Steps to Replace Lost Passport with U.S. Visa
Losing a passport with a valid U.S. visa, particularly in a foreign country, is always a huge setback especially for those who are on a short vacation and must return to the U.S. to resume their employment or to attend school. Irrespective of the care one takes to guard important documents, every year many passports are stolen. If you notice that your passport containing a U.S. visa is either missing or stolen, it is important to follow these steps to obtain new documents.
File a Police Report
As soon as you realize your documents are missing, go to your local police station and report the loss. According to the U.S. Department of State, it is necessary have a copy of the police report detailing the missing or stolen passport to re-apply for a new passport & visa.
Report Missing Passport to Your Native Country
Obtaining a new passport will depend on your country of citizenship. Most countries have websites that assist in the reporting of a lost or stolen passport. You can contact your local embassy or consular section for your country of citizenship for more information regarding replacement of the lost documents.
Report Missing Visa U.S. Embassy Abroad
Contact the consular section of the U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad that issued your visa. Provide the office with as much identifying information as possible (Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, U.S. address, etc.) and indicate whether the visa was lost or stolen. Make sure you include any documentation of your original passport and visa (i.e. Digital scans of original documents). Once you have reported your lost or stolen visa, that visa will no longer be valid for travel to the United States. Even if you later find your misplaced visa, you must apply for a new visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Reapply for U.S. Visa
You cannot replace your lost or stolen visa in the United States. To replace your lost visa, you must apply in person at a U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad. You will need to have documentation of your lost or stolen passport with U.S. visa, including a copy of your police report.
It is important to keep track of all important travel documents to prevent future issues. It is highly recommended that one should have a copy of one’s passport and visa as it would help the consulate locate the information in a timely manner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, losing your passport with a U.S. visa can be a stressful and daunting experience, but it is important to remain calm and take immediate action to replace your lost passport and visa. It is also advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney to help you navigate this process and ensure that you are taking the right steps to protect your immigration status. Remember, losing your passport and visa does not necessarily mean that you have lost your legal status in the United States, but it is important to act quickly and take the necessary steps to replace these documents.