Lost and Stolen Green Cards

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues alien registration cards (I-551) to immigrants who are legally admitted for residence in the United States.  Alien registration cards (commonly known as "green cards") can only be issued or replaced in the United States and can never be obtained overseas.  A green card is required for re-entry into the United States as a legal permanent resident.

If your green card has been lost or stolen, you may be able to obtain a "transportation letter" valid for one month authorizing an airline or other transportation company to transport you to the United States without penalty.  To issue a transportation letter, USCIS must be satisfied that you hold legal resident status in the United States.

To apply for a transportation letter, bring the following documents to the USCIS office in Guangzhou or Beijing:

• Evidence of your identity (passport, photo ID)
• Proof of date of last departure from the United States, including copies of your passport photograph page and arrival-departure stamps.
• Evidence of your U.S. legal resident status (e.g. passport showing admission to the United States as an immigrant)
• Evidence that you were in the United States within the last 12 months
• Police report detailing the loss/theft of your green card with English translation.
• Application fee
• Three identical passport-style photographs

The USCIS office in Guangzhou is open to the public on Fridays from 9:00am to 11:00am, except for U.S. and local holidays.

Address:     5/F Tianyu Garden (Phase II)
                 136-142 Lin He Zhong Lu
                 Tian He District, Guangzhou

Phone: (86-20) 8518-7651
Fax: (86-20) 3884-4416
Email contact: cis-guangzhou.inquiries@dhs.gov

 

The USCIS office in Beijing:
Address:           Kerry Centre, South Tower
No.1 Guang Hua Lu
23rd Floor, Room 2320
Beijing
Phone:  (86-10) 8529-6740
E-mail: cis-beijing.inquiries@dhs.gov