Lost, Stolen or Expired Permanent Residency Card
If your I-551 permanent resident card (or green card) has been stolen or lost, or is expired, you may apply for a boarding foil in order to return home to the United States. The Embassy is unable to issue a replacement green card because it can be issued only by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States.
Lawful Permanent Residents who have been continuously outside of the U.S. for a period of one year or more are NOT eligible for issuance of a boarding foil.
In order to apply for this boarding foil, you have to come in person to the Immigrant Visa Unit Monday to Friday between 09.00 - 11.30 a.m. (APPOINTMENT NEEDED!). You may contact us by e-mail or by fax (031) 357-7398 to schedule an appointment.
The following documents are required:
- a valid passport
- proof that you are a resident of the United States (your green card number or A-number, or a copy of your green card)
- evidence regarding your last departure from the United States (e.g. airline ticket, boarding pass, etc.)
- police report showing that card was lost or stolen
- three recent passport photographs. See specifications here
- no fee required
- confirmation of your reservation for return to the U.S.
- application form I-90. See website http://www.uscis.gov/
In order to issue the boarding foil, the Embassy must obtain confirmation of your resident alien status from USCIS. This process normally takes several days. Once we obtain confirmation, you will be able to pick up your boarding foil.
“Regretfully, same day printing of boarding foils is not possible.”
Please note that if you left your green card in the United States, you must ask relatives or friends to send you the card by express mail.