What happens if... FAQ's

I lose / damage my passport

If you lose or damage your passport prior to departure: 

Contact the team as soon as possible and apply for a new passport. Ensure the same name that was on your old passport is on your new passport application e.g. If your middle name is on your old passport, make sure it is on your new passport too. 

If you lose or damage your passport while in the USA:

1- Report the passport as missing to the police.
2- Apply for a new passport to your local Irish consulate.
3- Notify your US Sponsor that your passport was lost so that they can note this on your file.

Generally, you wouldn’t have to make a trip back to Ireland to get a new visa.  However, if you do come home or leave the continental USA between then and your program end date, you would have to sit another US Embassy interview to get another entry visa for the USA.  There is no way to have a US visa re-issued in the USA (because there are no US Embassies in the USA). This means that if you were to leave the USA you would have to come back to Ireland to have the US Embassy in Dublin re-issue your visa.  You would have to attend another embassy interview in person.  No-one else can do this on your behalf, so you would need to come home for about 3 weeks to organise this.

I lose / damage my DS2019

If you lose or damage your DS2019 before you attend your US Embassy interview, you can always download another copy from your US Sponsor application. 

If you have lost/ damaged your DS2019 after you have interviewed at the US Embassy but before you travel you will also have to contact the US Embassy on USVisaDublin@state.gov to request a new stamp. Please be sure to email USIT for further instructions before doing so.

If you have lost/ damaged your DS2019 after you have entered the USA you need to contact your US Sponsor as soon as possible for further instructions.  

I'm in America and I've lost my Social Security card - what do I do?

It is essential you carry your important documents (passport, DS-2019, etc) with you at all times. However, in the case of a lost or stolen Social Security Card, please contact your local Social Security Office to apply for a replacement card. DO NOT apply for a new card.

I need to travel home after losing/damaging my passport or DS2019

If you need to travel home after you have lost/damaged your DS2019 in the USA. You should contact your US Sponsor for further instructions before leaving the USA. 

If you have secured a new passport while in the USA you need to schedule an embassy appointment (using the same details as previous, however select that you are applying for the same visa and you need to have the visa issued into your passport when you return to Ireland. 

Please be sure to factor in time to get your passport returned from the Embassy before you head back to the USA. Bear in mind the max time you can be outside of the USA is 30days, however be sure to check your insurance as they will likely only allow 21 days max in your home country at any one time while insured on their policy. 

I can’t travel by my DS2019 start date

If you cannot travel on your DS2019 start date due to unforeseen circumstances please contact the USIT Team as soon as possible for advice. 

Do not attempt to travel into the USA any later than your DS2019 start date before contacting the team.

I need to visit a doctor while in the USA

If you need to visit the doctor when in the USA, check in with your US Sponsor who can advise. Backpacker Insurance for the USA mostly covers Emergency Medical aid, which may not include standard doctors’ visits. Please be sure to check in with your insurance also. 

My visa is denied 

If your visa is denied the US Embassy officer will tell you on the day of your interview and give you a letter with the reason written on it. If this happens, please be sure to contact the team as soon as possible so we can advise. Depending on the reason for the denial you may be able to re interview to have the denial over turned. 

*All US Visas are issued at the discretion of the US Consular officer on the day of your interview. USIT can in no way 100% guarantee approval. 

*Please be aware if you were missing a document or have been asked to follow up with a document to the US Embassy your status will sit at ‘denied‘ until you have submitted the requested document and the officer makes the final decision. 

I need to cancel my program

If you need to cancel your application please email the Grad Team to request this. Cancellation requests will not be accepted over the phone and must be submitted in writing. Please check the T&C’s on your USIT account for cancellation charges – these depend on the stage your application is at when you cancel. 

I need to leave my program early 

If you need to leave your program early you must contact your US Sponsor to notify them straight away. They will end your program in good standing on the requested date. If you do not do this and become unresponsive to your sponsor you risk being terminated from the program, which may impact future visa applications. 

I have issues at my internship 

If you are experiencing issues at your internship contact your US sponsor straight away for guidance and advice. They will work to help you resolve these issues yourself. If issues cannot be resolved and there is cause for concern, your US sponsor may have to reach out to your employer. They will let you know if this is the case. 

I want to extend my internship 

If you want to extend your time at your current internship up to the 12 months mark ( if you secured a shorter internship), contact your US sponsor to request the extension. Please note, your employer will need to submit a new Training Plan. 

It is not possible to extend your Visa past 12 months. 

I want to change to another visa while in the USA

Your intention on this programme must be to return home and not use this visa as a stepping stone to staying on in the USA. USIT cannot advise on switching Visas while in the USA. 

I need to bring medications with me

If you take prescription medication, bring a supply that will last for your entire stay in the U.S., along with a doctor’s note listing your prescriptions and why you need them. You will need this information if you need to see a doctor while in the U.S.

Be sure to check your airline policy around carrying medications and be sure to keep your prescription with your medication when travelling.

I am denied entry at immigration

If you are denied entry at immigration, you should notify us straight away. The immigration officer should supply you with a transcript of the denial and you should send this on to us so we can advise you on your options.

Your options will depend on the reason for the entry denial and if your visa was Revoked or Cancelled by Immigration.