What To Do About A Lost Or Stolen Green Card
What is a USA Green Card? A Green Card gives authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. This is a very important document and you should treat is like you would your passport. There are a few different ways to become a permanent resident and green card holder. Many are sponsored by a family member or employer in the United States, though some will apply as a refugee or through humanitarian programs.
What To Do About A Lost Or Stolen Green Card
U.S. residents from the age of 18 are required to bring their green card with them at all times. Your green card is very important since it`s your proof that you are a permanent and legal resident of the country. When you lose your green card, you are required to have it replaced immediately. If you think that your green card is lost or stolen, you should immediately notify the United States Citizenship Immigration Service. You should also report it to the nearest police station. Here are the steps you need to do when your green card is lost or stolen:
Report Your Green Card Missing
File a report at the nearest police station that your green card was lost or stolen. They will be making an official report and you should secure a copy of this because this will be required once you apply for replacement. This report will also serve as an important record if someone illegally uses your green card.
Fill Out Form I-90
Fill out a Form I-90 which is an application for green card replacement. You will be able to download this online and you can send it online or mail it to USCIS. However, if you are applying for fee waiver, you are not allowed to send this form online. If you are sending it by mail, it is necessary that you put a signature on Part 5, Item Number 6.a. If you fail to do so, they will send it back to you for your signature and your application process will be delayed. Things that you must consider when filing your I-90 form are:
- Make sure that you have filled up the form correctly with all the information being asked.
- You must submit the correct fee.
- You must attach all the documents that were asked.
Online Updates
On your online account, you will continuously receive updates about your application. It is important that you check on it regularly. If you are going to move to another place, don`t forget to update your address by filling up form AR-11. A 2D barcode is placed at the bottom of a fillable version Form I-90 on each page which will change every time you have additional information. The data will be collected accurately and quickly.
Payment Modes Of Your Filing Fee
When you are going to pay by mail, you can either pay by check or money order. If you are paying online, a payment through a U.S. Bank account, credit or debit card are accepted.
Biometrics
A notification of biometrics appointment will be sent to you including the information about where and when it will take place. Your fingerprints will be gathered for the purpose of checking if you have any criminal records. Your photograph and signatures will also be collected. All applicants are required to go through this process so don`t be alarmed. Do not forget to bring proper identification when you go to your biometrics appointment. Proper identification may be one of these:
- Driver`s license
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Military photo Identification
- National identification issued by the state
Receiving Your Green Card Replacement
After processing all the things necessary for your application on your green card replacement, you will have to wait for the approval of your application, whether it is granted or denied. If it`s granted, they will be mailing your new green card to you in 4 to 5 months after filing your application. If your request is denied, you will still be receiving a mail explaining why your application has been denied.
Once you get your new green card, you must be very careful not to lose it again. Always remember that your green card is as important as your Passport. Keep your passport, green card, and any other vital documents in a safe and accessible location. Replacing your vital documents can take a long time, so it’s better to not lose them in the first place.
U.S. Citizens that need a new replacement passport can get their passport in 4-6 weeks through their local post office or county clerk. If you need your replacement passport fast, we can help. Our expediting passport services can secure your U.S. Passport as fast as 24 hours. Please follow our expedited passport instructions for more information on getting a fast passport book or passport card.
