What Should I Do If My Green Card Is Lost or Stolen While Traveling Abroad?

Discovering your green card is missing while you’re outside the United States can trigger immediate panic. Your permanent resident card represents your legal right to live and work in America. Without it, you might worry about getting back home.

The good news? Losing your green card abroad doesn’t mean losing your permanent resident status.

The U.S. immigration system has specific procedures to help lawful permanent residents return home safely. With the right steps, you can get back to the United States and replace your lost or stolen green card.

Immediate Steps When Your Green Card Is Lost or Stolen Abroad

The moment you realize your green card is gone, take action. Quick response can make the difference between a smooth return and unnecessary complications at the port of entry.

1. Document Everything Right Away

Your first priority is creating a paper trail. This documentation will support your applications and prove your situation to immigration officials.

Start by filing a police report if you suspect theft. Local authorities can provide official documentation that supports your case later. Even if you simply misplaced the card, having an official report helps.

Take these critical steps:

• Write down when and where you discovered the loss
• List any suspicious circumstances or potential theft situations
• Gather any copies or photos of your green card from your phone or email
• Contact your hotel or recent locations to check lost and found
• Keep all receipts and records from your current trip

Every piece of documentation strengthens your position when requesting temporary travel documents.

2. Protect Your Remaining Documents

Once you’ve lost one important document, protecting the others becomes crucial. Your passport and other identification now carry even more weight.

• Make multiple copies of your valid passport and any remaining documents
• Store these copies in different locations:
  • Your hotel safe
  • With trusted travel companions
  • Digitally in secure cloud storage

Never carry all originals together when sightseeing.

3. Contact U.S. Authorities Immediately

Report the loss to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible. They handle these situations regularly and can guide you through the process.

When contacting the embassy:

• Explain your situation clearly
• Provide your Alien Registration Number if you remember it
• Share your planned return date to the United States
• Ask about appointment availability for emergency documents

The consulate staff will explain your options and help you file the necessary forms.

How to Apply for a Boarding Foil at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

A boarding foil serves as your ticket home when your green card goes missing abroad. This temporary travel document allows airlines to board you for return to the United States.

What Exactly Is a Boarding Foil?

The boarding foil is an official transportation letter issued by U.S. embassies and consulates. It confirms your lawful permanent resident status and authorizes carriers to allow you to board flights to America.

Facts about boarding foils:

• Valid for a single journey to the United States
• Expires 30 days from issue date
• Cannot be used for multiple trips
• Only available to permanent residents outside the U.S.

This document doesn’t replace your green card. It simply gets you home, where you can properly replace your permanent resident card.

Filing Form I-131A

Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation, is your formal request for a boarding foil. You must file this form at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Things to keep in mind:

• You’ll pay a fee online through the USCIS online payment system before your embassy appointment
• USCIS filing fees are generally final and non-refundable, except in the limited case of U.S. government error

Processing times for a boarding foil vary by consulate. Some embassies/consulates can issue a foil the same day or within 24–72 hours after your appointment, while others may take longer.

Sometimes, up to a week or more, depending on local procedures and workload.

Required Documentation for Your Application

Gather these documents before your embassy appointment:

• Your original passport showing your identity and nationality
• Any proof of lawful permanent resident status (photos of green card, old copies, approval notices)
• Police report if your card was stolen
• Evidence of departure from the United States (airline tickets, passport stamps)
• Proof you need to travel urgently (return tickets, employment verification)
• Receipt showing you’ve paid the filing fee on the USCIS website before appearing

The embassy may request additional documentation based on your specific situation.

The Application Process Step by Step

The process moves quickly once you start:

1. Schedule an appointment through the embassy’s online system
2. Pay the filing fee online on the USCIS website
3. Attend your appointment with all documentation
4. Provide biometrics if requested
5. Answer questions about your permanent resident status
6. Receive your boarding foil (usually within 24-48 hours)

Embassy staff will verify you haven’t abandoned your permanent resident status. Be prepared to explain your travel reasons and intended return date.

Alternative Options If You Cannot Obtain a Boarding Foil

Sometimes getting a boarding foil isn’t possible. The embassy might be closed, or you might face other obstacles. Several alternatives can still get you home.

Using an Expired Green Card

If you’re traveling with an expired permanent resident card that was lost or stolen, you might have additional options.

Considerations to keep in mind:

• An expired green card combined with your passport may suffice for boarding, depending on the expiration date
• Airlines sometimes accept recently expired cards (within one year) along with additional documentation
  • This varies by carrier and isn’t guaranteed

For green cards with a 2-year expiration date (conditional residents), the situation becomes more complex. You’ll need to explain why you haven’t removed conditions if the card has expired.

Emergency Visa Considerations

In rare cases, you might need to apply for a returning resident visa (SB-1). This applies if you’ve been outside the United States for extended periods or cannot prove continuous ties.

Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry have discretion in these cases. They’ll evaluate:

• Length of time outside the U.S.
• Reasons for extended absence
• Evidence of maintaining U.S. ties
• Your explanation of the circumstances

Returning to the U.S. and Replacing Your Lost Green Card

Getting home is just the first step. Once you return, you’ll need to replace your lost or stolen green card promptly.

At the Port of Entry

Present your boarding foil and passport to immigration officers. Be honest about your situation and provide any supporting documentation.

Officers may ask:

• How you lost your green card
• Duration of your trip abroad
• Your U.S. address and employment
• Plans to replace the card

Answer truthfully and provide any police reports or embassy documentation.

Filing Form I-90 for Replacement

Once home, immediately file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You can file this online through USCIS or by mail.

The form requires:

• Personal information and Alien Registration Number
• Explanation of how the card was lost
• Current filing fee
• Supporting documentation

Replacing your green card can take several months to more than a year; processing times have grown and vary by case and USCIS workload.

Check USCIS processing times for the most current estimate.

Prevention Tips for International Travel

Smart preparation prevents most green card emergencies. Taking precautions before and during travel protects this vital document.

Before You Leave Home

• Create multiple backups of your green card
• Scan or photograph both sides and store them securely in cloud storage
• Email copies to yourself for easy access

Leave photocopies with trusted family members in the United States. They can assist if you need documentation quickly.

Moreover, consider leaving your original green card in your hotel safe during day trips. Carry copies for identification instead.

During Your Trip

Treat your green card like cash. Keep it secure and check for it regularly.

Safety measures while traveling:

• Use hotel safes for document storage
• Carry documents in inside pockets or money belts
• Avoid displaying documents unnecessarily
• Share sensitive information only with officials on secure websites

Register your trip with the State Department’s STEP program. This free service helps the embassy contact you in emergencies.

Take Control Now & Protect Your Status

Losing your green card abroad feels overwhelming, but clear procedures exist to get you home. Acting quickly, documenting everything, and following proper channels ensures your safe return to the United States.

Talk to us for guidance on replacing your documents and maintaining your lawful permanent resident status in California.

Remember, your permanent resident status remains intact even when your physical card disappears.