A Green Card is an essential document for lawful permanent residents of the United States, granting them the right to live and work in the country permanently. Losing or having your Green Card stolen can be a distressing experience, but it's crucial to take immediate action to replace it. In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing your lost or stolen Green Card, ensuring you can regain your legal status without unnecessary delays or complications.
The first step is to report the loss or theft immediately to the appropriate authorities. Contact the nearest local law enforcement agency to file a police report, provide them with all the necessary details, including when and where the incident occurred. This report will serve as documentation to protect you from potential identity theft or misuse of your lost Green Card.
Next is to gather the required documentation to begin the replacement process. To do this, you'll need to gather specific documents to include:
- Form I-90: Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
- Evidence of your identity: Collect any government-issued identification documents, such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.
- Evidence of your lawful permanent resident status: Collect any supporting documents that verify your status, such as a copy of your expired Green Card, your passport, or your arrival-departure record (Form I-94).
Once you have assembled this information, the next step is to accurately complete Form I-90 this this is the official application for a Green Card replacement. You can either fill out the form online through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or download the PDF version and complete it manually. Ensure that you provide accurate and up-to-date information to avoid any delays in processing your application. After you have assembled and completed the application, you must then submit the request to the correct office along with the necessary filing fee.
Following your filing, you will receive a receipt notification and then may receive a notice to appear for a Biometrics Appointment. If you do, it is critical that you attend the scheduled appointment at the designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). During this appointment, your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be taken to verify your identity.
It's often essential to monitor the progress and any updates or requests for additional information from USCIS by accessing the USCIS website. Eventually you will receive your Replacement Green Card once your application is approved, you will receive your replacement
Green Card via mail. Ensure that you update your records with the new Green Card information and keep it in a secure place.
Although losing or having your Green Card stolen can be a stressful experience, remember how important it is to take immediate action and follow the proper steps to replace it. By promptly reporting the loss or theft, gathering the necessary documentation, completing Form I-90 accurately, and staying updated with your application's progress, you can minimize delays and ensure a smooth replacement process. Remember, regaining your legal status through a replacement Green Card is crucial, so act swiftly and diligently to protect your immigration status in the United States.
If you are intimidated by filing something with immigration yourself, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office instead and we would be happy to file for you. You can contact us to schedule an appointment by calling 616-805-3435 or by using the following link: https://marvinlawoffice.com/schedule-a-consultation/
