What to Do if You Lose Your J-1 Visa or Passport in the U.S.

Losing your passport or J-1 visa in the United States can be stressful, but there are clear steps you can follow to stay safe and continue your program. Below is a complete guide on what to do immediately, how to report the loss, and how to get replacements.

The Tax Moves Blog

Aug 22, 2025 | Learning IRS

U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C., symbolizing federal legislation and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act affecting international students and J-1 visa holders

Stay Calm and Act Quickly

First, try not to panic. Losing important documents happens more often than people think. Instead of stressing, focus on taking action right away.

👉 Why this matters: your passport and visa are your proof of legal status in the U.S., so reporting the loss quickly protects you from possible problems.

Report the Loss to Local Authorities

If your documents were stolen, file a police report. This report may be necessary for both your embassy and the Department of State.
- For theft: go to the nearest police station and request a copy of the report.
- For loss: while it may not always be required, reporting it creates a legal record.
In addition, make a copy of the report for your personal records.

Contact Your Embassy or Consulate

Next, reach out to your country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S. They will guide you on how to obtain a new passport.

For example, many embassies can issue an emergency passport so you don’t lose travel rights.
Moreover, they can confirm the documents you need to present (such as an ID card, birth certificate, or a police report).

Notify Your Sponsor and SEVIS

After you have informed your embassy, contact your J-1 program sponsor immediately. They are legally required to keep your records up to date in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).

👉 As a result, your sponsor can help prevent status issues and guide you through the process of replacing your DS-2019 if needed.

Replace Your U.S. Visa

Keep in mind that a U.S. visa cannot be replaced inside the United States. If you need a new visa stamp, you will have to apply at a U.S. consulate abroad, usually in your home country.

However, you can stay in the U.S. legally with your new passport and valid DS-2019.
Only when you travel outside the U.S. will you need to obtain a new J-1 visa to re-enter.

young women reviewing J-1 visa tax documents on a laptop, using J1 Go Tax for accurate filing and guidance

- Always carry a photocopy of your passport instead of the original when not needed.
- Inform your program sponsor right away about any issue with your documents.
- Use transition steps and stay organized; this makes the process smoother and less stressful.
👉 With these steps, you can handle the loss of your J-1 visa or passport in the U.S. effectively, protect your legal status, and continue your exchange program without major interruptions.

Keep Copies of All Documents

Finally, make sure to keep scanned copies of your passport, visa, and DS-2019 in a secure cloud folder or email.

This simple step makes the replacement process faster in the future.
On the other hand, it also reduces the risk of identity theft.

Core Guides & Calculators

1. Learn everything about J1 visa taxes — our complete 2026 step-by-step guide for nonresident workers with W-2 income.

2. Estimate your refund instantly with our J1 visa tax calculator — no signup required.

3. Compare Form 1040 vs 1040NR for J1 visa holders and find out which one applies to you.

4. Understand the importance of your DS-2019 form — it defines your program, tax status, and eligibility.

Forms & Tax Documents

5. Did you receive a 1099 instead of a W-2? Here’s what to do — Form 1099 for J1 visa workers explained.

6. Learn how to apply for your SSN or ITIN as a J1 visa holder before filing your taxes.

7. Understand your IRS transcripts for J1 visa taxes — what they show and how to request them.

8. Received a Form 1042-S? Discover what it means and how to include it in your tax return.

9. Find your Form W-2 for J1 visa — and learn what each box means when you file.

10. File correctly using the official Form 1040NR for J1 visa holders — step-by-step.

11. Don’t forget your Form 8843 — it’s mandatory even if you had no income.

12. Check this J1 visa tax return example using Form 1040NR to understand how everything fits together.

Special Cases & IRS Resources

13. Missed the April deadline? Learn how to file J1 visa taxes after April and still get your refund.

14. Review official IRS guidance on Taxation of J-1 visa holders and resident status.