Travel to US on ESTA after losing green card
I am a US permanent resident but I have lost my physical green card.
I am currently abroad and due to return (permanently) to the US, but won't be able to get a replacement card or boarding foil in time.
I do have my passport and am from a visa waiver country. I have a copy of the green card and other documents proving ties to the US. While I won't be working immediately after getting to the US it's clear I'm not a tourist: I am bringing lots of luggage and travelling with my US partner.
So there are (at least) two issues: being allowed on the plane by the airline, and being let into the US by immigration.
Is there any way for me to get into the US on my already-booked flight? Could I use the ESTA to be allowed on the plane, then have US immigration look up my green card digitally at the US border? Could I enter the US on the travel visa, then re-enter within 90 days on a replacement green card?
Best Answer
Update (as an answer because I don't have enough reputation for comments)
I ended up locating my green card a few hours before boarding so can't give a definitive answer to this question!
The airline was extremely helpful. I spoke to a customer service rep from the airline who felt that with a police report and copy of the card I might be allowed to board, but they were in the process of calling superiors when I got the card back so wasn't able to put that to the test. An exception would definitely be against official airline policy.
The US consulate was extremely unhelpful. They repeatedly refused over the phone and email to give me any information about boarding foil turnaround time, expedited processing or other immigration options without first paying the US$300 boarding foil fee, being contacted a few days later with an appointment slot some time in the future, and flying to the consulate in person.
I highly recommend not losing your green card while overseas in the month before returning to the US.
Thanks for the comments everyone. Sounds like entering as a visitor is bad idea, but you might be admitted as a LPR if you can get to the border.
(My country isn't on the travel ban list, I was away for < 6 months, my flight was ~12 hours after realising the card was missing.)
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Can I travel back to the US if I lost my green card?
The transportation boarding foil will let you fly back to the U.S. if your green card is lost or stolen. However, you'll still need to request a replacement card by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.What happens if I lose my green card while abroad?
If you are overseas and your Permanent Resident Card was lost or stolen, and you have been out of the United States for less than 365 consecutive days, you may request a boarding foil to allow you to return to the United States. In order to apply for a boarding foil, you require an appointment.Can I travel while waiting for my green card?
The travel document allows someone living in the U.S. while awaiting their green card to travel abroad without nullifying their green card application. For a family-based green card, it takes anywhere from 10 months to several years or more to process a green card.Can I travel inside the US without my green card?
If you are a lawful permanent resident, or green card holder, you are required by U.S. immigration law to keep your green card with you at all times, especially when traveling. Even if you are traveling by car and do not need to present identification at the airport, you should always have your green card within reach.The TRUTH about adjusting status after coming to USA with ESTA or tourist visa - Don’t buy the hype!
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