Guys, I desperately need your help. I was not worried about this a few days ago, but as usual, panic has set in at the very last minute.

My husband was approved for permanent residency on Feb. 7. His green card never arrived, so we made an Infopass appointment and got th stamp in his passport (they said his card was still in production and would be on its way soon).

In the meantime, I've scheduled a trip for us to go to the Bahamas on a cruise line for our first anniversary. Now the idea has hit me that the cruise line may not accept the I-551 stamp, since all documentation says he must present a green card. I did see something on the Bohemian consulate site that says the stamp is fine, but you know how easy it is to run into an ignorant person who may not let us on the boat.

The other alternative would be to go ahead and get him a visa as "insurance" but the cruise departs this Friday.

My questions is, has anyone else been in a similar situation? Do other countries accept the I-551 stamp as valid? I just don't trust that darn stamp!

The I-551 stamp is needed to return to the U.S. I use my Canadian passport to travel and my Green Card to return to the U.S.

The I-551 stamp is a very common thing, and I'm sure that it is well known that it is just like the Green Card.

Have a good vacation!!!

Does it also prove to countries you're visiting that you're a US permanent resident? I think that's what they need to see. Unless you have proof you're a permanent resident, Ghanaians have to have a visa to travel to the Bahamas.

An I-551 is proof you are a resident.... it says so on it also says you are approved for work and travel.... it is no diffrent from the plastic card..

Infact when you come to lift conditions you may well be given the stamp to cover you for the period while you new card is being made...

Have a wonderful trip

Kezzie