In general, a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) is required to present a valid Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (also known as a “green card”) when seeking admission into the United States.  Form I-551 is the primary evidence of an alien’s LPR status.  The bearer may use this card, in conjunction with his or her national passport, and any other appropriate documentation, to board a U.S. bound flight and apply for admission to the United States. In cases in which the LPR does not in possession of a valid Form I-551 (Green Card) or a passport with a valid Alien Documentation and Identification System (ADIT) stamp demonstrating LPR status, the alien may seek to obtain temporary evidence of his/her status.

U.S. Embassy Consular Sections overseas can issue “boarding foils” to qualified Lawful Permanent Residents, conditional Lawful Permanent Residents and Lawful Permanent Residents who were issued a re-entry permit applying to replace lost or stolen green cards overseas.

You must apply for a boarding foil within (12) months after departing the United States. You need to pay $575 fee online prior to your interview date. If you plan to apply for a LPR boarding foil, please note that you must pay the filing fee online on the USCIS website before appearing in person at a consular section. Information on the fee is located here. You must bring evidence of payment, in the form of a printed email receipt notice or confirmation page, when you appear in person to apply for the Boarding foil application.

Based on your payment confirmation, you may e-mail us to support-bangladesh@ustraveldocs.com to seek an appointment along with the following information/documentation:

1. Copy of your current passport’s biographic data page;
2. Copy of the fee receipt;
3. Alien Registration number (if known);
4. Photocopy of your LPR card (if available);
5. Other identifiable documents, for example: driver’s license, State I.D., etc;
6. General Report from the Police (Lost/stolen LPR card cases only);
7. Proof of your arrival in Bangladesh (ticket, boarding pass, luggage tags, etc.).
8. A Form I-797, Receipt Notice, from USCIS demonstrating that you have filed an I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions of Residence.  This is only applicable to conditional residents.

After we receive the above information, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule for your boarding foil interview online.  To do so, you will need to create an online profile by visiting our website at https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/SiteRegister?country=Bangladesh&language=en_US.  Then, follow the steps to select a document delivery center and schedule your appointment online under the ‘Boarding Foil’ visa category.  Please make sure to answer the eligibility questions correctly to get an interview date. Please bear in mind that we cannot accommodate walk-in appointments. You must schedule your boarding foil interview appointment online.

The following documents are required for the interview:

1. Original, valid passport;
2. Confirmation page of $575 fee receipt;
3. Original and completed I-131A Form;
4. Other identifiable documents, for example: driver’s license, State I.D., etc;
5. One (1) recent photograph (2×2” against a white background);
6. General Report from Police (Lost/stolen LPR card cases only);
7. Photocopy of LPR card (if available); and
8. Any proof of the arrival date in Bangladesh (ticket, boarding pass, luggage tags, etc.).
9. A Form I-797, Receipt Notice, from USCIS demonstrating that you have filed an I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions of Residence.  This is only applicable to conditional residents.

$575 application processing fee is required. This fee needs to be paid online. As with all immigration fees, USCIS does not issue refunds, regardless of the decision on the application.

Please do not make any final departure plans to the United States until you have your boarding foil in hand.

If you have been outside the United States for a year or more and did not obtain a Reentry Permit, you have lost your LPR status. In that case, you would not be eligible for a boarding foil, and you may apply for a Returning Resident Application to return to the United States.

Issuances

Once your boarding foil is ready, you will receive an email and a text message from your pre-selected document collection center with information to collect your passport.  We recommend that you collect your passport as soon as you receive this information. Please note that you will have 30 days to travel after your boarding foil has been issued, so plan accordingly.

Refusals

During the interview with the Consular Officer, you should demonstrate your eligibility for this service given all of the facts and circumstances.  No written decision is required in cases where the applicant is refused this service. Some applicants may be found permanently or temporarily ineligible to enter the United States.  In these cases, the Consular Officer will explain why you are ineligible.

Additional Processing

Some applications require additional processing.  While we realize the associated issuance delays may disrupt your travel plans, we must adjudicate applications in accordance with the provisions of U.S. laws. We cannot predict when the boarding foil will be ready. Once it is ready, you will receive an email and a text message from your pre-selected document collection center with information to collect your passport.  We recommend that you collect your passport as soon as you receive this information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING APPLICATION FOR BOARDING FOILS:

Can the I-131A fee paid to USCIS be refunded?

An I-131A fee will only be refunded in the event of U.S. government error. USCIS will not process a refund if an applicant later determines that a LPR boarding foil was unnecessary. Please contact the relevant USCIS Field Office for more information.

What evidence can LPRs present at an airport, rather than applying for a boarding foil?

To enter the U.S., a LPR may present at least one of the following items in place of a boarding foil:

1. An expired Permanent Resident Card with a 10-year expiration date,
   Or
2. A valid Permanent Resident Card (with a two-year validity), and a Form I-797, Notice of Action, indicating that status is extended,
   Or
3. Orders from the U.S. government (civilian or military) showing that time outside the U.S. was on official government business. These individuals should consult their air carrier prior to completion of an I-131A and payment of the fee.

Where can I obtain my A number or find out more information? Please direct your inquiries to the nearest USCIS field office location.