Lost green card, can i go the US citizen route? Instead of....

[cainBrain 6]

Hi, we recently lost our green card after removal of conditions was granted on 1/2013. It will cost us $450 to get another one. Is the three year requirement (if you are married to a USC) as of the beginning of the granting of the CR-1 (5/1/2010) or the beginning of the removal of conditions which is 1/2013? If the former, then she meets the three year requrirement and we can go on to fill out the application for citizenship right? I'd rather go forward than go backwards. Here is what the US-Immigration site says:

Lawful Permanent residents (Green Card holders) whose Green Card has been valid during the 5 years prior can file for US citizenship. You can follow through the US immigration process to attain citizenship. If you are married to a US citizen, you may apply for US citizenship after 3 years with a valid Green Card....

Does "valid green card" include the CR1 or is it the latter, the 1/2013 date?

thanks for any and all replies

Edited November 25, 2013 by cainBrain

[Nica_In_Love 98]

It's 3 years since she became a permanent resident (2010).

The N-400 instructions requests copies of the Green Card and it specifically states that if the GC is lost, you must submit a copy of the I-90 form (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card).

Hopefully someone that's been in the same situation can chime in.

[KazuriSana 324]

The 3-year count begins on the date printed on your first GC - the 2-year-conditional GC. If you have already been granted the 10 year GC, chances are that you have already met the 3-year requirement to start naturalization application.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

You will need to replace your green card . You have to show them your green card during the interview process and surrender it later. Green card should remain at home locked up unless you are travelling internationally

[BigDaddy28 228]

The valid one will be the new one since your conditional green card is expired as of today. I hope you have s copy of the new green card because you will need that to file for citizenship. Call the police and make a report that you lost your green card. Some offices will let you slide with that report. Still you have to have a copy of your green cardto file. Good luck

[lost_at_sea 995]

You will need to replace your green card . You have to show them your green card during the interview process and surrender it later. Green card should remain at home locked up unless you are travelling internationally

From http://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted

A green card is issued to all permanent residents as proof that they are authorized to live and work in the United States. If you are a permanent resident age 18 or older, you are required to have a valid green card in your possession at all times. Current green cards are valid for 10 years, or 2 years in the case of a conditional resident, and must be renewed before the card expires.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Just like possessing a drivers licence, If I am physically separated from it I have a reasonable amount of time to produce the original. It is an expensive lesson to carry your green card 24/7 When moving about not near a border , a copy should help if needed but unless you are acting the fool I have never heard of anyone being asked for their green card.

[girimurthy 5]

You need the physical green card for naturalization. If you lost it then you need to apply for one. You can do it both together. First fill for the green card replacement form. Send it and attach the receipt of that to the N-400 application.