IMMIGRANT VISA SERVICES

Lost or Misplaced Green Card / Transportation Letter

Permanent Resident Alien Registration Cards (commonly known as Form I-551 "green cards") can be issued or replaced only by the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigrations Services. The Embassy is unable to issue a replacement green card. If you left your alien registration card in the United States, you should ask friends or relatives there to send you the card by express mail.

If you have lost your green card, the Embassy may be able to issue you a transportation letter that would permit you to return to the United States. In order for the Embassy to issue such a letter, the returning alien must provide a police report (with English translation) and be interviewed by a consular officer. The Embassy must also obtain confirmation of your resident alien status. Knowing your alien registration number will expedite the process. There is a $165 processing fee for the transportation letter. This fee must be paid at the time the transportation letter is issued.

For assistance with a lost green card, you can telephone the Consular Section between 9:00am - 11:00am, Monday through Friday, or visit the Consular Section on Fridays from Noon to 2:00pm. Be sure to bring your A number and passport with you, along with proof that you have not been outside of the United States for more than twelve (12) months.

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