Your green card is the official document for identifying your permanent resident status, which allows you to live and work in the U.S. legally. If you suddenly find your green card lost, don’t worry. This article will tell you how to apply for a new one. It will also propose some solutions to the troubles caused by losing your green card.
Related articles:
- How to Get a Green Card?
- What is the Minimum Length of Stay for a U.S. Green Card?
- What is Form I-551 and is it the Same as a U.S. Green Card?
- U.S. Green Card Renewal Fee
- What are the Questions for a Green Card Interview?
I lost my U.S. green card, how can I replace it?
The moment you learn that you lost your green card, the first thing you should do is to contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and apply for a new green card by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Residence Card, online or by mail. You can find the instructions and downloadable documents on the link above.
How can I prove I am a U.S. permanent resident if I lost my green card?
According to the Instructions for Form I-90, if you lost your previous green card, you should tick 2.a. or 3.a. (for conditional cardholders) as your Reason for Application.
In such a case, you must submit a photocopy of your previous green card or any official ID document containing your name, date of birth, photo, and signature (e.g., your passport, driver’s license, or military ID card).
How to get an I-551 stamp if I lose my U.S. green card?
When waiting for your new green card, the USCIS issues an I-551 stamp (or ADIT stamp) as temporary evidence of your permanent resident status. It is located on your passport or a Form I-94 and lasts only one year.
To get an I-551 stamp, you should:
- File and pay for Form I-90, either online or by mail.
- Obtain Form I-797C with the receipt number of your I-90 about 2 to 4 weeks later.
- Contact the USCIS Contact Center and request an I-551 stamp.
- An immigration services officer will decide whether you need to appear in person at a USCIS field office. If not, the office will mail you a Form I-94 with an I-551 stamp.
How much does it cost to replace my U.S. green card?
As of April 2023, if your U.S. green card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you must pay $540 (including Form Fee of $455 and Biometric Services Fee of $85) for filing Form I-90. You can refer to USCIS’s Fee Calculator for detailed information.
What should I do if I find my green card after reporting it lost?
Unfortunately, USCIS will not refund the fee you paid. Nevertheless, you can withdraw your Form I-90 by submitting a written request to the following address:
Potomac Service Center
2200 Potomac Center Dr., Stop 2425
Arlington, VA 20598-2425
You can attach a Form G-1145 to receive an E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.
What should I do if my new green card is lost while mailing?
Before receiving your new green card, you will receive a Form I-797, noticing that it is ready for mailing. However, if you have not received your green card after a long time, it may have been returned as undeliverable to USCIS. To confirm that, you should check the status of your green card application online.
If your green card has been returned as undeliverable to USCIS, you should file a new Form I-90 free of charge and tick 2.b. or 3.b. (for conditional cardholders) as your Reason for Application. Below you can find a list of documents that your application need to include:
- A copy of the latest Form I-797;
- A copy of your official ID document containing your name, date of birth, photo, and signature (e.g., your passport, driver’s license, or military ID card);
- A copy of your passport page or Form I-94 with an I-551 stamp.
What should I do if I lose my green card outside the U.S.?
If you lost your green card outside the U.S., you should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and ask about Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation.
Before submitting the required documents in person, you must pay a filing fee of $575 online in advance. Once approved, you will obtain a travel document that allows you to return to the U.S.
Lost Your U.S. Green Card? Here’s what to do and how much it costs
Losing your U.S. green card can be a stressful situation, but don’t worry – we’re here to guide you through the process of getting a new one.
The first step is to contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and apply for a replacement by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Residence Card. You can find detailed instructions and downloadable documents on the USCIS website.
The cost of filing Form I-90 is $540, which includes a $455 Form Fee and an $85 Biometric Services Fee. If you need temporary evidence of your permanent resident status while waiting for your new green card, you can obtain an I-551 stamp. To make the process smoother, make sure your new green card photo meets the official requirements.
At EgreencardPhoto, we offer an AI-enhanced passport photo tool that ensures your photo complies with the necessary standards. Simply visit EgreencardPhoto.com, try our online tool, and convert your selfie into a biometric photograph that meets all the requirements. Take advantage of our convenient service to ensure your green card application success.
Below is an overview of the costs for a new green card.
| Topic | Cost |
| Applying for a new green card | $540 |
| Obtaining an I-551 stamp | – |
| Replacement if found after reporting as lost | – |
| Replacement if lost during mailing | – |
| Lost green card outside the U.S. | $575 |
Please note that the costs may vary, and it’s always advisable to consult the official USCIS website or contact the appropriate authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees and procedures.
Summary
If you lost your green card in the U.S., you should contact USCIS and apply for a new one by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Residence Card.
You may need to wait for 6 months to a year to receive your new green card. During this period, you may get an I-551 stamp to show your permanent resident status temporarily.
If you lost your green card abroad, you should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and apply for Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation. Without a valid document, you will be unable to return to the U.S.
FAQs
How can I find my A-Number if I lost my U.S. green card?
Besides your green card, you can find your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) on any previous Form I-797 Notice of Action that the USCIS sent you as receipts. You can also find it on your previous visa or EAD card.
How long will it take to replace my U.S. green card?
You must wait 6 months to a year to receive your new green card.
Can I still travel abroad if I lose my U.S. green card?
No. Because usually, you must show your valid green card (or equivalents in certain cases) when returning to the U.S. from abroad.