Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Residents

Replacing Green cards

• My Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) Card (Green Card) is about to expire. Can I file Form I-90 at the Embassy?
• My Green Card expired. I have been out of the United States for less than 12 months. Do I need a transportation letter?
• I came to Japan while in the process of extending my Green Card. I have not received it. Can I return to the United States?
• I applied for a Green Card but I have not received it. What should I do?
• When file a Form I-90 for replacement of green card, it is required to submit biometrics. Can I take my biometrics at the US Embassy or consulates in Japan?

Lost/Forgotten Green cards

• I lost my Green Card. What should I do?
• I forgot my Green Card in the United States. What should I do?

Maintaining Permanent Resident Status

• I expect to be outside of the United States for more than 12 months. What should I do?
• I have a valid re-entry permit but my passport has expired (is lost). Can I still return to the United States?
• I did not apply for a re-entry permit before leaving the United States and it has been more than one year since I left the U.S. What should I do?
• My re-entry permit will expire shortly. Can I get a new one in the United States? How many times will they issue me a new re-entry permit?
• Can I file for a re-entry permit with the Embassy?
• When file a Form I-131 for re-entry permit , it is required to submit biometrics. Can I take my biometrics at the US Embassy or consulates in Japan?

Change of Address

• I entered the United States on an immigrant visa. My address changed before I received my Green Card. What should I do?

 
My Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) Card (Green Card) is about to expire. Can I file Form I-90 at the Embassy?

No. An LPR card (Green Card) can only be re-issued by filing Form I-90 with USCIS while you are in LPR status in the United States.

My Green Card expired. I have been out of the United States for less than 12 months. Do I need a transportation letter?

If your permanent resident Green Card expired and you are outside the United States, you can still return if you have not been outside the United States for more than 12 months.

See Returning Residents

See Conditional Residents if you have CR-1 status

See Expired/expiring Green Card

I came to Japan while in the process of extending my Green Card. I have not received it. Can I return to the United States?

If you left the United States less than one year ago and your passport has a valid admission stamp (temporary evidence of resident status, you may apply for entrance to the United States at the port of entry. If you do not have an admission stamp, you will need a transportation letter. Please see how to apply for a transportation letter on the Lost or Stolen Green Card page.

I applied for a Green Card but I have not received it. What should I do?

If you have your receipt number, you should contact the USCIS case status service online or call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC).

When file a Form I-90 for replacement of green card, it is required to submit biometrics. Can I take my biometrics at the US Embassy or consulates in Japan?

No, The US Embassy or consulates in Japan cannot take biometrics for this purpose. If you have any questions concerning this procedures, please contact USCIS directly.

 I lost my Green Card. What should I do?

First, you are required to report the loss of your Green Card to the local police authorities.

If you are in Japan, you should apply for a transportation letter at the Embassy in Tokyo or Consulate-Generals in Osaka or Naha. For information on Transportation Letters, see the Lost or Stolen Green Card page.

I forgot my Green Card in the United States. What should I do?

You should have someone send it from the United States. If this is not possible, you will be required to apply for a transportation letter.

I expect to be outside of the United States for more than 12 months. What should I do?

If you plan to be outside of the United States for more than 12 months, you should apply for a re-entry permit before leaving the United States. You will be required to file Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document/Re-entry Permit with USCIS. A re-entry permit is normally valid for up to 2 years and shows that you are returning from a temporary visit abroad. You will be required to show the re-entry permit at the port of entry when you enter the United States.

Information for U.S. military family members.

I have a valid re-entry permit but my passport has expired (is lost). Can I still return to the United States?

Although you may return to the United States without a passport if you have a valid re-entry permit, you may be required to show your passport when leaving the foreign country you are in.

I did not apply for a re-entry permit before leaving the United States and it has been more than one year since I left the U.S. What should I do?

If you did not apply for a re-entry permit before leaving the United States and have been overseas for more than 12 months, it is possible that your LPR status has lapsed. You may need to undergo the entire immigrant visa process anew. See Returning Resident (SB-1).

Information for U.S. military family members.

My re-entry permit will expire shortly. Can I get a new one in the United States? How many times will they issue me a new re-entry permit?

There is no limit on the number of times you apply for a re-entry permit. Whether your application is approvable will be the decision of USCIS.

Can I file for a re-entry permit with the Embassy?

Form I-131 can only be filed in the United States with USCIS.

When file a Form I-131 for re-entry permit, it is required to submit biometrics. Can I take my biometrics at the US Embassy or consulates in Japan?

No, The US Embassy or consulates in Japan cannot take biometrics for this purpose. If you have any questions concerning this procedures, please contact USCIS directly.

I entered the United States on an immigrant visa. My address changed before I received my Green Card. What should I do?

Contact the USCIS.