date it expires (which is typically tied to the status of your case). You will be given a receipt or confirmation, and the appointment is complete.

If there is a problem with your case file — for example, if USCIS cannot locate your file or if there is a hold on your case — the officer will tell you at this appointment. In that case, you may not receive the stamp and will be told what to do next.

When You Can Travel After Getting Your Adit Stamp

You can travel internationally as soon as you leave the USCIS office. The adit stamp is valid immediately. When you return to the United States, present your stamped passport to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry (airport, land border, or seaport). The CBP officer will scan your passport and see the adit stamp, which shows that your case is still pending and you have not abandoned it.

Keep your passport safe during travel. If your passport is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate right away. You will need to report the loss and may need to obtain an emergency travel document to return to the United States.

The adit stamp remains valid as long as your case is open. If your case is denied or closed, the stamp no longer has legal effect, even though it will still be visible in your passport. If you are unsure whether your case is still active, contact USCIS before traveling.

If You Miss Your Appointment or Need to Reschedule

If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, contact the USCIS office listed on your appointment notice as soon as possible. Explain why you cannot attend and ask to reschedule. USCIS will usually grant a reschedule if you have a legitimate reason, such as illness, a family emergency, or a scheduling conflict you cannot avoid.

If you miss your appointment without contacting USCIS, your case may be affected. Depending on the type of case you have, a missed appointment can result in a denial or a requirement to restart the process. Do not ignore a missed appointment — contact USCIS immediately to explain and ask to reschedule.

What the Adit Stamp Looks Like and What It Shows

The adit stamp is a rectangular ink stamp placed in your passport. It typically includes the words "Advance Departure Document," the date it was issued, and an expiration date. The stamp may also include a reference number or case number. The exact format varies depending on when it was issued and which USCIS office issued it.

The stamp is your proof that USCIS has authorized you to travel while your case is pending. Customs and Border Protection officers at U.S. ports of entry are trained to recognize it. If you are traveling by air, your airline may also want to see the stamp before allowing you to board a flight to the United States.

Adit Stamps and Your Immigration Status

An adit stamp does not change your immigration status. It does not give you work authorization, and it does not make you a permanent resident or citizen. It is only a travel document that lets you leave and return without abandoning your pending case. If you need to work in the United States, you will need a separate work permit (such as an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD).

If you are on a visa (such as an H-1B or F-1 visa), the adit stamp does not replace your visa. You still need your visa to enter the United States. The adit stamp is an additional document that protects your pending case while you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an adit stamp if my passport is expired?

No. Your passport must be valid when USCIS stamps it. If your passport is expired or expiring soon, renew it with your country's consulate before your appointment. USCIS will not stamp an expired passport, and you will have to reschedule.

What if I lose my passport after getting the adit stamp?

Report the loss to your country's consulate immediately and request a replacement passport. When you receive the new passport, contact USCIS to request that the adit stamp be transferred or reissued in your new passport. Bring your old passport (if you have it) and your appointment notice to the USCIS office.

Does the adit stamp mean my case will be approved?

No. The adit stamp only means USCIS has authorized you to travel while your case is pending. It does not indicate whether your case will be approved or denied. The outcome of your case depends on whether you meet the requirements for the immigration benefit you are seeking.

Can I travel outside the United States and still keep my pending case?

Yes, as long as you have an adit stamp. Without the stamp, leaving the United States may be seen as abandoning your case. The adit stamp is proof that you have USCIS permission to travel and return.

How long is the adit stamp valid?

The adit stamp is valid for as long as your case is pending with USCIS. The expiration date on the stamp may be one year, two years, or longer, depending on your case type. Once your case is decided (approved or denied), the stamp no longer has legal effect, even if the date on the stamp has not passed.