What to do if You Lose your Green Card

 

 

Published on Augost 23, 2023

Did you lose your green card? I promise you it is not the end of the world. Here are some tips to help you through this stressful situation.

1. I want you, the day you receive your Green Card, to make a copy of it, scan it and keep it safe. It is legally required that you have proof of your resident status in this country at all times.
2. I want you, the day you receive your Green Card, to make a copy of it, scan it and keep it safe. It is legally required that you have proof of your resident status in this country at all times.
3. Document with the appropriate agency that you’ve lost your Green Card or that it was stolen. This might be necessary to prove that you’ve lost your card.
4. You’re gonna have to file Form I-90 to replace your card. The processing time can take several months so, if you have travel coming soon or your driver's license is expiring, you’re gonna be in a sticky situation. But here’s a tip: you can contact USCIS and they can give you a stamp on your passport called I-551, which is proof of your residence status and that could allow you to travel and get the necessary documentation.
5. If you are abroad and this happens to you, you will have to contact the US consulate or embassy to get permission to travel back to the United States.

If you have any questions, or think an immigration attorney can help, call Mubarak Law at (407) 502 3000 today.