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Losing or having your official documents stolen is a known risk, as these are events that can happen to anyone.
Continue reading to learn more about the steps to follow after losing your Green Card.
What to do if you lose your Green Card?
The Green Card is a very important document that allows foreign nationals to reside legally and permanently in the United States. Also known as a Permanent Resident Card, this document can be lost or stolen, making it crucial to know how to act in such a situation.
Notify authorities in case of theft or loss
The first thing you must do if your identification documents are lost or stolen is to notify or report the incident to the authorities. It is important to file a report because immigration laws require you to prove to authorities that you are a legal resident when leaving and entering the United States.
How to report a stolen Green Card
If your Green Card is stolen, you must file a police report at your local police station.
Additionally, if you are outside the country, you must file Form I-131A at a U.S. Embassy. With this form, USCIS will grant a "boarding foil" to allow you to enter the country.
What to do if you lost your Green Card inside or outside the United States
As explained in the previous section, if you are outside the United States, you need to report the loss of your Green Card and request a "boarding foil" to be able to board your flight and re-enter the country.
On the other hand, once the resident is back within the country, it will be necessary to **request a replacement card.**
Steps to replace your Green Card
To request a Green Card replacement, USCIS stipulates that the resident must file **Form I-90**, which can be done online or by mail.
USCIS may require the applicant to attend a biometrics appointment to register their data.
How to complete Form I-90 for a replacement
To complete Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, USCIS provides the necessary **instructions** on how to submit the document.
Some important details to keep in mind are:
- Complete the form in black ink,
- You must complete your first and last name at the top margin of each page, indicate the page number, part number, and item number being answered, and sign and date each page,
- Answer all questions completely and accurately.
Required Documents for Form I-90
When filing an application to replace a Green Card, USCIS requires the applicant to submit all supporting evidence and identification documents listed on the specific form.
Estimated Costs and Processing Times
The filing fee for Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is $415 for online filing, and **$465 for filing by mail.**
The estimated processing time for the application is **6 to 10 months.**
Scheduling a Biometric Appointment
During the processing of your Form I-90, USCIS may require the foreign national to provide biometric data again. To do this, a biometric appointment must be scheduled to verify or update your records.
Immigration Legal Advisory Services
When handling any legal or immigration matter, it is necessary to consult an immigration advisory service, specifically provided by immigration attorneys, to avoid errors in the process that could jeopardize your residency.
When should you seek an immigration attorney?
Seeking **immigration attorneys** who provide advisory services is very important, as they are professionals specialized in immigration law and can guide you through the entire process in the best possible way.
Félix Pago recommends consulting with an attorney specializing in immigration law and rights regarding the various options available to you, in order to avoid any issues during your stay.
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