For many, obtaining a green card is the ultimate dream as it allows a foreign national to live and work in the United States and initiate the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. However, after the arduous application process, learning that your green card has gone missing can be disheartening. It’s important to understand that lawful permanent residents must carry this card at all times to prove their legal status in the country. As such, if you have lost your green card, understanding the steps you must take to replace it is crucial. Please continue reading to learn how an experienced Middlesex County, New Jersey Green Card Lawyer can help you navigate your options.
How Do You Replace a Lost or Stolen Green Card?
In the unfortunate event, you cannot find your green card, it’s important to act quickly. If you are in the United States when your green card is lost, you must file Form I-90, “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.” It’s important to understand that the I-90 form can only be filed from within the U.S. This means if you are traveling abroad, you will need to wait until you return home before you can request a replacement green card. However, because you need your green card to reenter the country you will have to take additional measures.
If you are outside of the United States when your green card is lost or stolen, the process of obtaining a replacement is a little trickier as you cannot reenter the country without your green card. The first thing you should do is notify the local police and contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for further instructions. To return to the U.S., you will need to apply for a “boarding foil.” This document informs USCIS officers that you are allowed to travel to the U.S. You will have to complete Form I-131A, “Application for a Travel Document” and pay the $575 filing fee. Once you are back in the U.S., you can file your I-90 form to get a replacement green card.
What If My Replacement Request is Denied?
Unfortunately, there are instances in which USCIS denies green card replacement applications. This may be the case if an applicant intentionally provided false information on their application or has a pending deportation order. If USCIS denies your green card replacement application, you will receive a letter detailing the reasons why your application has been rejected.
Although you can’t appeal this decision, you can submit a motion requesting USCIS to reconsider its decision regarding your application. This can be achieved by submitting Form I-290B, “Notice of the Appeal or Motion” within 3o days to the office that originally issued the decision. Additionally, you will need to pay a $674 filing fee but can request a fee waiver due to financial hardship.
To learn how best to proceed, it’s in your best interest to seek legal advice from a knowledgeable lawyer from the Law Offices of Aditya Surti, LLC. Connect with our firm today as we can guide you through this complex process and protect your interests.
