Green Cards Holders

1. Lost and Stolen Green Cards

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues alien registration cards (I-551) to immigrants who are legally admitted for residence in the United States.  Alien registration cards (commonly known as "green cards") can only be issued or replaced in the United States and can never be obtained overseas.  A green card is required for re-entry into the United States as a legal permanent resident.

If your green card has been lost or stolen, you may be able to obtain a "transportation letter" valid for ten days authorizing an airline or other transportation company to transport you to the United States without penalty.  To issue a transportation letter, USCIS must be satisfied that you hold legal resident status in the United States. You must apply for a transportation or boarding letter in person. You must complete an application with required form I-193. Please also bring the following documents:

• Evidence of your identity (passport, photo ID)
• Proof of date of last departure from the United States, including copies of your passport photograph page and arrival-departure stamps.
• Evidence of your U.S. legal resident status (e.g. passport showing admission to the United States as an immigrant)
• Evidence that you were in the United States within the last 12 months
• Police report detailing the loss/theft of your green card with English translation.
• Application fee USD165.00 or RMB1,171.50
• Five identical passport-style photographs

2. Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status

If you wish to abandon your permanent residence status and relinquish your green card, please download and complete Form I-407, "Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status" . You should submit the following items to us:

• Completed Form I-407
• Your Permanent Resident Card
• Your valid passport
• Reentry Permit [if available] 
• Your name and mailing address in Chinese characters, including the zip code and your phone number.

Abandoning your Permanent Resident Card and status does not affect your ability to apply to immigrate to the United States at some future time. However, you will have to begin the process anew and apply through the usual application process.