Losing any of your documents can be super stressful, but losing your green card when you have travel plans is just terrible. The panic. Replaying the moment you last had it. Trashing your apartment just to NEVER find it.
But what if we told you there’s a way you can still make that trip, even if your replacement hasn’t arrived yet? We know the thought of international travel without your green card can be scary. But it is possible. You just need to know what steps to take.
Stay tuned.
What Actually Happens When You Lose Your Green Card?
A green card serves as your sanctioned attestation of endless occupancy in the United States. You need it for getting a job and dropping out the U.S. after trip, and you may indeed need it for getting a new motorist’s license.
So, when you lose it, it can definitely create some problems. But relax. Losing your green card doesn’t mean you lose your status. You’re still a permanent resident. It’s just your proof of that status that you don’t have at the moment.
Step 1: File Form I-90 to Replace Your Green Card
The absolute first thing you’re going to need to do is apply for a replacement green card.
This is done by filing Form I-90 to replace Green Card with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
You can renew your card if:
- It was stolen
- You lost it
- It was damaged
- It’s expired
- It’s about to expire
- You need to legally change your name
Once you file, USCIS will send you a receipt notice (called Form I-797C), which confirms that they have received your application.
How to Travel While You Wait for Your Replacement?
So, if you’ve filed Form I-90, but you have a trip coming up soon (and your new green card isn’t here yet), here’s what you can do:
Get an Temporary Proof of Status, I-551 Stamp
If you need to travel before your new green card arrives, you can get an I-551 stamp. This is an official stamp from USCIS that proves you’re a permanent resident, even when you don’t have your green card with you.
Make an InfoPass appointment at your USCIS office, where you can get one.
Here’s what documents to bring:
- Your passport
- Your Form I-90 receipt notice (Form I-797C)
- A copy of your lost, stolen, or expired green card (if you have one)
- Your police report (if your card was stolen)
- Travel itinerary or proof of urgent travel (to show why you need the stamp quickly)
If this gets approved, they’ll stamp your passport with the I-551 stamp. It usually lasts for around 6 months, and it’s accepted by airlines and border officials as proof of your green card status.
Re-entry Permit (If You Plan to Be Gone for a Long Time)
If you’re planning to be outside the U.S. for more than a year, you should also apply for a Re-entry Permit instead of just replacing your green card.
Fill out Form I-131 with USCIS before you leave the U.S. to apply. Here’s what the process looks like:
- First, you need to submit Form I-131
- Then, you have to attend a biometrics appointment (this includes taking your fingerprints and photo).
- After your biometrics are done, you can leave the U.S., and USCIS can mail the re-entry permit to a U.S. embassy, consulate, or other address abroad (you specify this in your application).
Your Re-entry Permit can last up to 2 years. You can’t renew it, but you can apply for a new one if you ever need it again.
Wrapping It Up
Traveling while waiting for a green card replacement can feel difficult, but you’ve got more control than you think. With the right documents and planning, you can still take that trip you need to take.
Just don’t skip any steps and make sure you have your documents with you at all times. If you happen to lose them while you’re abroad, there’s a solution for that too.
If you’re ever unsure, reach out to USCIS or talk to an immigration lawyer (some offer free consultations).
Blog as received in the mail.
