Automatic Visa Revalidation
Automatic visa revalidation allows an individual with an expired F or J visa to re-enter the United States after a visit to Canada or Mexico (F, J and H), and adjacent islands (F and J only) using a valid, un-expired Form I-94 in place of a visa.
The person seeking re-entry must be returning from a visit to Canada or Mexico of fewer than 30 days duration (N.B.: this procedure is not available if the visa holder has visited any countries other than Canada, Mexico, or "adjacent islands").
If you apply for a US visa at a US Embassy or Consulate while in this contiguous territory you are not eligible.
- The person seeking re-entry must be in possession of a valid, un-expired Form I-94;
- An individual in J-1 or J-2 status should have a current and valid Form DS-2019;
- An individual in H-1B Nonimmigrant Worker status should have a current and valid Notice of Action (Form I-797);
- The person seeking re-entry must have a valid passport; and
- The person cannot be a citizen of "state sponsors of terrorism" (see below)
Please Note:
- An individual who meets these criteria should be permitted to re-enter the United States as though s/he had never left. If you have changed your immigration status in the US then you should be readmitted in the changed classification.
- You must present an original Form I-94 - you should not allow the airline (or anyone else) to remove the Form I-94 upon departure from the U.S.
- The Form I-94 presented must be valid - it cannot have expired or be for an incorrect nonimmigrant status. For example, an individual who is in Visitor for Pleasure (B-2) status and who has applied for but not yet received a change of status to Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) status would not be considered eligible to leave and return to the U. S. through this process.
- You must not have violated your status when previously in the U.S.
- If you are a national of Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, or Cuba you are not eligible to reenter the US with Automatic Visa Revalidation
