Office of International Student Services : Automatic Revalidation of Visa

Canada

Mexico

Puerto Rico

Virgin Islands

Other US

Territories

An individual classified F-1 may travel to either Canada, Mexico, or contiguous territories (American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island) and return to the U.S. and be readmitted under the automatic revalidation of visa policy.

 It is now very difficult to get a U.S. visa renewed in Canada or Mexico.  If you wish to attempt a visa renewal in either location, you must call and make an appointment (1-900-433-3131).

If you go to either country for a visa renewal and your request is denied, you are not eligible for readmission to the U.S. (the automatic revalidation of visa policy does not apply to these individuals). You are taking a risk!
You will be forced to fly out of this country!

You may go to any U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the world to request either an initial or a renewed visa.  Presently the Department of State prefers that individuals request U.S. visas at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in either your home country or country of foreign residence.  Exceptional cases will be considered (i.e., the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country is closed).

What is needed to have your visa automatically revalidated?

 Your expired F-1 visa will be considered revalidated for entry if you meet these requirements.

1. Have a valid passport for at least six months beyond the reentry date
   
   

2. Have an I-94 indicating F-1  D/S

3. Carry a recently endorsed for travel I-20, and are returning to the U.S. in less than 30 days)

Back of I-20