Lost my GC, filed an I-90, found the GC, what now?

[P055UM 287]

53 minutes ago, millefleur said:

 

My husband never carried his GC on his person when he was an LPR, only a copy. It just seems like way too big of a risk to me and could easily be lost or stolen. He's a citizen now and had no issues naturalizing, thus him never carrying his GC on his person never caused any issues at all.

I don't yet have my green card but have been thinking about what I would do when I get it. Given how long it takes to get a replacement, I agree it does seem like an enormous risk to just carry it in your wallet where it could be so easily stolen.

[millefleur 5,047]

3 minutes ago, AW1704 said:

I don't yet have my green card but have been thinking about what I would do when I get it. Given how long it takes to get a replacement, I agree it does seem like an enormous risk to just carry it in your wallet where it could be so easily stolen.

For me, it just seems like the rare chance anyone would ever ask to see it is lower than the higher risk of it getting lost/stolen. Proceed at your own discretion, though, since it's technically required.

 

Also, the replacement fee is $540 so there's that to consider as well if does get lost or stolen.

[P055UM 287]

2 minutes ago, millefleur said:

For me, it just seems like the rare chance anyone would ever ask to see it is lower than the higher risk of it getting lost/stolen. Proceed at your own discretion, though, since it's technically required.

Sound advice  I still got some time to think about it anyways 😄

2 minutes ago, millefleur said:

Also, the replacement fee is $540 so there's that to consider as well if does get lost or stolen.

I presume it also makes travelling/switching jobs trickier if you are a valid GC holder but don't have it in your physical posession? 

[millefleur 5,047]

7 minutes ago, AW1704 said:

I presume it also makes travelling/switching jobs trickier if you are a valid GC holder but don't have it in your physical posession? 

So, that part used to be easier prior to Covid: if you filed the I-90 for a replacement (and presumably lived nearby to a USCIS field office), you'd just make an Infopass appointment to get the I-551 stamp in your passport which basically serves the same function as the GC while the I-90 is pending. I guess in that case, you'd technically need to carry your passport on you at all times in lieu of the GC. Some employers might be confused by the stamp but it's basically the exact same thing as a GC legally:

 

 

But ever since Covid, it's become harder to get Infopass appointments. I think it's still possible, just kind of a pain. You need to call them and try to arrange an appointment whereas before it was all easily done online. But, don't worry, in the rare case you lose the card and need some kind of temporary cover, they do have a system in place for that.

Edited February 9, 2022 by millefleur

[P055UM 287]

5 minutes ago, millefleur said:

So, that part used to be easier prior to Covid: if you filed the I-90 for a replacement (and presumably lived nearby to a USCIS field office), you'd just make an Infopass appointment to get the I-551 stamp in your passport which basically serves the same function as the GC while the I-90 is pending. I guess in that case, you'd technically need to carry your passport on you at all times in lieu of the GC. Some employers might be confused by the stamp but it's basically the exact same thing as a GC legally:

 

 

But ever since Covid, it's become harder to get Infopass appointments. I think it's still possible, just kind of a pain. You need to call them and try to arrange an appointment whereas before it was all easily done online. But, don't worry, in the rare case you lose the card and need some kind of temporary cover, they do have a system in place for that.

Good to know. Thanks a bunch for such a thorough answer ☺️☺️☺️

[millefleur 5,047]

2 minutes ago, AW1704 said:

Good to know. Thanks a bunch for such a thorough answer ☺️☺️☺️

We had to go through it with an I-90 so been there, done that! Thankfully it was just due to a USCIS error and not a lost/stolen situation though.

[Verrou 1,962]

1 hour ago, millefleur said:

For me, it just seems like the rare chance anyone would ever ask to see it is lower than the higher risk of it getting lost/stolen. Proceed at your own discretion, though, since it's technically required.

 

Also, the replacement fee is $540 so there's that to consider as well if does get lost or stolen.

i agree with you. i wont bring GC anywhere unless i really need it. why? because its $540 if its missing and take almost a year to get a new one. State ID on day to day basis is more than enough. same with USC, they never carry their passport anywhere for daily chores, some people dont even even have passport, all they carry is state ID. for example if police stopped us while we are driving, they only ask for Driving license, never green card or passport ( that means it become non USC or USC situation )

 

so many of my friends lost their GC because they carried in their wallet, and now they dont have any GC  on hand because of the wait is so long to get replacement card

[Mike X Man 37]

You are supposed to have it on person. Do whatever the heck you want but that advice given was SPOT ON. Yes, there is a risk of losing it...but again, there is a risk of every bad thing in the world happening to you. Feel free to take your chances. I guess I am not a fan of the snide and sarcastic comments being made about what are YOUR requirements (that you agreed to) for being an LPR. Just follow them! /offsoapbox

Edited February 9, 2022 by Mike X Man

[millefleur 5,047]

**Two non-contributory posts removed.**

 

VJ Moderation

[TBoneTX 45,704]

10 hours ago, millefleur said:

I just can't imagine a situation where local police would pull someone over and demand to see their GC? Why? They're not federal and they don't have power to enforce immigration. Only ICE and CBP do.

If the 287g program is still in effect, and if the domestic policing agencies are part of it, they're able to help CBP & ICE.

10 hours ago, AW1704 said:

Would be interesting if there are any stories on here of people getting in trouble for not carrying.

I once actually phoned a CBP port to ask what happens to an LPR in that instance.  The agent said, "We can detain you for as long as it takes to determine who you are."  That sounds far less fun than flashing your green card and being waved along.

[vv12345 0]

 @potatowavesI'm now in the same situation. Can you update on what happened? Were you able to travel successfully with the old green card?

[TBoneTX 45,704]

The OP hasn't logged on to VJ for 5 months.  Maybe send a private message.

[potatowaves 0]

6 hours ago, vv12345 said:

 @potatowavesI'm now in the same situation. Can you update on what happened? Were you able to travel successfully with the old green card?

Hi! 

OP here. I am currently in France so I haven't tried to come back in the US yet (going home next weekend). So I don't have an update as of yet. I sent my withdrawal request a while back, and recently received a RFE because I forgot to sign it 🤦. I sent a signed copy just before leaving. I am hopeful it will be fine, though I meant to travel with a copy of my withdrawal request and forgot it. Fingers crossed but I can't imagine what would be the issue given that they can ID me with it.

 

[vv12345 0]

Thanks OP! Just to confirm, were you able to get back in without any issues? Hope you had a good trip to France!

[potatowaves 0]

53 minutes ago, vv12345 said:

Thanks OP! Just to confirm, were you able to get back in without any issues? Hope you had a good trip to France!

Hi yes! I just came back yesterday. No questions about this at the Paris airport, and a very quick screening at port of entry, same as my American husband. It's pretty crazy actually, they just took my picture, found my file and let me go through. I haven't travelled for awhile and was surprised at how quick and seamless it became. Not even a question about how much wine I brought