Permanent resident cards, often called green cards, can only be issued or replaced within the United States and are not available from overseas locations. Green cards are necessary for lawful permanent residents to re-enter the United States. If a card is left in the U.S., individuals should arrange for someone to send it to them.
For those whose green card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed while outside the country for less than 364 days without a Permit to Reenter the U.S., it may be possible to obtain a “boarding foil.” This document allows an air carrier to transport the individual back to the United States without penalty but does not guarantee entry. The Department of Homeland Security will make all final decisions regarding admission into the country. The boarding foil’s primary purpose is to exempt airlines from penalties under section 273(b).
To apply for a boarding foil, applicants must complete Form I-131A and pay the required fee online before appearing at any consular section in person. Proof of payment, such as a printed email receipt notice or confirmation page, must be brought when submitting Form I-131A. All immigration fees paid to USCIS are non-refundable regardless of application outcome.
Additional information about Form I-131A can be found on the Application for Carrier Documentation page on the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/i-131a.
After paying the fee, applicants should contact the Consular section through Visas Navigator – U.S. Embassy in Slovakia to schedule an appointment for an interview.
Applicants attending their interview must bring:
- A completed and signed Form I-131A
- Evidence of payment
- An unexpired passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended return date
- Proof of U.S. legal resident status (such as a passport with an immigrant visa)
- Evidence they were in the United States within the past 12 months (for example, airplane tickets showing departure date)
- A police report documenting loss or theft of their card or a detailed explanation if unavailable
- One recent photograph that meets photo requirements
Appointments cannot be made without prior scheduling, and walk-ins will not be accepted. Processing times depend on each case and may take several days; therefore, applicants are advised not to purchase airline tickets until they have received their boarding foil.
Boarding foils are processed only during regular business hours and will not be handled on weekends, holidays, or after hours. Refunds for I-131A fees are granted only in cases of U.S. government error; no refund will be provided if it is later determined that a boarding foil was unnecessary. For more details about these procedures or questions about eligibility, individuals can contact their local USCIS Field Office.