How to Replace Lost Green Card

If you are a foreigner with a Permanent Resident Card or a Green card from the United States government which you have waited for so many years to claim, the worst thing that could happen to you is to wake up one day with three dreaded words: lost green card!

First, do not panic. Gather your wits and be smart enough to report the theft, lost or missing case of your Green card to the Police. This way, the Police and you will be alerted should there be attempts to misuse this important document. When all search efforts proved futile, face the reality that you really need to undergo Green card replacement procedure.
So, how to replace lost green card, you may ask? You are right in thinking that it can’t be as hard as applying for a green card for the first time, or renewing one that is due to expire. Yet still, it is a meticulous process that entails ample time and careful preparation on your end.

The primary document in applying for a green card replacement is the USCIS Form I90, which can be downloaded from the USCIS website. Application submissions could be the traditional drop-off to any USCIS district branch or through online (e-filing). The procedure works in much the same way as the standard renewal of a green card.

Not all cases of “lost” Green cards are subject to replacement applications. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has laid down parameters on who can avail of the lost green card replacement procedure to protect against wanton replacement requests and instill the value of according proper care and safekeeping on a very important document like the Green card.

With the convenience of the Internet, green card replacement online is the preferred mode of renewal or replacement for most alien residents in the United States, whether they lost their card or really need to replace it with a new and updated Permanent Resident card.

If you are a holder of a Green card and you lost it while outside the United States, the nearest US Embassy or Consulate can help you in obtaining a replacement card by assisting you in your Form I-90 filing appropriate to your situation.
Not only lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Green card is subject for replacement. The following cases are also eligible to apply for a Green card replacement:

A Green card with incorrect data printed on it; there are some important details like your name, status and other biographic data on your old Green card need to be changed legally if you got married and similar events; or a previously approved Green card was not sent in the address you specified in the first application form.

Green card replacement is also called for if you need to replace your old Form AR-3, AR-103 or I-151. These forms may no longer support your current case and simply put, no longer valid. You need to use the appropriate form for Green card application matching your current status or situation.

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