A United States green card permits foreign nationals to live and work in the U.S. and start the process of becoming a naturalized citizen. This card grants the holder permanent residency in the United States, entitled to many but not all of the benefits of a citizen. Nevertheless, the process of obtaining a green card is not easy. After completing the arduous application process and finally becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States you will need to keep this card on your person at all times. In the event your green card has been lost or stolen, it’s important to understand the steps you must take to get a replacement. Please continue reading to learn how you can replace a lost green card and why connecting with our knowledgeable Essex County Green Card Attorneys is in your best interest.
How Do I Replace a Lost Green Card?
To replace your green card, you will need to file Form I-90, “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.” However, it’s important to note that the I-90 form can only be filed from within the United States. This means that if you are traveling abroad and your green card is lost, you will need to wait until you return home before you can request a replacement. Since you need your green card to reenter the U.S., you will need to take additional measures if your green card gets lost or stolen while traveling abroad.
If you are outside of the country, you must file a report with the local police. You will need to bring the police report to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They will provide you with further instructions. To return to the U.S., you will need to apply for a “boarding foil,” which is a document that lets USCIS officers know you are permitted to travel to the U.S. Once you are back in the U.S., you can file your Form I-90 promptly to get a replacement green card.
Who Needs to Replace Their Green Card?
It’s important to understand that there are instances in which an individual is legally required to replace their green card, even if it was not lost or stolen. For instance, you must replace your green card if it was issued before you turned 14, you are now 14 years old, and your card will expire after you turn 16. Additionally, if your green card was damaged, was issued with incorrect information, or you never received your original green card, you must replace it.
While it’s not required, there are instances in which you should replace your green card. This includes if you legally changed your name, have a commuter green card, have an outdated version of the green card, have no expiration date, or it was issued when you were a child so the photo no longer resembles you.
The process of replacing a green card can be complex. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney from the Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq., who can help guide you through each step of the process.
