There’s a new form to file if your green card or reentry permit is lost, stolen or destroyed while you’re abroad. USCIS (U.S. Immigration) is now requiring Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) that will allow you to board a plane or ship to return to the U.S. It does not mean you’ll automatically be admitted to the U.S. The Customs officer will still question you and can deny you entry, for example if you’ve been abroad for an extended period and they believe you’ve abandoned your permanent residence. Read our previous post about that.
This does not give you a new green card or reentry permit; you’ll still have to apply for that, and pay the fee, separately if necessary. But normally the air or boat carrier will not let you board for your trip if you don’t have one of those documents. This document will allow you to board.
It does not apply in all cases. If your green card has expired, it may not apply to you. These are the situations when you should apply:
- You’re returning from temporary overseas travel of less than one year and your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) was lost, stolen or destroyed; or
- You’re returning from temporary overseas travel of less than two years and your Reentry Permit was lost, stolen or destroyed.
The fee is $360 which must be paid online; then you must file the form in person at your U.S. embassy or consulate.
