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Automatic Visa Revalidation

Automatic Visa Revalidation allows certain individuals who are in valid status in the U.S. holding expired U.S. visas to reenter the U.S. after a short trip of less than 30 days to another country in North America. Automatic visa revalidation is not the same as applying for a new visa. 

 

Individuals Not Eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation:

  • Citizens of Iran, Syria, Sudan, North Korea and Cuba
  • Individuals who are inadmissible as a nonimmigrant under INA § 212
  • Individuals who have had a visa canceled under INA § 222(g)

F and J Status

Students, scholars, and dependents in F or J status may travel to the following locations and qualify for Automatic Visa Revalidation:

  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Adjacent islands, except for Cuba. The adjacent islands are:
    • Saint Pierre
    • Miquelon
    • The Dominican Republic
    • Haiti
    • Bermuda
    • The Bahamas
    • Barbados
    • Jamaica
    • The Windward and Leeward Islands
    • Trinidad
    • Martinique
    • Other British, French, and Netherlands territory or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea

Documents Required to Reenter the U.S.

  • Unexpired passport, valid for 6 months beyond the date of reentry to the U.S.
  • I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature from OISS signed within the last 12 months (6 months for F-1 students on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT).
  • Expired F or J visa or if you changed your immigration status within the U.S., you must show your previous U.S. visa (expired or valid) and documentation proving that your change of status was approved.
  • Printout of electronic I-94, if you entered the U.S. after I-94 automation. Print your I-94 on the I-94 website.
  • Original paper I-94, if you entered the U.S. before I-94 automation.

Can I Travel to Another Country Outside of Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands?

If you travel to another country through Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands, you are not eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation. You will have to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate and you will have to wait for your visa to be approved before you can reenter the U.S.

Can I Apply for a New Visa While Traveling?

While it may be possible to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate while traveling, if you apply for a new visa during your trip you are not eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation. You will have to wait for your new visa to be approved before you can reenter the U.S.

H-1B and H-4 Status

Employees and dependents in H-1B and H-4 status may travel to the following locations and qualify for Automatic Visa Revalidation:

  • Canada
  • Mexico

Documents Required to Reenter the U.S.

H-1B Employees

  • Passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the date of reentry.
  • Expired H-1B visa or if you changed your immigration status within the U.S., you must show your previous U.S. visa (expired or valid) and documentation proving that your change of status was approved.
  • Original and current H-1B approval notice. 
  • Printout of electronic I-94, if you entered the U.S. after I-94 automation. Print your I-94 on the I-94 website.
  • Original paper I-94, if you entered the U.S. before I-94 automation. 

H-4 Dependents:

  • Passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the date of reentry.
  • Expired H-4 visa or if you changed your immigration status within the U.S., you must show your previous U.S. visa (expired or valid) and documentation proving that your change of status to H-4 was approved.
  • Copy of the H-1B Approval Notice.
  • Printout of electronic I-94, if you entered the U.S. after I-94 automation. Print your I-94 on the I-94 website.
  • Original paper I-94, if you entered the U.S. before I-94 automation.

Can I Travel to Another Country Outside of Canada or Mexico?

If you travel to another country through Canada or Mexico you are not eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation. You will have to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate and you will have to wait for your visa to be approved before you can reenter the U.S.

Can I Apply for a New Visa While Traveling?

While it may be possible to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate while traveling, if you apply for a new visa during your trip you are not eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation. You will have to wait for your new visa to be approved before you can reenter the U.S.

Visas to Enter Canada, Mexico and Adjacent Islands

You may need to apply for a visa to enter Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands. Check with the embassy of the country you wish to visit at least three months before your trip to find out if you need a visa and how to apply. 

Visa information for Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands

Visit Canada - Canadian Consulate

Visas - Mexican Consulate in Chicago

For the Adjacent Islands, find the embassy of the island you are planning to visit on the U.S. Department of State - Websites of Foreign Embassies in the U.S.