Emergencies don’t wait for perfect timing, and if you find yourself needing to travel urgently due to a family crisis, it can be especially stressful when you’ve lost your green card. Whether you’re outside the U.S. already or need to leave urgently, navigating this situation requires quick action. Consulting a green card attorney can help you understand the steps to replace your lost green card and assist you in ensuring your travel plans are not delayed.
What Happens If You’ve Lost Your Green Card and Need to Travel?
If you’re outside the U.S. and don’t have your green card, you won’t be allowed to board the plane without proof of your lawful permanent resident status. Airlines are strict about this requirement. So, what do you do if you’ve lost, had your card stolen, or it’s been destroyed?
The U.S. government has a solution: **applying for a Boarding Foil**. This temporary document is valid for a maximum of 30 days and allows for a single entry into the U.S. Its issuance involves meeting with a consular officer, who will verify that you indeed hold Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status.
How to Apply for a Boarding Foil
- Locate the U.S. Embassy or Consulate: You’ll need to apply for the Boarding Foil at the U.S. embassy in your home country or the country you’re currently in. Call Scarborough Law today or check the U.S. embassy website for information on completing the process.
- Complete Form I-131A: This form is essential to initiate the process. Once completed, you must submit it along with the necessary fee. It’s a good idea to confirm the application requirements with the U.S. embassy to avoid delays.
- Pay the I-131A Fee: The I-131A fee is paid online only. You must print a copy of the payment receipt to carry to your interview.
- Consular Interview: During your interview, a consular officer will verify your LPR status. If everything checks out, you’ll receive the Boarding Foil, which will allow you to re-enter the U.S. within 30 days.
- Airline Consultation: Before you apply, contact your airline to confirm whether you need a Boarding Foil based on your specific situation. There are instances where you might not need one at all.
How long does it take to get a Boarding Foil
If your application is complete, it will usually take about one week for the embassy to print the Boarding Foil in your passport and deliver it to you. U.S. embassy appointment times will vary so plan your travel accordingly.
When a Boarding Foil May Not Be Necessary
In some situations, you won’t need to go through the process of applying for a Boarding Foil. The following items can serve as proof of lawful status, allowing you to travel without it:
- Active-duty U.S. military service members with official orders and a military ID
- An expired Green Card with a 10-year expiration date
- An expired Green Card with a 2-year validity, as long as you have a Form I-797, Notice of Action that extends your status
- A valid Re-entry Permit
If you have a Form I-797 that extends your green card’s validity (typically for one year) after filing Form I-751 or Form I-829 to remove conditions on your residency, you won’t need a Boarding Foil either.
Final Tips for Navigating a Family Emergency Abroad
Losing your green card while managing a family emergency can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to act quickly and follow the necessary steps. Make sure to:
Stay calm: The process for getting a Boarding Foil is straightforward, and the U.S. consulate can guide you.
Be prepared: Bring any supporting documents you have to your consular appointment and keep copies of everything.
Stay informed: Double-check with your airline about what proof of lawful status they require before your trip.
While the situation can be stressful, with the proper documentation and timely action, you can resolve the issue and focus on what’s most important: your family.