Lost your passport with your original U.S. visa? Learn how to prove valid entry, retrieve your I-94 record, and replace your passport — with expert help from Beyond Border.
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Let’s be honest — passports aren’t just travel documents; they’re proof of your movement in and out of countries, including your valid entry to the U.S.. Losing one can feel like losing a chunk of your immigration history. Whether it was misplaced during a move, stolen while traveling, or accidentally damaged beyond use, the panic is real. But here’s the reassuring part — your legal entry record is not stored only in your passport.
In immigration terms, a valid entry to the U.S. means you were legally admitted at a U.S. port of entry with proper inspection and documentation — typically a visa and entry stamp. Even if the physical visa in your lost passport is gone, the record of that lawful entry remains in official databases maintained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security.
The I-94 is your best friend in this situation. This document confirms your most recent entry, the date you were admitted, and your visa status. Luckily, you can retrieve it online for free from the official USCIS website.
You’ll need:
Once downloaded, the I-94 acts as concrete proof of lawful entry for visa applications, extensions, or changes of status.
CBP maintains a travel history database of every entry and exit you’ve made to and from the U.S. You can request this information online. The CBP travel history printout, alongside your I-94, forms a strong evidence package showing when and how you entered the U.S.
For example, if you’re applying for an adjustment of status and your old passport is missing, the travel history confirms your compliance with immigration laws.
Replacing your passport is straightforward — contact your country’s consulate or embassy in the U.S. They’ll guide you through submitting ID proofs, police reports (if applicable), and application forms.
Replacing the visa itself is more complex. You can’t replace a U.S. visa inside the U.S.; you’ll need to apply for a new one from a U.S. consulate abroad. This is where having all your proof of lawful entry documents ready is essential.
Sometimes, immigration officers or agencies might request extra proof. This could include:
While these are secondary proofs, they help fill in any gaps if official records have errors or are incomplete.
You’ll need to prove valid entry to the U.S. in multiple scenarios:
Without proof, your application could face delays, requests for evidence (RFEs), or even denials.
Yes, you can attempt this process alone, but immigration processes can be unforgiving. One wrong document or a missing proof could derail your application. This is why so many choose to work with Beyond Border — a team that understands both the legal and practical sides of proving a valid entry, even without your original passport.
Beyond Border can:
Even if you don’t have an immediate immigration filing, it’s smart to download your I-94 and CBP travel history now. Think of it like making a backup of important files — you hope you’ll never lose the original, but if you do, you’re covered.
Whenever you’re retrieving records or proving proof of lawful entry, always go directly to the source. The official USCIS website and the CBP online portal are the only authoritative sources for this information. Avoid third-party services that charge high fees for information you can get for free from government sites.
It’s not just paperwork — losing a passport can feel like losing part of your identity. For many immigrants, that passport represents years of hard work, planning, and investment toward their U.S. journey. Feeling anxious is natural, but the system is designed to protect your records even if the physical document is gone.
If your immigration future feels uncertain after losing your passport, remember you’re not alone. Beyond Border works with individuals worldwide to handle complex entry proof situations, ensuring your applications remain strong and your status secure.
From retrieving official records to advising on next steps for replacing visas, Beyond Border ensures no step is missed — and no opportunity is lost.
Q1: Can I still prove valid entry if I lost my passport with the visa?
Yes. Your valid entry to the U.S. is recorded in official databases like your I-94 record and CBP travel history, even if the physical passport is lost.
Q2: How do I retrieve my I-94 record?
You can retrieve your I-94 online for free from the official USCIS website using your personal details and passport information.
Q3: Will I need to get a new visa if my passport is lost?
Yes. If you need a visa again, you’ll have to apply for a new one at a U.S. consulate abroad, as U.S. visas cannot be replaced inside the country.
Q4: What other documents can support my proof of lawful entry?
Airline boarding passes, employment verification letters, school records, and immigration application receipts can all help strengthen your case.
Q5: Should I hire a professional for this process?
While you can handle it yourself, working with Beyond Border ensures all documents are correctly retrieved, organized, and submitted — reducing the risk of delays or RFEs.
Q6: How long does it take to get my CBP travel history?
In most cases, you can download your CBP travel history instantly from the online portal. However, if there are technical issues or missing data, it may take a few weeks through a formal request.
Q7: What if my I-94 record has errors?
If you notice mistakes in your I-94, you should contact CBP immediately at a deferred inspection site or via their online correction process. Incorrect details could cause issues in future immigration applications.
Q8: Can I still apply for a green card without my original visa stamp?
Yes. As long as you can provide proof of lawful entry — such as your I-94 and CBP travel history — you can proceed with your green card application. Working with Beyond Border can help ensure your evidence package is strong.
Losing the passport that held your original visa is stressful, but it’s not the end of your U.S. immigration journey. Your valid entry to the U.S. is recorded in official government systems, and with the right steps — retrieving your I-94, securing your CBP travel history, replacing your passport, and organizing supporting evidence — you can prove your lawful entry without setbacks.
If you’re unsure where to start, Beyond Border can guide you every step of the way. With expert help, what feels like a setback can turn into just another step forward.
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