Lost Your Green Card? Here’s How Foreign Workers Can Re-Enter the U.S.

For permanent residency in the United States, a Green Card is essential. It allows holders to live and work anywhere in the country, access certain government jobs, and even pay lower tuition at U.S. universities.

Challenges for Green Card Holders Abroad
Green Card holders, officially known as Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), may face difficulties when returning to the U.S. after traveling abroad. While travel under one year generally does not require showing the Green Card, problems arise if the card is lost, stolen, or expired.

Who Gets a Green Card?
Foreign workers in the U.S. can qualify for a Green Card after meeting residency and employment requirements, such as living in the U.S. for five consecutive years. Family members of U.S. citizens are also eligible. Once obtained, a Green Card allows holders to work, study, and travel freely in the U.S., and eventually apply for citizenship.

Steps to Take if Your Green Card is Lost
If your Green Card is lost while abroad, you can apply for a Transportation Boarding Foil (TBF) to re-enter the U.S. The process involves:

1. Filing Form I-131A online through the USCIS website and paying the required fee.
2. Printing the payment receipt and gathering documents including a valid passport, photocopy of the Green Card or I-551 stamp, police report (if applicable), two passport-size photos, and your A-number.
3. Attending an interview, after which a Boarding Foil is issued as a passport stamp valid for 30 days.

What is Form I-131A?
Form I-131A allows Green Card holders returning from less than one year abroad to obtain travel authorization. It can also be used if the card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, and applies even to those returning after up to two years abroad if a Re-Entry Permit was lost.

Returning After More Than One Year
If an LPR stays outside the U.S. for more than a year, the Green Card alone does not guarantee re-entry. To avoid complications, travelers should obtain a Re-Entry Permit before leaving. A Re-Entry Permit demonstrates intent to maintain U.S. residency and is generally valid for up to two years, allowing holders to return without applying for a new visa.

Key Takeaway
Green Card holders must carry proper documentation when traveling abroad. Whether it’s a lost card, extended travel, or other issues, understanding the rules and using tools like Form I-131A or a Re-Entry Permit ensures smooth re-entry into the United States.