What to Do if You Lose Your U.S. Visa as an International Student

It usually happens when you least expect it. One minute you’re flipping through your passport to fill out a form, and the next… it’s not there. Or maybe your whole bag went missing, taking your passport and visa with it.

It’s scary, but you’re not stranded. Here’s the clear, student-friendly path to getting your documents back and keeping your studies on track.

Step 1: Stop, check, and report

• Retrace your steps dorm room, library, coffee shop, weekend trip bag.

• Ask around and check the campus lost & found.

• If it’s still missing, file a police report immediately. You’ll need a copy for your embassy and future visa application.

• Inform your international student office (DSO/ISO) right away. They can help protect your SEVIS record and start the paperwork.

Step 2: Secure a new passport

Your passport is your ticket to everything without it, you can’t get a visa.

• Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S.

• Bring identification, passport photos, the police report, and any copy of your old passport.

• Ask about emergency passport options if you need to travel soon.

Step 3: Replace your school paperwork

• Request a new Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) from your DSO.

• Make sure it has a valid travel signature if you’ll be leaving the U.S. for your visa appointment.

Step 4: Know the visa replacement rule

You cannot replace a U.S. visa stamp while inside the United States.

• You can stay in the U.S. if your status is valid and you don’t travel.

• But if you leave, you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad before coming back.

Step 5: Prepare for your visa appointment abroad

You’ll need:

• New passport.

• Police report + a short written explanation.

• New I-20/DS-2019 with travel signature.

• Proof of enrollment (transcript, ID, or enrollment letter).

• Financial evidence.

• DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt, and required photos.

Processing can take anywhere from days to weeks check the consulate’s website before booking flights.

Step 6: Smooth re-entry

When returning to the U.S., keep your documents handy: passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, proof of enrollment, and the police report (just in case).

Step 7: Prevent future losses

• Store digital copies of your passport, visa, and I-20/DS-2019 in secure cloud storage.

• Keep physical copies in a different bag from the originals.

• Know your embassy’s and DSO’s contact details before you travel.

Conclusion

It’s stressful, yes but it’s a solvable problem. The key is acting quickly, keeping your school in the loop, and remembering that replacing your visa simply means a short trip abroad. Before you know it, you’ll be back to focusing on your studies and adventures in the U.S.