A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a small plastic card like a driver’s license that grants the cardholder legal status in the United States. It is issued by the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) and acts as proof that an individual is a legal permanent resident. This status affords many of the same rights as citizenship and allows people to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. Misplacing your Green Card can understandably result in feelings of panic or worry but it is not the end of the world. Continue reading to learn how you can replace your green card if you lose it and reach out to an experienced Montgomery County Green Card lawyer for legal advice and representation.

How Can I Replace My Green Card if I Lose It?

If you lose your Green Card you can replace it by filing Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) through the mail or online. The process is simple but comes with a hefty filing fee.

Online:

  • Navigate to the USCIS website and create or sign into your account
  • Fill out Form I-90 in its entirety. For the reason for the application select “My previous card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed.”
  • Submit the form with the filing fee of $415

Mail:

  • Print out Form I-90 and fill it out in its entirety. For the reason for the application select “My previous card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed.”
  • Mail the form to the USCIS with the filing fee of $465
  • Request a fee waiver if needed.

If mailing by USPS, send to the following address.

USCIS
Attn: I-90
P.O. Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262

If mailing by FedEx, UPS, or DHL, send to the following address.

USCIS
Attn: I-90 (Box 21262)
2108 E. Elliot Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806

How Long Does it Take for My New Green Card to Arrive?

After filing the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, the length of time it takes to get approved and receive a new card can range from a few short weeks to over a year. The time period required depends on several factors.

You will be notified by the USCIS once your application has been received and you can track the status online. You should find out within 1 to 2 weeks of the USCIS receiving your application whether or not you need to attend a biometric screening.

Depending on the specific details of your situation as well as processing times and backlogs of applications, you should receive your green card within a few months. If you cannot wait that long you can schedule an appointment at a USCIS office to obtain an Alien Documentation Identification & Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp which can be used as evidence of your legal status for one year.

Speak to an experienced attorney for more information and legal advice.