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Transportation Letters
 

A lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States is required to present a valid unexpired Form I-551, permanent resident (or green) card, if seeking readmission to the United States after a temporary absence of less than one year.

You will need a transportation letter in order to board a commercial carrier transporting you to the United States if you do not have your I-551 because it was:

  • Lost
  • Stolen
  • Left in the United States
  • Not yet received, and the stamp affixed in your passport "Processed for I-551" has expired

Obtaining a Transportation Letter

You must appear in person to request a transportation letter from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE).  No appointment is necessary.  It is recommended that you file the request one week before you intend to travel back to the United States.

Required Documents

  1. Passport
  2. Police Report (if available, if your I-551 was stolen)
  3. Passport size photographs (2)
  4. A completed Request Form.  If possible, complete the request form before you arrive at the ICE public window at the embassy.  If you cannot access the request form online, the ICE officer will help you fill one out at the window.

What if I have Remained Outside the U.S. For More Than a Year?

If you have been outside of the United States for more than 364 days without a reentry permit, ICE cannot issue you a transportation letter. Persons who have remained outside the United States for more than one year without a valid reentry permit, or beyond the validity of a reentry permit, may be eligible to apply for returning resident status (SB-1 visa) with the Department of State Immigrant Visa Section at the U.S. Embassy in Athens.

What if I Lost My Green Card but I have a Reentry Permit?

If you have a valid unexpired reentry permit, you will be able to board a commercial carrier in order to return to the United States as a permanent resident.

What if My Permanent Resident Card or Conditional Resident Card Has Expired?

Please check our Permanent Resident Information webpage for details.