United States Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) and Conditional Residents (CR) traveling outside the United States are required to present valid documents that show their residency status when re-entering the country. If an individual has been outside of the United States for more than one year, or longer than the validity period of a Re-Entry Permit, or does not have their I-551 Permanent Resident (“green”) card, they may need to visit the U.S. Embassy to obtain necessary documents for return. Additional details about Returning Resident Visas can be found at usvisas.state.gov.
If a green card is lost, stolen, or expired, travelers may require a boarding foil in order to travel back to and re-enter the United States. The embassy notes: "If you have been outside of the United States for more than 365 calendar days, you may no longer be in Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status and must consult U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS) for further guidance by calling the USCIS Contact Center at +1 (212) 620-3418."
For LPRs who have been abroad for fewer than 365 days and need a boarding foil, several steps are outlined:
- File Form I-131A with USCIS online at https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/log-online-filing.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of $575 before coming to the consular appointment and keep proof of payment.
- Schedule an appointment via Visa Appointment Service or directly at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-bb/iv.
- Obtain a police report if relevant.
- Bring a valid passport and one passport photo to the embassy appointment.
- Locate your Alien number; if unknown, it can be obtained from your nearest USCIS office.
Applicants are reminded: "USCIS will not process a refund if an applicant later determines that a LPR boarding foil was unnecessary, and USCIS will not provide a refund if the individual should have applied for an SB-1 (Returning Resident Visa) rather than a boarding foil."
If approved during the interview, printing of the boarding foil takes at least two business days. The document is valid for single entry into the United States within one month after approval. "The fee for the appointment is non-refundable regardless of the decision rendered," states embassy guidance. Travelers are advised not to make travel plans until they receive their boarding foil.
Further general information and instructions regarding Form I-131A can be found on https://www.uscis.gov/i-131a.