Lost Green Card: How to Replace Your Lost Green Card (Step-by-Step)

Lost Green Card

As a U.S. permanent resident, you are issued a green card. The green card is your proof of lawful status as a U.S. permanent resident. This document proves your ability to live and work in the United States and so it is highly important.

 

So, what happens if you lose your green card?

 

In this guide, I’ll explain exactly how to replace a lost green card. I’ll explain what to do depending on whether your green card is lost while you are in the United States or if it is lost while you are abroad.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me directly at contact@ashoorilaw.com. I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer I’d be happy to help you.

 

Overview:

 

  1. Lost Green Card in the United States
  2. Lost Green Card Outside of the United States
  3. Lost Green Card in the Mail
  4. Conclusion

 

1. Lost Green Card in the United States

 

Fill-Out the Form I-90

 

If you lose your green card while you are in the United States, the first step is to file a Form I-90 with USCIS. The Form I-90 is the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This is the main form used to replace a green card if it is lost, stolen, or expired. The I-90 can be filed online or it can be physically mailed.

 

Include the Correct Filing Fee

 

Make sure to include the correct filing fee with your Form I-90. If the correct filing fee is not paid, USCIS will not accept your application. Make sure to check the current I-90 instructions, before filing your I-90, to confirm that you are paying the correct filing fee. If you have any questions, email me at contact@ashoorilaw.com.

 

There are 2 fees associated with replacing a lost green card:

 

  • I-90 Filing Fee: $455

 

  • Biometrics Services Fee: $85

  

Include the Correct Documents with Your Application

 

The documents that you must submit with your I-90 will depend on your particular case. In the case of a lost green card, you should include a photocopy of the front and back of your green card that was lost. If you do not have a photocopy of your lost green card, you may be eligible to submit a photocopy of another government-issued form of identification, such as a driver’s license or the identification page of your passport.

 

Attend Biometrics Appointment

 

After you file your I-90, you will receive a notice to attend a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, you will have your digital fingerprint taken. Make sure to attend the biometrics appointment, as this is a required step to get your new green card.

 

How Long Until I Get My New Green Card?

 

Once you file the Form I-90, it takes USCIS about 6 to 10 months to process your application and issue you a new green card.

 

What if I Must Travel Outside of the U.S. Before Getting My New Green Card?

 

A common problem is that many permanent residents file their I-90 and then must leave the U.S. They do not have time to wait 6 to 10 months to receive their new green card. If you are in this position, you should make an InfoPass appointment with a local USCIS office. At the appointment, you should bring your receipt notice for the I-90 (which is proof that you have filed the I-90).

 

While at the appointment, you should request an I-551 stamp in your passport. The I-551 stamp is typically valid for 1-year. This stamp is temporary proof of permanent resident status for purposes of re-entering the country without a valid green card.

 

2. Lost Green Card Outside of the United States

 

If you lost your green card while outside of the United States, the procedures on what to do are slightly different. Please see below.

 

File Form I-131A Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation)

 

Your green card is your proof of permanent resident status which allows you to enter the United States. Without a valid green card, a transportation carrier (such as an airline) will likely not permit you to board the plane. If they did permit you to enter the plane without a valid green card, they could incur fines.

 

So, if you lose you green card abroad, you will need to first apply for a travel document (carrier documentation).  To do this you must file a Form I-131A in person at a U.S. consular office abroad. Before you appear at the U.S. consulate or embassy, you must submit the filing fee for the I-131A through the USCIS online payment system. The filing fee is currently $575.

 

Keep in mind that you can only apply for the carrier documentation in the following circumstances:

 

  • You are a lawful permanent resident and you are returning from temporary travel abroad of less than one year, and your green card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed; or

 

  • You are a lawful permanent resident and are returning from temporary travel abroad of less than two years, and your reentry permit has been lost, stolen, or destroyed.

 

If you have been outside of the United States for a year or longer without a valid reentry permit, make sure to contact a U.S. immigration lawyer as the steps listed above may not apply to you.

 

Once you receive the carrier documentation, you may use this to board a plane to reenter the United States.

 

File Form I-90 with USCIS

 

Upon returning to the United States, you should file a Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) as specified earlier in this guide.

 

3. Lost Green Card in the Mail

 

If USCIS sent you your green card in the mail and you never received it, it may have been returned to USCIS as undeliverable. In cases like this, when certain conditions are met, USCIS allows you to file another I-90 without paying a filing fee, to receive your green card. Please email me directly at contact@ashoorilaw.com to determine if your case fits the necessary criteria.

 

4. Conclusion

 

If you’ve lost your green card, it can be a stressful situation. However, you should know that this is quite common and that there are procedures in place to help you get a new green card. The steps you must take are different depending on if you are within the United States or if you are abroad when your green card is lost. If you are in the U.S., you must file a Form I-90 with USCIS to get a new green card. If you are abroad, you must first obtain carrier documentation before seeking entry to the U.S. Upon entry to the U.S., you should then file a Form I-90 to obtain a new green card.

 

If you have any questions over any of the material discussed in this guide or if you need help replacing your lost green card, please feel free to email me directly at contact@ashoorilaw.com. I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I would be happy to help you.

 

Resources:

 

 

 

Share this post...

Posted in , ,
Search
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Excellent
Ashoori Law
Based on 947 reviews
Imthiyaz S.
I would like to express my most heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Michael Ashoori and the entire Ashoori Law team. I just received my passport with my E2 visa stamp this morning and I boarded my flight to the US tonight. It has been a long and stressful journey with many stops, starts, pivots, and redirections. Along the way my assigned attorney Pardeep Singh was patient and very generous with his time accommodating the twist and turns of my application. He understood how important the application was to me personally; it was not just “another file” for him. He used to tell me, that “on game day (interview date) to ensure the best chances of success, it is critical that the Consular officer have a well-prepared application in front of him” so he was always focused on the smallest details. He delivered on what he and Michael promised, and I was approved. My family and I are very happy!

Thank you again Michael and Pradeep!
Harsimranjit S.
Great firm followed by excellent people and very knowledgeable.. no drama and top notch professionals .. they know what they are doing…
Feel free to reach out for your immigration needs..
Raj B.
I would like to thank Michael Ashoori and his entire team for my E2 approval! I would like to give a very special thank you to my assigned attorney, Pardeep Singh for his dedication, attention to detail, mastery of the law, and the excellent application he presented to the Consulate. Being a seasoned executive with decades of business experience, routinely interacting with “icons and titans” of the hospitality industry from around the world, I already had my own vision of how to portray my business, what documents to produce, and how best it should be presented. Pardeep took all the data, completely dissected it, disregarded nonrelevant items, and reorganized the data and documents so that they were a “natural” fit with all the required elements of the visa. He over engineered my entire file, prepared me for the interview thoroughly, had me repeatedly watch Michael’s interview prep videos, and at the interview all went smoothly and I was approved. I whole heartedly endorse Michael Ashoori, his entire team, and Pardeep! To anybody looking for immigration services, the Ashoori team truly care and take a vested interest in your success.

My business is multinational and the crown jewel is opening my US office. With my E2 approval, I can now pursue my dream of expanding my business in the vast US market. Again, thank you Michael, I am glad I found you!

Raj B.
Gret B.
I have used Ashoori Law and will be using again in the future! I highly recommend them! They will not disappoint! Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family!
Ruel
A great team whose core values embody professionalism and integrity. Would highly recommend them. They also network with other immigration firms and bring you news on the latest updates.
D
“Outstanding service and exceptionally smooth experience with Ashoori law group. From the very beginning, they showed professionalism, kept clear communication, and dedication time to my case. Every step of the process was handled with care and efficiency, They made my E2 visa process stress-free. It was well managed and level of supported was phenomenal. I am truly impressed with the quality of their work and the level of attention they provide. I highly recommend Ashoori law group to anyone seeking reliable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy legal services.”
Dzidula P.
It was tough, but the Ashoori Law firm made it easier than anything. It was within 4 months, and the case was closed. Officers at Ashoori Law, including John Walton, Charlotte, Matthew Larsen, and especially Attorney RYAN MORGAN KNIGHT. Ryan was exceptionally efficient, knowledgeable, and dedicated to his clients. I was impressed by his promptness and expertise. I actually had concerns about my case and was worried when ICE was deployed to our area, so I requested Attorney Knight to accompany me to the USCIS office. He kindly accommodated my request. John Walton was always busy, but he would surely sort one out.
If you're looking for reliable and skilled immigration attorneys, I highly recommend Ashoori Law, particularly Attorney Ryan Morgan Knight.
NB: I still want to talk to Attorney Michael Ashoori himself.
Saman I.
I worked with Ashoori Law firm to get my wife's Green Card processing. My experience has been VERY POSITIVE and I REALLY felt good about the way I was treated. Attorney Matthew Larsen closely checked my paper work and responded to my questions in professionally and timely. I would RECOMMEND Ashoori Law firm for any one looking for immigration guidance.
Ankur B.
Outstanding service from Ashoori Law! They successfully guided me through my E2 process. Their comprehensive approach, which included crafting a strong, custom business plan, was invaluable. The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and made a complex journey surprisingly smooth. My visa was approved without any issues. Highly recommend!
Muhammad L.
I had a great experience working with *Ashoori Law Firm*.
The team was professional, knowledgeable, and highly responsive throughout the entire process. They explained everything clearly, answered all my questions, and guided me step by step with confidence and care.

What stood out most was their attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. I truly felt that my case was in good hands. I highly recommend Ashori Law Firm to anyone looking for reliable and experienced legal representation.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Michael Ashoori Headshot

Michael Ashoori, Esq.

President of Ashoori Law

I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.

Since starting my law firm, I’ve helped thousands of people from all over the world with their immigration needs. I’m very passionate, hard-working, and committed to my clients.

Got a question? Send me an email.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION