The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides essential guidance for those needing to apply for Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as green cards. These cards serve as proof of Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status and are necessary for re-entry into the United States.
For permanent residents in Belgium who have lost or had their I-551 Alien Registration Receipt Card stolen, a boarding foil can be applied for at the Consular Section. This foil is valid for one entry within 30 days of issuance, allowing re-entry into the United States.
To obtain a boarding foil, an appointment must be scheduled online. Applicants will need to enter a barcode number during this process, which should be "9999999999."
It is important to note that the filing fee must be paid online on the USCIS website before attending an appointment at a consular section. The I-131A form and its associated fee information are available online. Evidence of payment, such as a printed email receipt notice or confirmation page, must be presented when filing Form I-131A in person by appointment. As stated by USCIS: "As with all immigration fees, USCIS does not issue refunds , regardless of the decision on the application."
Applicants should bring several documents to their appointment: a valid passport; a completed Form I-131A; evidence of payment of the I-131A fee; their alien registration number; a full-face color photograph meeting specific requirements; a police report regarding the lost or stolen card; and evidence of last departure from the U.S., such as an airline ticket or boarding pass.
Processing times for boarding foil applications may take several business days.
For further details and instructions on completing Form I-131A, visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-131a.