My Green Card Has an Error or is Lost. What Do I Do?

Guide to replacing or correcting USCIS documents. Learn how to use Form I-90 for a lost or incorrect green card and how to update other immigration records.

Fixing or Replacing Your Immigration Documents: A Simple Guide

After going through the long immigration process, the last thing you want to do is lose all your documents. But if worse comes to worse, and it gets stolen, what do you do?

It can be stressful, but there actually is a process for correcting or replacing these essential documents. This guide will walk you through the common steps for handling lost, stolen, or incorrect immigration documents.

Replacing Your Green Card (Lost, Stolen, or Expiring)

If your Green Card has been lost, stolen, damaged, or is expiring, you will need to file an application to replace it.

• The Form to Use: The main application is Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
  
  
• When to File:
  
  • Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated: You should file Form I-90 as soon as you realize your card is gone or damaged.
  • Expiring Card: If you have a 10-year green card, USCIS recommends filing to renew it within the 6 months before it expires. (Note: Do NOT use Form I-90 to renew a 2-year conditional green card; for that, you must file Form I-751 to remove conditions. However, Form I-90 SHOULD be used if the 2-year green card is lost, stolen, damaged, or incorrect).
    
    
• How to File: You can typically file Form I-90 online through a myUSCIS account, which is often the fastest and easiest method.

Correcting an Error on Your Green Card or Other Document

If you receive your card and notice a mistake, like a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect visa category, you must get it corrected. Here are your options:

1. If the Error Was Made by USCIS:

• If you can show that the mistake was a government error, you typically do not have to pay a new filing fee to get it corrected.
• You will still likely need to file Form I-90 (for a green card) or contact USCIS to have other documents (like an EAD or travel document) reissued. You'll need to submit the incorrect card along with evidence showing the correct information and proving the error was not yours.

2. If the Error Was Your Fault:

• If the mistake happened because of incorrect information you provided on your original application, you will generally have to file a new application and pay the full fee to get a corrected document.

The "Typographic Error" Conundrum: Sometimes, USCIS will consider correcting minor typos on documents other than green cards without a new application, but this is not guaranteed. The best first step is to check the official USCIS instructions or contact them through your online account.

What if My Card Was Mailed but Never Arrived?

This is a frustrating, but not impossible, situation. If your USCIS online account shows that your card was mailed but you never received it, there is a specific process to follow.

• Check Your Address: First, double-check that the address USCIS has on file for you is correct.
  
  
• Submit an Inquiry: You can submit an inquiry for a "non-delivery" of a card through your USCIS online account or by calling the USCIS Contact Center.
  
  
• Timing is Key: There are specific timeframes for reporting non-delivery. If too much time passes, USCIS may require you to file a new application (like Form I-90) and pay the fee again. It's important to act quickly if you think your card was lost in the mail.

Updating Your Information (Like a Legal Name Change)

Life changes, and your documents sometimes need to change, too.

• Legal Name Change: If you legally change your name (for reasons other than marriage, which is often handled during the green card process itself), you'll need to update your documents. For a green card, this means filing Form I-90 and providing a copy of the official court order or other legal proof of your name change.
  
  
• Other Biographic Information: If other personal information changes, you should check the specific USCIS guidelines for how to update it. Keeping your information current is an important responsibility.

Why Keeping Your Documents Safe and Accurate is So Important

Your Green Card (Form I-551) or EAD card are official proof of your identity and your status to live or work in the United States. You'll typically need them for:

• Getting a job.
• Applying for a driver's license or state ID.
• Traveling and re-entering the United States (for green card holders).
• Applying for a mortgage or other financial services.
• Eventually applying for U.S. citizenship.

If your document is lost, stolen, or has incorrect information, it can cause major problems. It's important to address the issue as soon as possible.

Dealing with a lost or incorrect immigration document can feel like a major setback, but thankfully USCIS has established processes to fix these problems. The most important thing is to act promptly and follow the official instructions on the USCIS website.

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