Find your way back to the United States if you lost your Green Card abroad
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States and lost your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or your reentry permit while outside the country, Form I-131A can help you return legally to the United States without complications.
Table of Contents
- What is Form I-131A?
- Who must file this application?
- Essential documents and requirements
- Step-by-step process
- Common mistakes and recommendations
- Why trust Legalízate Ya?
- 📞 Contact us today
What is Form I-131A?
Form I-131A — Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) allows a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or conditional resident who is outside the U.S. to obtain authorization to board a flight or transport back to the country.
This form is primarily used when the resident has:
- Lost their Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or
- Their reentry permit has expired while outside the country.
Without this document, airlines and carriers do not allow passengers to board if they cannot demonstrate valid immigration status to return to the United States.
Who must file this application?
You must file Form I-131A if you meet the following conditions:
- You are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or conditional resident (CR) of the United States.
- You are temporarily outside the U.S. and do not have your Green Card or valid reentry permit.
- You wish to return legally to the country without having to start a consular process from scratch.
You do not need this form if:
- You have been outside the U.S. for less than 1 year and still have your valid Green Card.
- You hold a valid reentry permit (Form I-327) that has not expired.
Essential documents and requirements
To file your Form I-131A application, you will need:
- Valid passport from your country of origin.
- Proof of permanent residence, such as a copy of your Green Card (if you have a digital or physical copy).
- Proof of recent travel to the United States (entry stamps, tickets, or itineraries).
- Payment of Form I-131A fee, made online before appearing at the embassy or consulate.
- Recent passport-style photograph.
- Completed Form I-131A (in electronic format).
Step-by-step process
- Make the payment online on the official USCIS website before appearing at the embassy or consulate.
- Complete Form I-131A with your personal and travel details.
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.
- Submit the required documents and your payment receipt.
- Once your application is approved, you will receive “Carrier Documentation”, which will allow you to board a flight back to the U.S.
- Upon arriving in the United States, you can apply for a replacement Green Card using Form I-90.
Common mistakes and recommendations
- Not paying the fee before going to the consulate: online payment is mandatory and must be done on the USCIS website.
- Providing incorrect or incomplete information.
- Not bringing evidence of your status as a permanent resident.
- Confusing this form with the I-131 (reentry permit), as they have different purposes.
👉 Tip: Before traveling abroad, make sure to renew your Green Card or reentry permit if they are close to expiring. This can save you time and complications.
Why trust Legalízate Ya?
At Legalízate Ya, we understand the frustration and stress that losing your immigration document abroad can cause.
Our legal team guides you through every step of the process so you can return to the United States without problems or unnecessary delays.
With nearly 30 years of combined experience in immigration law, we offer personalized guidance, professional document handling, and constant communication with embassies or consulates when necessary.
📞 Contact us today
Did you lose your Green Card or reentry permit while outside the country?
We can help you return to the United States quickly and safely.
Call us today at (956) 725-9714 or visit www.legalizateya.com/en to schedule your consultation.
Legalízate Ya — helping immigrants return home.
