5 Important Steps When You Lose Your U.S. Green Card

A U.S. green card is the most important document for anyone with lawful permanent resident status in America. However, many cases of lost, damaged, or stolen green cards cause owners to face numerous difficulties in daily life and travel. So when you lose your U.S. green card, what procedures do you need to follow? How does the process to replace your U.S. green card work? What about the costs and processing time? Let’s explore these details with Newland USA in the article below.

1. Why is a U.S. green card important for permanent residents?

A green card is legal proof confirming your lawful permanent resident status in the United States. This document allows you to live, work, and travel freely throughout U.S. territory without time restrictions on your stay.

According to U.S. law, all permanent residents aged 18 and older are required to carry their green card with them to prove their legal residency status. Failure to present this document when requested by authorities can lead to serious consequences, directly affecting your rights and freedoms.

Moreover, a green card is a mandatory requirement for re-entering the U.S. after each trip abroad. Without this card, you will face many obstacles at border crossings and may even be denied entry.

2. Common reasons leading to losing a U.S. green card

During use, there are many situations that can cause a green card to lose its validity or become unfindable. Below are the most common reasons:

2.1. Stolen or lost

This is the most common situation requiring permanent residents to replace their U.S. green card. A green card can be lost while traveling, forgotten in public places, or stolen by thieves. When you discover it’s missing, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights.

2.2. Damaged from long-term use

After prolonged use, a U.S. green card may have faded text, be torn, warped, or damaged from contact with water or high temperatures. When the card is no longer readable or is severely damaged, you need to replace it immediately.

2.3. Expired

A green card typically has a validity period of 10 years (or 2 years for conditional cards). When the card is about to expire, you still retain your permanent resident status but need to renew it to continue using the associated benefits.

2.4. Personal information changes

Some other cases requiring a new green card include when you change your name, gender, or other identifying information on the card.

3. Detailed step-by-step process to replace a U.S. green card

When you discover your U.S. green card is lost, you need to follow these steps to receive a replacement card quickly and accurately.

Step 1: Prepare documents and complete Form I-90

Form I-90 is the “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card” – the official form to request replacement or renewal of a green card. This is a mandatory document in all cases related to reissuance.

Important note: You can only submit Form I-90 when you are on U.S. territory. If you are traveling or working abroad when you discover your U.S. green card is lost, you must wait until you return before you can begin this process.

Currently, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) allows online submission or mailing. The online method is usually processed faster and more convenient for tracking progress.

Step 2: Pay the fees

The cost to replace a U.S. green card includes:

• Form I-90 filing fee: approximately $455
• Biometric services fee (fingerprinting, photo)
• Total: approximately $540

However, some special cases may qualify for fee waivers or only need to pay the biometric fee. For example, when the green card has errors due to USCIS.

For those facing financial hardship, you can apply for a fee waiver by completing Form I-912.

Step 3: Wait for notification and biometrics appointment

After USCIS receives your green card replacement application, they will send a confirmation notice by mail or email. This notice includes a receipt number so you can check the processing status.

Within 1-2 weeks, you will receive a letter inviting you to an Application Support Center to complete biometrics. This is an important step in the process, including taking photos, fingerprints, and electronic signatures.

You need to bring identification documents, the appointment letter, and any documents proving your identity to the appointment.

Step 4: Provide additional documents (if required)

In some cases, USCIS may request additional evidence or information to verify your application. They will send a Request for Evidence (RFE) if needed. You must respond within the specified timeframe to avoid application denial.

Step 5: Receive your new green card

After the application is approved, your new U.S. green card will be sent to your address by mail. Make sure to keep your address updated with USCIS throughout the waiting period. If your address changes, you must notify them immediately by filing Form AR-11 or updating online.

4. Processing time when you lose your U.S. green card

One of the biggest concerns is how long it takes to receive a replacement green card. In reality, this timeframe varies considerably depending on the processing center and specific circumstances of your application.

Typically, the process to replace a U.S. green card takes 6 to 12 months. In some complex cases or when applications require more thorough verification, the time can be longer.

To find out the estimated processing time for your case, you can visit the official USCIS website and check using the receipt number you received.

4.1. Temporary solution: ADIT stamp (I-551)

While waiting for your new green card, you may face difficulties when you need to prove your permanent resident status, especially when applying for new jobs or traveling internationally.

To solve this problem, you can contact your local USCIS office to schedule an appointment and receive an ADIT stamp (also called an I-551 stamp). This is a stamp placed directly in your passport that serves as a green card substitute valid for 1 year.

The ADIT stamp is especially useful if you filed for naturalization (N-400) at least 6 months before your U.S. green card expired. In this case, you can request the stamp without filing Form I-90.

5. Cases where green card replacement is denied

Although most replacement applications are approved, there are situations where USCIS denies the request. Common reasons include:

• Providing false or fraudulent information in the application
• Having a pending deportation order
• Not meeting the requirements to maintain permanent resident status
• Incomplete application or missing necessary documents

If your green card replacement application is denied, don’t worry too much. You have the right to appeal or request reconsideration of the decision.

5.1. Appeal process

To appeal a denial decision, you need to:

1. File Form I-290B (Notice of Appeal or Motion) within 30 days of receiving the denial notice
2. Pay the filing fee of $675 (or request a fee waiver if facing financial hardship)
3. Provide new evidence or prove that the initial decision was based on inaccurate information

Appeals have a higher success rate if you have support from a professional immigration attorney. They will help analyze the reason for denial and build a case to increase your chances of a successful appeal.

6. Important notes when dealing with a lost U.S. green card

6.1. Act immediately

When you discover your green card is lost or damaged, don’t delay in filing a replacement application. Not having a valid green card can cause many inconveniences in daily life and affect your rights.

6.2. Don’t file while abroad

As mentioned, Form I-90 is only accepted when you are on U.S. territory. If you lose your U.S. green card while traveling abroad, you need to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for guidance on obtaining temporary documents for re-entry.

6.3. Update your address regularly

Ensure that USCIS always has your correct contact address. All important notifications, including your new green card, are sent by mail. If you move during the waiting period, notify USCIS immediately.

6.4. Carefully preserve documents

After receiving your new U.S. green card, preserve it carefully. Some measures:

• Don’t keep your green card with your wallet to avoid losing it if the wallet is stolen
• Photocopy or photograph your green card and store it in a safe place
• Use a waterproof and shock-resistant card holder
• Don’t bend or expose your green card to high temperatures

7. Conclusion

Losing your U.S. green card is a concerning situation but can be completely resolved if you understand the process and act promptly. Replacing your U.S. green card through Form I-90 is a mandatory procedure to maintain lawful permanent resident status and protect your rights in the U.S.

At Newland USA, we not only provide U.S. immigration services but also support clients in their journey to integrate into the culture of this new country. If you need more information, please contact Newland USA immediately via hotline 0785591988 or email: newsletter@newlandusa.asia for detailed and free consultation.

Learn more:

• What is Form I-829? Guide to Filing a Petition to Remove Conditions on 2-Year Green Card for EB5 Immigrant Investor Program
• Auto Repair Technician Shortage in the U.S.: A Golden Opportunity for EB3 Green Card Applicants
• The Optimal Choice for EB5 Investors to Manage a Green Card Investment Project
• How Does the Set-Aside EB-5 Visa Positively Impact Green Card Processing Time?