Immigration Lawyer in San Francisco, CA
You are issued a green card as a U.S. permanent resident. This document is vital because it’s your evidence that you live and work in the United States. So, what happens if you lose your green card? The first reaction is usually panic, but you shouldn’t. Instead, follow these series of steps necessary to replace your card as quickly as possible.
How To Replace a Lost Green Card in The United States
Fill-Out the Form I-90
The first step involves filing Form I-90 with USCIS if you lost your green card while you are in the U.S. Form I-90 is the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card if it is stolen, lost, or expired. You can fill form I-90 online, or it can be physically mailed.
Include the Correct Information
You need to be attentive when completing the application for the replacement of the lost green card. If the immigration officer who reviews your application notices any inconsistencies or omissions on the form, this might delay the process. Consider collaborating with an immigration attorney if you are not comfortable completing the form on your own.
Include The Correct Documents
Your particular case will determine the documents you will submit with your Form I-90. You should include a photocopy of the front and back of your lost green card. You can also submit a photocopy of any government-issued form of identification, such as the identification page of your passport or a driver’s license, if you do not have a photocopy of your lost green card.
Attend a Biometrics Appointment
You will receive a notification for a biometrics appointment after you file your Form I-90. You will have your digital fingerprint captured during this appointment. Make sure you attend the biometrics appointment, as this is a required step to get a new green card.
How To Replace a Lost Green Card Outside Of The United States
The procedures are different if you lost your green card while outside of the US. Please see below.
File Form I-131A
You must file a Form I-131A at a U.S. consular office abroad if you lose your green card abroad. You must submit the filing fee for the I-131A (Carrier Documentation) through the USCIS online payment system before you appear at the US consulate or embassy. You can only apply for the carrier documentation if you are a lawful permanent resident, and your green card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed.
Once you receive the carrier documentation, you may use this to board a plane to reenter the United States. Upon returning to the United States, you should file Form I-90 as specified earlier in this guide. However, if you have been outside of the United States for a year or longer without a valid reentry permit, make sure to contact a US immigration lawyer as the steps listed above may not apply to you.
Do You Need Help Replacing a Lost Green Card?
If you need help with a lost green card, you can contact Hurtubise Weber Law LLP to speak with a professional immigration lawyer. Our San Jose and San Francisco immigration lawyers can help you.