What can you do if you lost your Green Card?

By Atty. Chris Caday Lozano

Green cards are important especially when traveling abroad.  There are certain issues about replacing green card which we will discuss.

1.       Lost green card.  The person who lost his green card may file to renew their USCIS-issued green card that have expired or replace ones that have been lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, or that contain an error.

The person who lost green card may complete and properly file an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90) with USCIS, with appropriate fees (if required), in accordance with the Form I-90 instructions. 

What happen if the green card is lost while outside the U.S.?

A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)  who is temporarily outside the United States for less than 1 year and who is not in possession of a valid green card  (for example, it was lost, stolen, or destroyed) may properly file an Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) (Form I-131A) to request documentation to demonstrate to an airline or other transportation carrier that he or she is authorized to travel to the United States.  This transportation letter does not replace the green card. LPRs must still complete and properly file Form I-90 to obtain a replacement of the green card upon arrival to the U.S.

2.       What happen if the Reentry permit is lost?

If inside the United States, complete and properly file an Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) with USCIS, with appropriate fees.

An LPR who is temporarily outside the United States for less than 2 years and who is not in possession of a valid green card (for example, it was lost, stolen, or destroyed) may properly file an Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) (Form I-131A) to request documentation to demonstrate to an airline or other transportation carrier that he or she is authorized to travel to the United States. The transportation letter does not replace the reentry permit. LPRs must complete and properly file Form I-131 upon reentry into the United States to obtain a replacement reentry permit.

3.       What happen if the Advance Parole document is lost?

If inside the United States, complete and properly file an Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) with USCIS, with appropriate fees.

There is no process to seek a replacement of advance parole document, including a combo card (employment and travel authorization documented on a single card), outside the United States. In cases where an advance parole document was lost, stolen, or destroyed while overseas, requestors should contact the closest USCIS international office or U.S. embassy or consulate.

Please note that in general, if a requestor applies for advance parole while in the United States, and departs the United States before the advance parole document is issued, the requestor may be found inadmissible to the United States upon return, or even if admitted, may be found to have abandoned his or her application.

Success Stories

During the months of March and April 2021, we received approvals from USCIS four naturalization applications, three adjustment of status and two removal of conditional residence applications.

Note: This is not a legal advice and this article is for information purposes only.  You should consult with an immigration attorney about the specifics of your case.

If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation. 

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers.  He practices immigration law, bankruptcy and income tax preparation since June 1999.  His contact phone is 1-877-456-9266, email: info@CCLlaw.net  Website:  www.crispinlozanolaw.com/



Toll Free 1-877-4LOZANO for free consultation or Schedule an Appointment