Losing a green card

[maplestar 2]

I don't want to face up to this question, but I guess I'll ask if anybody has any experience with replacing a green card. (sigh)

I lost my wallet Sunday. I had it when I got on the bus to come home (because I took my bus pass out of it to swipe when I boarded). I got off the bus, walked across a parking lot to where my wife would be picking me up, got into the car, and before we got home, noticed it was missing. Retraced steps, called the bus company, checked the bus I'd been on when it came back (after it made only one other stop...and the bus had been empty when I got off). No sign of my wallet. Nor has it been turned into the transit company's lost and found, apparently. (We called Monday morning, since it's not open on the weekend.)

So, have found the I-90 form online. Anybody with experience on timelines? I was hoping to not pay USCIS anything this year, after my card finally arrived the end of 2009 and having to file for removal of conditions in 2011. Oh, well.

At least I have some ID still...my passport, birth certificate, and social security card. (rolls eyes...I don't want to even think about the hassle of replacing my SIN card from down here), but everything else was in the wallet: learner's permit, debit card, library card, health insurance card, my old health card from Ontario, and all sorts of old junk that's pretty useless...I mean, when am I going to need my Shoppers Optimum card or my card for M&M Meat Shops... Still sucks to be missing it.

It would be so much better if somebody would have just taken the $25 cash and maybe the debit card (which I did put a hold on right away...not that there was much in the account) and ditched the wallet so the ID could be returned to me. *shakes head* And the fees on the replacement...seems way too expensive a "stupid tax" for losing my wallet.

[SapphireDreams 71]

That sucks Maple, but these things happen. I lost my purse in a Starbucks, but luckily the next day I went back and it was there.... I learned my lesson after having to cancel about 8 cards and almost losing my greencard to not keep everything in my wallet. I took out all my Canadian IDs and actually just recently put my greendcard in my wallet again but will most likely take it out since I have no need for it ever.

I believe there is a form you fill out for a replacement card and then you pay the fee (around $300). I know you'll be removing conditions, but if you need to travel or prove your residence you'll need that card.

Good luck.

[trailmix 77]

Sorry to hear that!

The most recent I can think of is necrotica's Husband.

01/02/09 - Réjean loses his wallet containing his drivers license, Social Security card, and green card

02/04/09 - Our best friends bail us out by giving us the money to file for the replacement green card!

02/12/09 - E-filed I-90 for the replacement green card along with the $370 filing fee (including biometrics)

02/19/09 - NOA1

02/25/09 - Biometrics appointment

05/01/09 - Replacement green card received

[Udella&Wiz 325]

That sucks totally, but dude...why do you have Cdn cards like OHIP in your wallet? I've placed mine in our safe at home and if I need my Cdn debit card to go back home, I take it out before the trip.

anyway, very sorry to hear abotu the wallet, no one is honest these days

[OBX 51]

That sucks totally, but dude...why do you have Cdn cards like OHIP in your wallet? I've placed mine in our safe at home and if I need my Cdn debit card to go back home, I take it out before the trip.

anyway, very sorry to hear abotu the wallet, no one is honest these days

Sorry about the wallet.

I have to admit I had the bad habit of carrying all of my miscellaneous ID in my wallet up until recently. I read another thread about a lost purse and realized that was not the place to carry all of that stuff! So I photocopied my green card and SSN and carry that. The originals are kept in a safe place at home.

[neiks 19]

That sucks! I missplaced mine for awhile and frantically search everywhere for it, ripped my car apart looking for it then finally it dawned on me I had left it on my scanner when I had taken a photocopy of it, duh!

It was a such a relief to find it because I was not wanting to go through the hassle of getting it replaced.

Good luck.

[Leafgal 3]

I don't carry my Canadian stuff in my wallet anymore either, I did have my TD card for a while and thought I better of it and stopped. I have copied all my ID so that if I should lose my wallet I know what is gone and who to contact and keep it in a file. Can't even remember why I did it (I think someone I knew lost their wallet in Canada and since then I now keep copies). I hate that I am supposed to carry my green card due to the cost and hassle of replacing it if it is lost. It sucks, so sorry for you luck.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I must admit that I carry practically everything in my purse and wallet. If I lost it I would be in really big trouble. Before my AOS was approved, I even carried my Canadian passport around with me, as I didn't have any photo ID other than my EAD. I've since taken that out, and a couple of my old Canadian ID's, but after reading this thread I think I'm going to eliminate some more stuff I won't ever need to have with me. I guess it doesn't make sense to have things like my Canadian SIN card and debit card with me all the time.

As far as the Green Card goes, I thought it was a legal obligation to carry it with you? It's definitely not convenient, and I see now that losing it comes with a huge cost, but I was under the impression I had no choice. Do I have this all wrong?

Sorry to hear about your situation maplestar! What a ridiculous fee to pay just for a replacement card.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

What a ridiculous fee to pay just for a replacement card.

Sure is! Luckily, that can be avoided quite easily by keeping the $310 card at a safe place.

O.P., just out of curiosity, since you got the Green Card, how many times have you been surprisingly stopped by ICE officers and asked to show them your card?

Edited March 25, 2010 by Just Bob

[trailmix 77]

Sure is! Luckily, that can be avoided quite easily by keeping the $310 card at a safe place.

O.P., just out of curiosity, since you got the Green Card, how many times have you been surprisingly stopped by ICE officers and asked to show them your card?

Is this helpful?

[MrsCat 6]

Is this helpful?

I think someone thought this was OT when they posted and not the CDN forum.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Sorry about the wallet.

I have to admit I had the bad habit of carrying all of my miscellaneous ID in my wallet up until recently. I read another thread about a lost purse and realized that was not the place to carry all of that stuff! So I photocopied my green card and SSN and carry that. The originals are kept in a safe place at home.

Ooooh smart!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I must admit that I carry practically everything in my purse and wallet.

I used to too actually. until my "collection" of cards was stolen. Easy enough to replace and cancel cards (and they didn't get my licence and/or debit card 'cause I had them in my pocket) but I was really upset at losing the library card i'd had since i was little... my very first. They don't make them like that anymore. Weird but that was upsetting to me.

I really like this "photocopy" and carry the photocopy idea. I understand you're supposed to carry the card but has anyone had experience with the photocopy?

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Is this helpful?

I think it is. I think it is helpful in order to understand. Understand that there is no need to carry the card around on a daily basis. Most people will never have to show it in their lifetime.

But in order to comply with USCI regulations, for those who prefer to have the card with them when leaving the house, there's a better place for it than the wallet, which is what pocket pickers are aiming at. I can think of quite a few places where I could have access to my card that would not be the target of thieves.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Well for a woman, the wallet is actually the safest place. It sits at the bottom of your purse, which if I'm a good model of the everyday woman, is filled with random junk that any pocket picker would struggle to work through.

And, just for the record, I've seen ICE several times here in CO. I've never been pulled over or stopped by an official, but I've seen at least half a dozen ICE or DHS vehicles in the Denver area since I've moved here. If I was to see one of those vehicles and know I didn't have my GC on me? I'd probably be a little nervous. Having it with me gives me the confidence that I can prove me status if a question was to arise.