Visa Categories

If your passport goes missing or is stolen, immediately report it to the police and your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. Afterward, contact the OIS for further guidance and assistance in obtaining a new passport. Here are the necessary steps to follow:

• Contact Your Embassy or Consulate: Reach out to your local embassy or consulate promptly to arrange for a replacement passport. This is a crucial step for ensuring your legal status in the U.S. 
• Report to Authorities: Notify the local police department or the Office of International Services (OIS) and file a report detailing your lost or stolen passport. Obtain a receipt confirming the report for documentation purposes.
• Discuss Travel Plans with OIS: While it's not mandatory to leave the U.S. if your passport is lost or stolen, you might require a new entry visa for future international travel. Consult with an OIS regarding your specific travel intentions and visa renewal requirements. 
• Retrieve a New Form I-94: Update your legal status in the U.S. by obtaining a new Form I-94 here.

If your Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 students and scholars) is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can easily download an electronic version in the International Services Portal or request a replacement through the OIS.

Here's what you need to do: If your document is not available in the Portal, email [email protected] with your full name, campus key, and specific details regarding the status of your I-20 or DS-2019 (whether it's missing, lost, damaged, or stolen).

If you are an international student, scholar, or employee and have lost your Social Security card, you can apply for a replacement if you meet the Social Security Number application requirements based on your visa classification. Please review the Social Security Number (SSN) application details provided on our website. Typically, you'll need to demonstrate your identity and current U.S. work authorization (such as on-campus employment, practical training, or H-1B work authorization).

It's important to note that the SSN is a permanent, lifelong number. In most cases, you won't necessarily require the physical SSN card and will only need to provide your SSN number.

Scam & Identity Theft Concern:

Since the SSN is a vital identifier used for personal transactions, it's crucial to take action in reporting a lost card to prevent potential identity theft. Identity theft occurs when your number is used unlawfully by others for unauthorized transactions, like making purchases or opening credit card accounts in your name. For further guidance and action steps, please refer to these resources:

• Report a lost/stolen SSN Card on the Social Security Administration webpage. 
• In the event of identity theft, promptly inform the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for further assistance and reporting. 

If the I-797A approval notice, which confirms the employment authorization at Thomas Jefferson University as an H-1B employee, is misplaced or lost, please email OIS immediately at [email protected]. Provide details regarding when the document went missing. OIS can assist the department in obtaining a replacement I-797A with guidance from immigration counsel, if necessary.