Page 997

997 Chapter 7:Worker guides • Section 1: Multiple program worker guides (07/2026)

The Optical Memory Stripe contains encoded cardholder information as well as a personalized etching which depicts the bearer’s photo, name, signature, date of birth, alien registration number, card expiration date and card number. The RESIDENT ALIEN CARD, Form I-551, was revised in August 1989. This version was the first Alien Registration Card to contain an expiration date on every card. Usually, it is valid for 10 years from date of issue. The expiration date indicates when the card expires and must be renewed. It does not indicate that the non-citizen’s status has expired. The card was modified in January 1992 when a white box was added behind the fingerprint. The modified version is the card currently being issued. The RESIDENT ALIEN CARD, Form I-551, was introduced in January 1977 and phased in over a period of time. In addition to the photograph, the I-551 will contain the bearer’s signature and fingerprint.