Travel to Canada or Mexico and Automatic Revalidation
If you make a trip to Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days and your entry visa (F-1) is expired, you can normally return to the U.S. without applying for a new visa because of a regulation called Automatic Revalidation. Individuals in F-1 status are also eligible for Automatic Revalidation when traveling to adjacent islands of the U.S.
To qualify for Automatic Revalidation you must:
- Have your I-94 in hand
- Have a signed I-20
- Have an expired entry visa with you, even if it is in an old passport
- Return to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or adjacent island other than Cuba within 30 days
- Have maintained and intend to resume nonimmigrant status
Exceptions to Automatic Revalidation:
- Automatic Revalidation can no longer be used by individuals who are applying for a visa in Canada or Mexico. You cannot reenter the U.S. while waiting for your visa, and if the visa is denied you will need to depart Canada and return home to apply for a visa
- Nationals of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, and Cuba are not eligible for Automatic Revalidation
- Automatic Revalidation does not apply if you intend to return to the U.S. in a different status. In this case, a new visa must be obtained
If you plan to travel using Automatic Revalidation, contact your DSO.