green card is lost, but want to apply for citizenship

[hlpseeker]

I need to replace my lost green card, but I am eligible to apply for a citizenship, my question is, should I replace my card and pay $450 for card replacement and then apply, or is there a way not to pay the hefty and fee and still apply for citizenship without green card?

[nwctzn]

I need to replace my lost green card, but I am eligible to apply for a citizenship, my question is, should I replace my card and pay $450 for card replacement and then apply, or is there a way not to pay the hefty and fee and still apply for citizenship without green card?

You need to provide a photocopy of the front and back of your card when applying for citizenship. Then at the interview they will ask to see your card. And then at the oath ceremony they collect your card and give you your naturalization certificate. So I believe you need to have your card but to double check you can either call their 1-800 number and talk to a 2nd-Tier agent or schedule an infopass appointment at your local USCIS office.

[freecontributor]

I need to replace my lost green card, but I am eligible to apply for a citizenship, my question is, should I replace my card and pay $450 for card replacement and then apply, or is there a way not to pay the hefty and fee and still apply for citizenship without green card?

Definitely, you need to replace your green card before applying for the citizenship! That is the law!

[kevinkallis]

I need to replace my lost green card, but I am eligible to apply for a citizenship, my question is, should I replace my card and pay $450 for card replacement and then apply, or is there a way not to pay the hefty and fee and still apply for citizenship without green card?

You have to get your lost green card replaced before filing for naturalization. File Form I-90 and once you get the receipt notice for having filed I-90, you can go ahead with filing N-400, Application for Naturalization. You need not wait for the new green card to start the Naturalization application process.

[exitedus]

Schedule an info pass. You do not lose your residency status just because of expired card or lost card. You are still an Immigrant. My friend was able to get his Citizenship without his Green card. Just have an explanation on how you lost your card. If it was misplaced go look for it. Let us know what happen.

[nwctzn]

Schedule an info pass. You do not lose your residency status just because of expired card or lost card. You are still an Immigrant. My friend was able to get his Citizenship without his Green card. Just have an explanation on how you lost your card. If it was misplaced go look for it. Let us know what happen.

If you read the USCIS "A Guide to Naturalization" M-476, at the time of application you must provide a photocopy of the front and back of your card. If you have lost the card, submit a photocopy of the receipt of your Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

So you must first apply for a replacement card, and then with the photocopy of the Notice of Action (NOA) for the replacement card, you can file for N-400.

[kevinkallis]

I agree with NWCTZN. You have to get your lost green card replaced before applying for citizenship