Lost or Stolen Green cards

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues Permanent Resident Card (I-551) to immigrants who are legally admitted for residence in the United States. Permanent Resident Card (commonly known as "Green Card") can only be issued or replaced in the United States and can never be obtained overseas. An unexpired green card is required for re-entry into the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident.

If your Green Card has been lost or stolen, you should report it to the local police authority immediately.

If you have left your Green Card in the U.S., please arrange for someone to send it to you overseas.

If your Green Card has been lost, stolen, or expired, you may be able to obtain a "Boarding Foil" valid for 30 days or less, for a single entry, authorizing a transportation carrier to carry you to the United States without penalty. To issue a “Boarding Foil”, the consular officer must be satisfied that you hold Lawful Permanent Resident status in the United States.

How to apply

Step 1:  Schedule an appointment -"Boarding Foil" can only be processed during normal business hours on an appointment basis. To make an appointment, please fill out the Appointment Request Form. We will email you your appointment date and time.

NOTE: We cannot process Boarding Foil requests on weekends, holidays, in the evenings, or without an appointment.

Step 2:  Bring the following documents - On the day of your appointment, please bring:

• A completed Form I-90 Page 1 – 3 (also, page 4,5 if applicable)
• Evidence of your identity (valid passport, government issued photo ID)
• Your airplane tickets (the one showing your departure date from the U.S.)
• Evidence of your U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident status (e.g. passport showing admission to the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident)
• Evidence that you were in the United States within the last 12 months
• Police report when the card was loss or stolen. Detailed explanation is required as to when and to whom you reported loss or theft of the card, if police report is not available
• One passport-style color photograph with white background taken within 6 months.

Processing time will depend on the circumstances of your case and the amount of information and evidence you provide. If you provide inaccurate information, or do not know your alien registration number, it can take significantly longer. The normal processing time can be as little as a few working days.