A few months ago I lost my green card (I'm Australian).  I filed an
application for a new green card and got a temporary stamp in my
passport.  A month or two after that my passport was stolen (don't
ask).  I will be getting a new passport shortly.  I then need to go to
Canada shortly afterward.  My new green card may not arrive for a few
months yet.

Question 1: Should I get new evidence of my permanent resident
status in my passport, and if so how?  I can't really file an
application for a new green card while the old application is still
pending!

Question 2: If I don't get evidence of permanent resident status in my
passport, will I have trouble being readmitted into the US from
Canada?  Presumably the INS has a database.  I don't mind paying a
fine, but I need to get back in one way or another.

I just got off the phone with BCIS. Their instructions are to go to
the local BCIS office. Bring your Alien number and, if possible, proof
that you have reapplied, such as a money order receipt or check
number. They should be able to look up your file and provide you with
some kind of documentation so you can reenter.

q2: The local office should be able to help you. You might not be able
to reenter otherwise.

Field Office Locations for the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration
Services is here:
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/statemap.htm

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Clarification of Answer by maxhodges-ga on 12 Mar 2003 08:19 PST

Before rating a question you have an opportunity to request an answer
clarification. Please let me know what you are unclear about and give
me a chance to clarify my answer before soiling my reputation as a
researcher. The information I provided is straightforward and came
from an authority on this matter. What is not clear?

Thanks.  Even after calling BCIS I'm not 100% clear on just what needs
to be done in what order, but this at least provides some idea, and it
may be that fuller information just isn't available.

The INS is gone. Replaced by the BSIC. They would answer your question
if you contact them:

http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/index.htm

You can call the BCIS toll-free for automated information and live
assistance concerning immigration services and benefits within the
U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Our number is: 1-800-375-5283

What's still unclear: Whether I need my passport to get the new
documentation,
and whether I can get back into the country afterward without it.  The
answer
was fine (I didn't think 3 stars was soiling a reputation).  It's just
that in posting a $10 question I'd hoped for some fuller and more
definitive
information.  But as I said, it may be that that information just
isn't
available.

We researchers can be a bit hypersensitive at times. Nonetheless, a
rating is meant to reflect what the customer thinks of an answer, not
what we think of it. Don't worry about it.