Losing your immigration documents can be stressful, especially when those papers play a critical role in your ability to live, work, or travel in the United States. Whether it’s your green card, work permit, visa, or passport, acting quickly and following the right steps can help you avoid delays or legal complications. At Labrada Dume & Associates, we assist immigrants throughout the United States with navigating these challenges and restoring their peace of mind.

Identify What Was Lost

The first step is determining exactly which documents are missing. Immigration records include a variety of forms and identification documents, such as:

• Green Cards (Permanent Resident Cards)
• Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
• Visas or I-94 Arrival/Departure Records
• Passports issued by your home country
• USCIS approval notices or receipts

Knowing what is missing ensures you take the correct steps to replace each item.

Report Lost or Stolen Documents

If your passport or identity documents were stolen, contact local law enforcement to file a police report. This can help prevent identity theft and might be required when applying for replacements.

For lost or stolen Green Cards or EADs, you should notify USCIS and begin the replacement process immediately. For visas or I-94s lost inside the U.S., the replacement process goes through USCIS, while visas lost outside the U.S. must be addressed at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Apply for a Replacement with USCIS

USCIS provides specific forms for replacing immigration documents:

• Green Card: File Form I-90.
• EAD: File Form I-765.
• I-94 Record: File Form I-102.
• USCIS Notices or Approval Letters: Request replacements through your USCIS online account or contact their support center.

Each replacement may require filing fees, biometrics appointments, or proof of identity. Acting quickly prevents processing delays that may affect work authorization or travel.

Contact Your Home Country’s Embassy or Consulate

If you have lost your foreign passport, contact your consulate as soon as possible. Most countries allow you to apply for a new passport or receive a temporary travel document. You may need:

• A copy of your previous passport (if available)
• Birth certificate or national ID from your home country
• Police report (if theft occurred)

Monitor Your Immigration Case Online

If you have a USCIS online account, ensure your contact information is up to date. Replacement documents will be mailed to the address USCIS has on file. Log in regularly to monitor the status of your replacement request.

Gather Copies and Backup Records

If you previously made photocopies or scanned copies of your documents, gather those now. Even partial copies can help speed up replacement requests. Moving forward, create digital and physical backups to reduce stress if something is lost again.

Seek Legal Help When Needed

Replacing immigration documents can be complicated, especially if your status could be affected. At Labrada Dume & Associates, we help immigrants navigate the replacement process, communicate with USCIS, and address legal obstacles that arise from lost documentation.