Automatic Revalidation of Expired F-1 and J-1 Student Visas

Normally, students with expired visas can’t come back into the United States after travel. But there is an exception called Automatic Revalidation for nonimmigrant F and J visa holders who meet certain requirements, including, but not limited to the following:

• Nonimmigrants who departed the United States for brief travel to Canada, Mexico, or an adjacent island for 30 days or less.
• Nonimmigrants with a valid (unexpired) admission stamp or paper Form I-94 (arrival/departure record) endorsed by US Department of Homeland Security.

Many circumstances can void an F or J student’s eligibility to use Automatic Revalidation, including applying for a new F or J visa while you are abroad. For the most current information on Automatic Revalidations, visit the U.S. Department of State website.

You can also reference Custom and Border Protection (CBP’s) website for more travel info and FAQs for nonimmigrant students.

Plan ahead

If your nonimmigrant F and J visa is expired, but you want to come back to the US after short travel using Automatic Revalidation, you need to do the following:

• Before you leave the US, make sure you have the necessary visas for all the countries you plan to visit.
• Keep a copy of your I-94 card with you. If you have an electronic I-94 record, print out a copy of it and bring it with you. When you return to the US, use the same Form I-94.
• Bring your immigration documents with you. This includes your passport, visa and I-94 card.
• If you’re traveling by car, tell the US Border Patrol officers you have a short trip planned and you intend to return using Automatic Revalidation.

Contact ISO if you have any questions before you travel.