It is very important to maintain valid immigration documents at all times. We recommend always keeping a copy stored somewhere safe in case of emergencies. However, sometimes unexpected things happen, and immigration documents need to be replaced. Here is how to replace some common immigration documents:
Employment Authorization Document (EAD or Work Permit)
If you lost your EAD, you would need to file a form I-765 and indicate you are filing the form for a replacement or because your EAD was lost. Below is a checklist of what you will need:
- Form I-765
- Copy of previous or current work permit and/or copy of most recent I-765 approval notice (Form I-797C). However, if you do not have a copy of your work permit or approval notice, you may submit a copy of your government issued ID, passport, or birth certificate.
- 2 passport style photos
- Filing fee of $495. Make sure you submit this with a check or money order payable to the US Department of Homeland Security.
If you are not sure where to file your I-765, please visit www.uscis.gov/I-765 for a list of where to file or contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the most current information. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call 1-800-767-1833.
Legal Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
If you lost your green card or need to replace your green card, you will need to file Form I-90 and indicate you are filing the form for a replacement because your card was lost, stolen, or mutilated. Below is a checklist of what you will need:
- Form I-90
- Copy of previous green card (front and back), and/or copy of I-485 approval notice. If you do not have a copy of your green card or approval notice, you may file a copy of your government issued ID such as a passport, driver’s license, state ID, or military identification document.
- Filing fee of $540. Make sure you submit this with a check or money order payable to the US Department of Homeland Security.
Paper Form I-90s must be mailed to one of the following addresses:
- If you are mailing via USPS: USCIS P.O. Box 21262 Phoenix, AZ 85036
- If you are mailing via FedEx, UPS, or DHL: USCIS Attn: I-90 1820 E. Skyharbor, Circle S, Floor 1 Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85036
Naturalization Certificate
If you lost or need to replace your naturalization certificate, you must file Form N-565. However, if you have a US passport, you may decide not to replace your naturalization certificate, since a US passport is also proof of citizenship. If you choose to replace your naturalization certificate, below is a list of what you will need:
- Form N-565
- 2 passport-style photos
- Filing fee of $555. Make sure you submit this with a check or money order payable to the US Department of Homeland Security.
If you are not sure where to file your N-565, please visit USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/N-565 or call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the most current information about where to file this application. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call 1-800-767-1883.
There are solutions to replacing immigration documents if they are lost or damaged. If you need to replace one of your immigration documents, it is always best to speak with a reputable immigration attorney so they can guide you through the process more efficiently.