Permanent residents whose green cards have not arrived despite the US Postal Service (USPS) marking the delivery as completed must gather evidence before requesting a replacement.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the federal agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States, does not automatically issue a new card when a shipment goes missing after being scanned as delivered.
A green card serves as official proof of a person's authorization to live and work permanently in the US. A missing card can cause issues for residents who need to prove their immigration status for employment, international travel or other administrative processes.
Immediate steps for missing mail
USPS advises residents to check their mailboxes, porches, back entrances and parcel lockers, and to ask neighbors, family members or building management whether the package was left with them.
The postal service recommends waiting one full business day before taking further action, as carriers sometimes scan packages as delivered before they physically drop them off.
Residents should track the package on the USPS website using the tracking number provided in their USCIS account, taking screenshots that clearly show the date, time and the "Delivered" status.
If the card has not appeared after one business day, the recipient should submit a service request with USPS to prompt an investigation by the local post office.
Individuals can also visit their local post office in person to speak with a delivery supervisor. They must bring identification, proof of address and the tracking number to open a local request.
Opening a formal investigation
If the initial local inquiry does not resolve the issue, the next step is to file a Missing Mail Search Request with USPS. This formal process requires the addresses of both the sender and the recipient, the tracking number, the date the item was mailed and a description of the package.
USPS allows customers to submit a missing mail search starting seven days after the original mailing date.
Applicants must keep the USPS case number, all email correspondence related to the search and screenshots of the tracking history. This documentation is required evidence if the resident eventually needs to apply for a replacement card.
Contacting immigration services
Residents should log into their USCIS online account to verify their mailing address and check their case status.
If the tracking information shows the package was returned to USCIS as undeliverable, the agency will provide instructions on how to proceed.
If USPS recorded the item as delivered and it cannot be found, USCIS may require the resident to apply for a replacement card by filing Form I-90.
Applicants should not file Form I-90 until they have fully documented the missing mail issue with USPS. USCIS treats a card marked as delivered as lost after delivery. This means the applicant must pay a replacement fee unless USCIS determines the agency itself made an error.
If USCIS concludes that USPS lost the card and the applicant was not at fault, the replacement fee is generally waived. However, if the document was not delivered because the applicant provided an outdated address, the fee typically applies.
Before or at the same time as requesting a new card, residents should submit an "e-Request" for the non-delivery of a card through the USCIS website. This form requires the original receipt number, Alien Registration Number (A-Number), application date, form type and an email address.
Securing temporary proof of status
Permanent residents who need to travel, work or prove their status while waiting for a replacement can request temporary evidence from USCIS or consult an immigration attorney.
USCIS field offices do not accept walk-in visitors, so applicants must secure a confirmed appointment online or over the phone.
Appointments can be requested through the official USCIS "My Appointment" online tool by selecting the option for an ADIT stamp. The Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp is placed in a passport and serves as temporary proof of permanent residence.
Applicants can also call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833) between 8 am and 8 pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday, to request assistance or schedule an appointment.
The ADIT stamp, or in some cases a temporary document issued by USCIS, is necessary for residents who need to:
- Travel outside the US
- Begin a new job or complete the I-9 employment eligibility verification process
- Renew a state-issued license, access certain benefits or demonstrate their status to an entity
USCIS guidelines state that individuals can request an appointment for temporary evidence of status once they have applied for a replacement green card.
Applicants attending an appointment must bring documentary evidence, including:
- A valid passport, if they have one
- A photo ID
- Their receipt number, A-Number and copies of USCIS notices
- Screenshots of the tracking history showing the "Delivered" status
- The missing mail claim number and any official responses from USPS
- Proof of their current residential address
