Automatic Extension of Visa
For Aliens in F and J Status
***Changes effective April 1, 2002: Automatic Visa Revalidation (also called Automatic Extension of Visa) will no longer be available to nationals of countries the U.S. has identified as sponsors of terrorism. As of 3/25/02 the seven countries identified as sponsoring terrorism are: Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. In addition, aliens who apply for a new visa while abroad in Mexico, Canada or an adjacent island, will no longer be able to re-enter the U.S. under Automatic Extension of Visa.***
Definition
Students & dependents in F or J status may re-enter the United States with an expired visa after traveling solely to Mexico, Canada, or an adjacent island* if the travel is for 30 days or less.
How to Receive this Benefit
An individual in F or J status is eligible for this "automatic extension of visa" provided the individual:
- has not been absent from the U.S. for more than 30 days and was solely in a contiguous territory or adjacent island;
- has maintained and intends to resume his/her current status;
- is in possession of a valid passport, unless exempt from passport requirements. (Individuals carrying new passports issued from within the U.S. to replace an old passport that contains the original nonimmigrant visa may qualify for automatic visa extension only if they have the old passport in their possession.);
- has not applied for a new visa while abroad;
- is not from a country the U.S. has identified as sponsoring terrorism;
- presents a current, valid I-94, and
- presents a valid I-20 (if in F status) or valid IAP-66 (if in J status) which shows an unexpired period of authorized stay and has been endorsed by an international student advisor for travel.
Individuals that changed to F or J status while in the U.S.
An individual who entered the U.S. in a classification other than F or J, but whose status was subsequently changed to F or J may be eligible for "automatic extension and conversion of visa" as long as the above criteria are met.
*Islands Included
According to Section 101(a)(15)(J)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, adjacent islands include Saint Pierre, Miquelon, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, the Windward and Leeward Islands, Trinidad, Martinique, and other British, French, and Netherlands territories or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea.
Exceptions
The automatic extension rule does NOT apply to individuals who are out of status in the U.S. or whose visa has been canceled. Most port of entry officials will require a current valid visa for Mexican and Caribbean students to re-enter the U.S. if coming from their home country.
Other Nonimmigrants
Individuals in many other non-immigrant classifications can also travel to Mexico and Canada for 30 days or less with an expired visa. Please consult an international student advisor for details.
Obtaining a Mexican or Canadian Visa
Note, when traveling to Canada or Mexico you may be required to obtain a visa to enter either of these countries. Please contact the appropriate consulate for more information.
Canadian Consulate General
Immigration Section 1015
600 Renaissance Center, Suite 1100
Detroit, MI 48243-1798
Phone: (313) 567-2085
Fax: 313.567.2125
Mexico Consulate
Locust St. Suite 922
St. Louis, MO 63101
Phone: (314) 436-3233
They suggest you call for details.
To Obtain a New U.S. Visa
If traveling to Canada or Mexico for the purpose of obtaining a new U.S. entry visa, an appointment is required. Detailed instructions on “How to Apply for a Visa at a Border Post If You are a Third Country National Present in the United States or Visiting Canada” can be found on the web at: http://travel.state.gov/tcn.html
Please note – effective April 1, 2002, if you apply for a new visa and it is denied, you will not be allowed to re-enter the U.S. under Automatic Extension of Visa. Even if it is approved, some aliens will only receive a single entry visa which will be used to re-enter the U.S. Please exercise caution!
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Last Updated July 31, 2007