Replace lost or stolen Green Card

Introduction

Losing your green card can feel like misplacing the keys to your life as a lawful immigrant in the U.S. 

Annoying? Absolutely. 

But here’s the good news: while it might take some effort, the process to replace it is completely doable. Whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad, there are clear steps to follow to get it sorted and avoid unnecessary complications.

Here’s what you need to know to handle the situation smoothly!

When Do You Need To Replace Your Green Card If You Are A Lawful Permanent Resident?

All lawful permanent residents are required to replace their green card in the following circumstances:

1. If your Green card has expired or will expire within the next 6 months.
2. If your card was lost, stolen, or destroyed.
3. If you obtained your card before you were 14 years old, then you have to get it replaced with a new one once you have reached 14 unless it was mentioned in your card that the expiry is when you are 16 years old and then on 16 you will have to get it replaced.
4. If you were a commuter to the United States and are now planning to live in the United States or vice versa. 
5. In certain circumstances, when your status of living in the U.S. automatically changes to permanent residency, you must get it updated and file a green card replacement.
6. If you have a version of the alien registration card (for example, USCIS Form AR-3, Form AR-103, or Form I-151, which are no longer valid to prove your immigration status), you must replace it with a current Green Card.
7. If there is incorrect information on the green card that you have currently.
8. If there is any change in the information that is already present on the green card, it needs an update.
9. If you did not receive the card that was previously issued to you.

When Do You Need To Replace Your Green Card If You Are A Conditional Permanent Resident?

All Conditional permanent residents are required to replace their green card in the following circumstances:

1. If your card was lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed.
2. If there is any incorrect information on the existing green card.
3. If there is any change in the information on the green card,
4. If you did not receive the card that was previously issued to you.

What Steps Should You Take to Replace a Lost or Stolen Green Card?

If your green card is lost, stolen, or needs replacement while you’re in the United States, follow these steps to get a new one:

Step 1: File application Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) to replace either permanent resident or conditional permanent resident green card. This can be done either online or through mail. 

Step 2: After you have filed Form I-90, you can check the status of your application online, or you can call the USCIS Contact Center. Please ensure that you wait for 72 hours after filing the form I-90 to check your status. 

Step 3: Within 1-2 weeks, USCIS will send a notice with the date and location of your biometrics appointment. They may also request additional information at this stage.

Step 4: If needed, USCIS may request additional documents. Be sure to upload the required evidence by the stated deadline.

Step 5: You will receive an update about the approval or denial of your replacement request through the online portal.

What Documents Are Required To Replace A Lost Or Stolen Green Card While You Are In The United States?

If your green card is lost or stolen while you are in the United States, then you should possess these documents to file the replacement. You must ensure that all documents are in English and include certified translations if not in English: 

1. Copy of Current Green Card (front and back)(if you have)
2. Government-Issued Identification: A valid ID such as a passport, driver’s license, or another document that includes your name, date of birth, photograph, and signature.
3. Supporting Evidence Based on Filing Reason 
4. Proof of Immigration Status (Alien Registration Number (A-Number), Immigrant Category Code)
5. Payment Proof 

What Should You Do If Your Green Card Is Lost Or Stolen Outside The U.S.?

 If you are traveling outside the U.S. and you lose your green card, then you can secure your entry back to the U.S. by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Police report
You should file a police report as soon as your card gets stolen or lost, with the local police in the country you are visiting and take a copy of the report that has been registered. After this, you should contact the nearest US embassy or consulate for further guidance.

Step 2: Apply for a Boarding Foil
Since you have lost your green card, the only way to enter back to the United States is by applying for boarding foil, which is a temporary travel document issued by the U.S. embassy or consulate for allowing entry into the United States without a green card. File Form I-131A (Application for Travel Document) at the U.S. consulate and pay the $575 fee. 

Step 3: Once the fee is paid for Form I-131A, you will have to visit the US embassy or consulate in person and present them with the receipt of the payment. Below is discussed the eligibility and documents required at the time when you visit the Consulate in person

What Is The Eligibility For Boarding Foil Carrier Documentation?

You can apply for a boarding foil if:

1. If you are a lawful permanent resident whose green card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed and your travel outside the U.S. was less than 1 year or 
2. If you are a lawful permanent resident whose re-entry card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed and your travel outside the U.S. was less than 2 years. 

What Documents Are Required To Get Boarding Foil?

You will need the following documents to get the temporary travel document for entering U.S. if you have lost your green card:

1. Completed Form I-131A (Application for Travel Document)
2. Valid passport
3. Passport size photo
4. Police report 
5. Proof of lawful permanent residency
6. Boarding foil fee receipt

Step 4: Once approved, the boarding foil will allow you to enter the U.S., and it is typically valid for 30 days.

Step 5: Replace Your Green Card
Once you are back in the United States, you can replace your green card by filing Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) to request a new one.

What Is The Processing Time To Get The New Green Card After?

 It usually takes between four to eight months to get your stolen or lost green card replaced from the date your form I-90 has been filed. 

What Is The Cost Of Replacing The Green Card?

You may not be fined if your green card is lost, but there is a standard fee for filling out an application for the replacement of the Green card, which is 

• For Offline application: $465 
• For online application:$415 
• Biometrics fees: $85 (if required)

How Will You Prove Your Lawful Presence Till Your Green Card Is Replaced?

The receipt of your Form I-90 application can be used as proof of your lawful residency in the United States till you receive your green card. The receipt, along with your Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (also known as the Green Card,) provides you a lawful stay for 36 months from the expiry of your Permanent Resident Card.  

If you do not have a permanent card, then USCIS will provide you with an Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp after you file this form.

What If Your Green Card Replacement Request Is Denied?

If your green card application is denied, you still have options to address the situation. You can file a motion to reopen or reconsider using Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, or appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). This allows you to request USCIS to review its decision and provide clarifications or additional information to resolve the issues raised.

Step 1: Submit Form I-290B within 30 days of the denial to the USCIS office that issued the original decision.

Step 2: Pay the $675 filing fee. If you face financial hardship, you can request a fee waiver by providing supporting evidence.

This may require careful planning and guidance from an immigration attorney to help you build a strong case and improve your chances of success.

Conclusion

The steps, however, differ with respect to the location from where you are applying, that is, from inside or outside the U.S.

FileRight makes it easy to carry out these steps! With simple questions, error-checking software, and personalized filing instructions, you can confidently complete your application without any hassle. Whether you’re filing Form I-90 from within the U.S. or need a re-entry travel document first, FileRight ensures a smooth and stress-free process. Replace your green card with ease, start today!