What to do with I-751 if you don't have the conditional green card?

[Forest]

Hello,

Here is my situation: back in 2013, after filling a I-485, I was granted a conditional green card. Unfortunately, the post office lost it and the USCIS is currently refusing to issue a new one, unless we pay a $500 fee. I'm in the process of trying to get them to accept to waive the fee since we never received the card in the first place (and I have a letter from the post office recognizing that they lost the document).
In the mean time, I will soon have to fill a I-751 to "remove conditions on Permanent Residence Based on Marriage". One of the documents that I will have to provide is a copy of the conditional green card (which I can't provide, as previously stated).

Would anybody know what I should do or have been in a similar situation? After calling their services, the officer I had on the phone told me that I could try to fill it without the copy, and explaining what happened, hoping that the person in charge of my file would understand the situation. This "try it and you'll see" approach is a little unsettling for me, and I would appreciate any advice that might give us a chance to not have any problem with our case.

[MaryH]

It's like being between a rock and an hard place. One thing I know is that you will have to attempt something.
Some years ago I know someone, who lost their ten years green card, just after receiving it. With no copy of it, but it was in the system. After many years he applied for a new one stating it was lost and submitted one of the letters uscis, sent during the original 10 yrs application and received it. Of course it cost him, even though 10 years had not past.
You may need to tried and get an info pass. Take your approval letter and all documentations on your case and see if that helps. It's no fun finding all that money all over... Good luck.

[dhira_98]

Same thing happened to my friend. He had to pay the fee for the replacment GC.
He sent an application for replacement of green card but he never received the replacement GC.
Then he sent I-751 a few months later. He sent a letter along with application that his card was lost.
At I-751 interview, officer asked for his GC, He mentioned that he has lost it and he has filed an application for replacement.
Officer checked his other application in the system and He got his permanent GC within 2 months after the interview.

[Forest]

Thank you so much for your replies. I guess I will have to try and see, hoping I can explain the situation to the officer!