Losing your green card while abroad can be a nerve-wracking experience. It's crucial to know how to handle this situation efficiently to ensure your safe return to the United States. Here are the essential steps you should take if you find yourself in this predicament:
1. Stay calm and retrace your steps: Losing important documents can be stressful, but try to stay composed. Begin by retracing your steps and revisiting places you may have visited since last using your green card. Sometimes, a simple oversight may have led to misplacement.
2. Report the loss: As soon as you discover your green card is missing, report the loss to the local authorities. File a police report and obtain a copy, as this will be crucial during the replacement process.
3. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate: Reach out to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. They will provide guidance on the necessary steps to take in replacing your lost green card. They might require you to schedule an appointment before visiting, so make sure to check their official website for specific instructions.
4. Complete Form I-131A: You'll need to complete Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation), to apply for a boarding foil that allows you to return to the United States. This form comes with a fee that must be paid online, using a credit or debit card.
5. Gather supporting documents: Collect any required supporting documents before your appointment. These may include your passport, police report, evidence of your U.S. residence, and a photocopy of your lost green card if available.
6. Attend your appointment: Show up on time for your scheduled appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Bring along all required documentation and be prepared to answer questions about the circumstances of your green card loss.
7. Obtain a transportation letter: If your application is approved, the embassy or consulate will issue you a transportation letter. This document allows you to board a flight back to the United States. Keep it safe throughout your travels.
8. Apply for a green card replacement: Once you safely return to the United States, you must apply to replace your lost green card within a reasonable timeframe. Failure to do so may result in complications with future travel and legal issues.
Remember, losing your green card abroad can be daunting, but it is not an insurmountable obstacle. By promptly reporting the loss, seeking assistance from the appropriate authorities, and adhering to the necessary procedures, you can navigate through this challenging situation and obtain a replacement card, securing your status as a permanent resident in the United States.
A few questions: I filed my N400 naturalization on March 23, 2020. Nearly one year later on Feb 2021 they sent me a notice that they'll reuse my biometrics from my green card application, but they won't refund the biometric fee! At the same time April 2021 showed up on my account as the expected completion date. Last week, the status was "17 days". Today the estimated time of completion has disappeared!!! Any idea what that means? More importantly - When I click on "View PDF" link under "N-400 Application for Naturalization", to see my actual N-400 form, I get " {"data":null,"error":{"developerMessage":null,"userMessage":null}} " message! The form is also missing under "Documents -> Your Uploads" tab! So, it appears that my N400 form is missing! What does that all mean, considering that it's impossible to file without N400 form! Finally, under profile, My name is incorrectly sp...