I have recently traveled to the United Kingdom and while here, my green card has been stolen/expired. What can I do?
12 June 2009 by: visaservices
If you have been outside the United States for less than 12 months and your Permanent Resident card has expired or has been lost or stolen, and you are not in possession of a valid Re-entry permit, you may apply for a transportation letter to return to the United States. A Permanent Resident Card cannot be extended or reissued outside the United States.
We suggest that you call the Operator Assisted Information Service on 09042-450-045 (Calls cost 1.20/min) to arrange an appointment for to apply for the transportation letter. A transportation letter is valid for travel for only 30 days from the date of issuance; please keep that in mind when scheduling the appointment.
Lawful Permanent Residents who have been outside the United States for longer than 12 months or two years if holding a Re-Entry Permit will have lost their entitlement to status. If they wish to return to the United States to reside permanently, they will require a new immigrant visa. Further information is available from the Embassy website.
I am a green card holder and have lost it while on vacation in England, can I enter the USA under the visa waiver program and apply for a new green card when I arrive home in Los Angeles?
Chris – if you have lost your green card, you should contact the USCIS Field office at the Embassy in London. Contact information is available from our website.