Immigrant Visas

Lost/Stolen Permanent Residency Card

If your valid I-551 permanent resident card (or green card) has been stolen or if it is lost, you may apply for a transportation letter 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.

In order to apply for this transportation letter, you may come in person to the Immigrant Visa Unit Monday - Friday between 09.00 - 11.30 a.m. ( APPOINTMENT NEEDED!). You may contact us by e-mail berniv@state.gov <mailto:berniv@state.gov> or by fax (031) 357-7398. 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 at http://uscis.gov/graphics/publicaffairs/newsrels/04_08_02Photo_flyer.pdf

- a USD 165 non-refundable fee for the application payable at the Embassy in US$ or Swiss francs in cash or with all major credit cards except American Express accepted

- confirmation of your reservation for return to the U.S.

• application form I-90. See website www.uscis.gov <http://www.uscis.gov>

 

In order to be able to issue the transportation letter, 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 transportation letter.

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.