If you’re outside the United States and your green card is lost, stolen, damaged, or expired, you still have options to fly home. This guide explains when you need a boarding foil (carrier documentation), how to apply, and everything necessary to get back to the U.S. quickly. It covers the filing fee, what to bring to your embassy or consulate appointment, typical timelines, and what to do after you land. We’ll also note situations where you may not need a boarding foil.
At a Glance
Most permanent residents who can’t present acceptable proof of status to an airline or other transportation carrier must request a boarding foil from a U.S. embassy/consulate abroad. You start by paying the Form I-131A fee online, then visit the embassy/consulate to get single-use, time-limited documentation to board a flight to the U.S. Once back, you must file a separate application to replace your card. This article focuses on getting you back to the U.S.
When You Need a Boarding Foil (and When You Might Not)
You likely need a boarding foil if:
- Your green card was lost, stolen, or destroyed while abroad
- Your card is expired and your transportation carrier will not accept expired documentation
- Your reentry permit is lost/expired, and you lack other valid I-551 evidence
You may not need a boarding foil if you still have airline-acceptable proof of permanent resident status. According to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Carrier Information Guide a transportation carrier bound for the United States may board a permanent resident passenger who has any of these:
- Expired 10-year green card
- Expired 2-year (conditional) card with a valid I-797 extension notice
- Unexpired I-551 (ADIT) stamp in your passport
Important: If you have been outside the United States for one year or more without a valid reentry permit, the government will likely treat your green card status as abandoned. In these cases, a boarding foil is generally not available, and you will typically need to pursue an SB-1 Returning Resident visa. A green card alone is valid for one year of travel; a reentry permit can cover up to two years.
What Is Form I-131A and the “Boarding Foil”?
Form I-131A (Application for Carrier Documentation) is used by permanent residents outside the U.S. who lack valid proof of permanent residence for airline boarding. After you pay the fee online, the U.S. embassy/consulate can issue a boarding foil placed in your passport. It is generally valid for a single use and for a short window (often about 30 days), so plan your travel accordingly.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Back to the U.S.
Permanent residents who lost a green card abroad can follow these steps to get carrier documentation (boarding foil) and return to the U.S. Start by confirming you actually need Form I-131A.
Confirm You Need a Boarding Foil
If you have one of the alternative documents above and your airline will board you, you can skip the boarding foil. Call your airline or transportation carrier to ask if your documentation is sufficient. If not, continue.
Prepare Form I-131A and Gather Documents
Fill out Form I-131A (Application for Carrier Documentation) and collect the supporting documents needed to submit with it. Documentation will vary based on your situation. Typically, you'll need:
- Passport (valid for reentry)
- I-131A fee receipt (next step)
- Proof of permanent resident status (if available)
- Proof of departure date from U.S.
- Passport-style photograph
CitizenPath's Carrier Documentation Package is an easy way to get affordable, step-by-step guidance through the form. You'll also get a customized checklist of supporting documents based on your situation. Most people can complete the form within 15 minutes.
Pay Filing Fee
Unlike other forms, you must pay the I-131A filing fee online at USCIS before filing. Print the confirmation page — you must show it at the embassy/consulate appointment.
Schedule Your Embassy/Consulate Appointment
Follow the instructions for boarding foil or carrier documentation appointments at the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate. Bring all documents and photos as instructed.
Attend Boarding Foil Appointment
You will file your Form I-131A and all documentation at the appointment. A consular officer reviews your permanent resident evidence and issues a single-entry foil if you qualify. Processing time varies by post — often a few days — but some posts can be faster or require more time.
Return to the United States
Boarding foils are time-limited (generally 30 days) and single use. Make sure your flight occurs before the carrier documentation expires.
How Long Does It Take?
In our experience, we see most consulates issuing boarding foils within 3-10 business days. However, it can take longer.
- Fee payment: immediate online.
- Embassy/consulate appointment: varies by location and season; check appointment availability locally.
- Foil issuance: many posts turn these around in several days; some faster, some slower. Plan buffer time and don’t book non-refundable tickets until you understand local timelines. (Each embassy posts local procedures.)
Special Situations
You didn't lose the green card while abroad. You forgot it at home in the U.S.
If you left your green card in the United States, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to mail the card to you. Although expedited shipping fees can be expensive, it will be less than the cost of applying for a boarding foil.
You were working for the U.S. government abroad.
Generally, you can board without a green card if you are carrying orders from the U.S. government (civilian or military) showing that time outside the United States was on official government business.
You’ve been outside the U.S. for a very long time.
If you may have abandoned residence (for example, a continuous absence far beyond one year without a reentry permit), the embassy may not issue a boarding foil, and you may need to consider an SB-1 returning resident visa. This is different from I-131A and involves additional eligibility and evidence. Check the post’s guidance first.
What Happens at the U.S. Port of Entry?
On arrival, CBP will inspect you as a returning resident. If you have a boarding foil or other acceptable proof, you should be processed as a lawful permanent resident. You will likely be advised to replace your green card immediately.
After You Return: Replace the Card
This article focuses on returning to the U.S. from outside the country. Once you’re home, you will need to replace your card:
- File Form I-90 to replace a lost/stolen/damaged or expired green card.
- File Form I-131 if you need to replace a reentry permit.
Quick Self-Check: Do You Need a Boarding Foil?
Use the table below to review your situation if you lost your green card abroad. Match your scenario, confirm what airlines typically accept, and choose the right next step—before booking travel.
| Situation | CBP Boarding Policy | Will Airline Accept? | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stolen or lost green card abroad | No | No | Pay I-131A; request boarding foil |
| Expired 10-year card | Yes, permitted to board | Usually, confirm with airline | If airline refuses, file I-131A |
| Expired 2-year (conditional) + valid I-797 extension | Yes | Should always, call to confirm | If airline refuses, file I-131A |
| Valid I-551 (ADIT) stamp in passport | Yes | Should always, call to confirm | If airline refuses, file I-131A |
| Abroad ≥ 1 year without reentry permit | No (likely abandonment) | No | Pursue SB-1 Returning Resident visa (not I-131A) |
FAQs After Losing a Green Card Outside the United States
How CitizenPath Helps Gets You Back to the U.S
CitizenPath makes preparing Form I-131A easy. Our affordable, online service will guide you through the application in just a few minutes. If you find yourself with a lost green card abroad, get started for free on the Carrier Documentation Package →
CitizenPath provides step-by-step guidance through USCIS immigration applications. Individuals, attorneys and non-profits use the service on desktop or mobile device to prepare immigration forms accurately, avoiding costly delays. CitizenPath allows users to try the service for free and provides a 100% money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve the application. In addition to your temporary carrier documentation, we provide support for Green Card Renewal/Replacement Package (Form I-90), Reentry Permit Replacement (Form I-131), and several other popular forms.
Want more immigration tips and how-to information for your family?
Sign up for CitizenPath’s FREE immigration newsletter and
SAVE 10%
on our immigration services
