I lost my application/petition, how do I obtain a copy of documents I filed with the government?

At the Law Office of David Nguyen, PC, we provide our clients with a scanned copy of every document sent or received from the government. However, we understand that not every law firm will provide clients with the same services.

If you have lost or misplaced your immigration-related documents, here are some tips to request a copy.

How do I obtain a copy of my I-94 Arrival/Departure Record?

If you are currently in the United States and require evidence of your lawful entry, one of the ways you can do this is by providing your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. This record is issued to a foreign national upon their arrival to the U.S. by a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer.

Previously, this document was provided on a small white card and placed in a foreign national’s passport. Nowadays, the record can be retrieved online after a foreign national’s arrival at: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/. If the record cannot be retrieved online, Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document can be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form can be found at: https://www.uscis.gov/i-102.

How do I obtain a new Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”)?

If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (“Green Card holder”) and you have lost or misplaced your Green Card, you can replace it by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can find the form at: https://www.uscis.gov/i-90.

How do I obtain a new Naturalization Certificate?

If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen and you have lost or misplaced your Naturalization Certificate, you can replace it by filing Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can find the form at: https://www.uscis.gov/n-565.

How do I obtain a lost U.S. visa?

If you have lost your U.S. visa and you are abroad (not currently in the U.S.), you will need to report the incident at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. You can contact them by email, phone, or in-person. Please note that the process for replacing the visa varies from country to country. You can find a local U.S. consulate or embassy by visiting: https://www.usembassy.gov/.

If you have lost your U.S. visa and you are inside of the U.S., you will not be able to replace it while you are in the U.S. However, you will need to report the loss of your visa to the local police department.

How do I obtain a copy of my prior petition or applications with the U.S. government?

You will need to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

How do I obtain a copy of my visa application?

You will need to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Department of State (DOS).

How do I obtain a copy of my court documents related to my removal/deportation case?

You will need to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR). Your attorney can also request a copy of your court records by filing a request at the local immigration court where your case file is located.

How do I obtain a copy of my prior arrest at the border?

You will need to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and/or the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM).

For more information on I Lost My Application/Petition, How Do I Obtain a Copy of Documents I Filed with the Government a consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (281) 777-1236 today.