How to replace a lost or stolen Green Card

When an immigrant is granted lawful permanent status in the United Status, they are issued a Green Card. Once granted, there are many Green Card benefits that immediately go into effect. This includes the ability to travel freely, as well as the possibility of working anywhere you like.

All permanent residents of the United States are required to carry their Green Card in the event that they will need to prove their lawful immigration status to U.S. immigration services.

Because of this requirement, it also increases the chances that you may lose your Green Card or get it stolen. If this does happen to you, you will need to file special paperwork with USCIS, a process different than filing a Green Card renewal form.

Documents needed to replace a Green Card

The documents you’ll need to replace your Green Card will vary, depending on the reasons that you need to replace it. The requisite documentation changes if you never received your card, if it was issued with incorrect data due to USCIS, or if you need to correct or change your biographical data. Or, for example, if you got married and need to change your name, you’ll need a copy of your marriage license.

For all requests, though, you will need to complete Form I-90, the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You will also need to provide the $540 filing fee when you submit your application in person or online.

You will also have to provide documents that corroborate your identity. This can include a driver’s license or other government-issued identification, a military ID card or your passport.

Green Card Replacement Timeline

After you’ve submitted Form I-90 to USCIS, you should keep a couple of important dates in mind. It’s important to keep track of these specific dates, as you will be sent important documentation that make up a critical part of your overall application process.

• 1 to 3 weeks after submitting Form I-90, you’ll receive Form I-797C, Notice of Action. This letter confirms receipt of your application. (If you did not properly file your application, your Notice of Action may indicate this.)

• 3 to 5 weeks after submitting your application, you should receive a biometrics appointment date. The biometrics screening serves to filter out potential security risks via a background check.

• 5 to 8 weeks after sending in your Form I-90, you will attend the biometrics appointment. It is a visit that takes about 30 minutes, during which your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be collected. Remember to take government-issued identification to your appointment!

• 5 to 6 months after completing your biometrics appointment, you should receive your new Green Card via mail. (Please note that Green Cards are not mailed to addresses outside of the U.S.) If your application is denied, USCIS will mail you a notice explaining why.

Applying for a Green Card - and keeping it safeguarded once you’ve received it - can be difficult tasks to carry out. But if you want to forget about Green Card renewal or losing it all together, the best solution is to become an American citizen. Then, not only can you forget all about Green Cards, but you can also starting enjoying all of the benefits that U.S. citizenship offers.