What to Do If Your Green Card Is Missing Before Traveling

Learn how to travel safely if your green card is missing and what steps to take for temporary documentation.

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Yes, you can travel if your green card is missing, but specific steps must be taken. First, file Form I-90 to replace your green card. If you need to travel urgently, make an appointment at your nearest USCIS office to obtain an I-551 stamp in your passport, which serves as temporary proof of your permanent resident status. This will allow you to re-enter the U.S. without your green card.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Can I travel internationally without my green card? Yes, but you need to obtain temporary proof of your status from USCIS.
  2. How long does it take to replace a lost green card? The replacement process can take several months, so file Form I-90 as soon as possible.
  3. What is the I-551 stamp? The I-551 stamp is temporary proof of permanent residency issued by USCIS to allow re-entry into the U.S.
  4. Do I need to carry my green card when traveling within the U.S.? While not legally required, it's advisable to carry your green card for identification purposes.

Watch More

For more information on traveling as a permanent resident, check out our guides on maintaining your green card status and understanding the replacement process for lost documents.

  1. How to Recover Your Green Card: Step-by-Step Guide Learn the steps to recover your green card, including filing Form I-90 and what to do if it's lost or stolen.
  2. How to Retrieve a Lost Green Card: Step-by-Step Guide Learn how to report a lost green card and apply for replacement with USCIS using Form I-90.
  3. Lost Your Green Card? Here's the Replacement Process Explained Learn the essential steps to replace a lost green card quickly and effectively.
  4. What to Do if You've Lost Your Green Card: Steps to Return to the U.S. Find out how to return to the U.S. after losing your green card, including essential steps and documents you need.
  5. What to Do If You've Lost Your Green Card and Don't Know the Number Learn the essential steps to take when you've lost your green card, including how to apply for a replacement.
  6. What to Do If You've Lost Your Green Card: Step-by-Step Guide Lost your green card? Learn the steps to report it and apply for a replacement with USCIS in this essential guide.
  7. What to Do If Your Green Card Doesn't Arrive Learn essential steps to take if your green card fails to arrive, including contacting USCIS and checking your case status.
  8. How Long to Replace a Lost Green Card? Timeline and Steps Explained Discover how long it takes to replace a lost green card and the steps you need to take.
  9. How to Obtain Proof of Your Green Card: A Step-by-Step Guide Learn how to get proof of your Green Card by filing Form I-90 and other essential tips.
  10. What to Do If Your Green Card Never Arrived: A Step-by-Step Guide Learn steps to take if your green card hasn't arrived, including case verification and filing for replacement.