- Only carry your passport when you really need it — use your driver’s license or passport copy for daily identification.
- Never share your Social Security number with anyone and keep your Social Security card in a safe place separate from your wallet.
- Make two photocopies of all important documents: passport ID page, J-1 Visa, Social Security card, and driver’s license. Leave one copy with family or friends at home. Keep the other copy in a different place from your original documents.
- Tell someone at home where you’re staying and how to contact you.
If You Lose Documents
You can stay in the U.S. for your allowed time (shown on your I-94 record) even without your passport, but you need a valid passport to leave the U.S. or enter other countries.
- If you lose your passport, contact your country’s embassy or consulate for a replacement.
- If you plan to leave and return to the U.S., apply for a new J-1 visa before coming back.
- If you lose your DS-2019 form, contact InterExchange immediately.
