Lost unexpired green card with pending I-751 application

[lexicon 5]

I realize that there have been similar, older posts but I wanted to start a new thread given changes under the current administration. I recently filed my I-751 application and am still waiting for my NOA. I lost my green card, which expires in May 2019. I just renewed my foreign passport from inside the USA, so it has no evidence of travel or entry into the USA. I do not intend to travel outside the USA anytime soon.

 

I see the following options and would appreciate advice on next steps:

 

• File I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card): According to the USCIS website (https://www.uscis.gov/i-90), you should not do this if you are seeking to remove conditions. That does not really describe my situation. Even if I can file the I-90, does it make sense since my card is likely to expire before USCIS takes action (looking at current processing times)?
   
• Request I-551 stamp (ADIT): I have heard that USCIS may refuse to stamp your passport if your 18-month extension letter/NOA has not expired. However, I think the NOA is only a valid proof of residence if accompanied by an expired green card. Do I need the NOA before I can try to get the stamp? Would I have to pay the $455 filing fee for a lost green card? Field offices nearby no longer offer online InfoPass appointments or walk-ins. I know the current administration is trying to scale back USCIS services. Hopefully I can call the NCSC to schedule an appointment for a I-551 at a local office and that these offices have not eliminated I-551 services.

 

While we are on this topic, suppose I have to file the I-90 and am issued a copy of my existing green card. If I lose this card after it expires (hopefully this will never happen again!), would I have to file the I-90 again or would I request the I-551?

 

Thank you!

 

 

[Hypnos 6,576]

As you say, an I-90 would likely be pointless since your conditional green card will likely expire long before they get around to processing your application, and they won't give you a copy of an expired green card but would just deny the I-90 in those circumstances. 

 

Your best bet, once you have your I-751 receipt NoA, will be to make an Infopass appointment and ask for an I-551 passport stamp. They would usually take your green card, but since you don't have it to give to them they instead may make you execute an affidavit in which they have you state that your conditional green card has been lost. Or they'll just give you an I-551 without that hassle, if they're feeling overly generous on that day. 

Edited February 27, 2019 by Hypnos

[lexicon 5]

3 minutes ago, Hypnos said:

Your best bet, once you have your I-751 receipt NoA, will be to make an Infopass appointment and ask for an I-551 passport stamp. They would usually take your green card, but since you don't have it to give to them they instead may make you execute an affidavit in which they have you state that your conditional green card has been lost. Or they'll just give you an I-551 without that hassle, if they're feeling overly generous on that day. 

Thank you! Do you think I might have any luck requesting the I-551 stamp before receiving the NOA? I have copies of my lost green card and proof that my I-751 application was delivered, but lacking concrete proof of residence makes me antsy.

[Hypnos 6,576]

I honestly don't know, though I can't imagine your NoA is far off. 

 

There is also the outside possibility that USCIS will require you to file an I-90 first, regardless of the fact that it will likely become moot, before they will give you the passport stamp. 

[lexicon 5]

Just wanted to post an update and close the loop - I actually ended up finding my green card (now expired) and got my NOA in a timely manner. :)