Sometimes, the USCIS approves a green card application, replacement, or renewal form but the green card does not get received by the rightful applicant. There are many reasons for this. A mistake may have been made in shipping or mailing addresses. In some cases, a green card may have been approved but not issued due to a system error. In some cases, theft means a green card is not received.
If you have applied for a green card, green card renewal, or green card replacement but have not received your green card, it is important to take steps right away. If someone has stolen your green card, you may be the victim of identity theft. This can deprive you of your good credit score and can make it hard for you to get financing or loans if you need them. Identity theft can also create legal problems for you if you do not address the problem quickly. If your green card has simply been lost in the mail and you do not act quickly, you may not have a valid green card in time, which can affect your ability to work and can leave you without vital documentation and proof of your immigration status. As well, if you wait too long after your green card is not received to act, you may face delays in your green card application or your green card renewal application. US immigration may even request that you begin the green card application or green card renewal process all over again, which can mean more delays. As well, delays or a green card not received can mean that you are without a green card. Since permanent residents are required to carry their green card at all times, not having your green card due to theft or error can mean that you have to face fines and penalties.
If you have not received your green card in the mail, a good idea is to sign up for “My Case Status” with the USCIS website (USCIS.gov). By using a password and username, you will be able to keep track of your green card application status. The page will also give you a clear indication of when you should receive your green card. If your green card does not arrive on time, you should follow US immigration procedures for reporting your non-receipt of your green card. The USCIS website has detailed instructions for the current process to follow. You might also need to report your green card stolen or you may need to apply for green card replacement. The sooner you realize your green card is missing and the sooner you act, the sooner you can expect to receive your valid green card.
