/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

Automatic Revalidation of an Expired Visa

If your U.S. visa has expired, you are normally not allowed to re-enter the United States. However, in limited situations, you may return using automatic revalidation. This option allows you to re-enter the U.S. with an expired visa after a short trip, if you meet all requirements below.

Who Can Use Automatic Revalidation

You may be eligible if you are in F-1 or J-1 status and you:

  • Travel only to Canada, Mexico, or certain Caribbean islands (see list below)
  • Stay outside the U.S. for 30 days or less
  • Maintain your immigration status and plan to continue your program
Eligible Countries and Territories
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Bermuda
  • Dominican Republic
  • Haiti
  • Jamaica
  • Martinique
  • St. Pierre and Miquelon
  • Trinidad
  • Leeward Islands (Anguilla, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Kitts, British Virgin Islands)
  • Windward Islands (Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent)
  • Other British, French, or Dutch territories or possessions, in or bordering the Caribbean Sea. Check the official government list to confirm your destination is included.

Eligibility Requirements

You may use automatic revalidation only if all conditions below are met:

  • You travel only to the countries listed above
  • You remain outside the U.S. for 30 days or less
  • You have maintained your F-1 or J-1 status
  • You will return before your program end date on your Form I-20 or DS-2019
  • You have a valid Form I-94 (print a copy before you travel)
  • You have a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future, unless exempt)
  • You have a valid travel signature on your Form I-20 or DS-2019

If you are on OPT, you may still be eligible if you meet all requirements.

When You Are NOT Eligible

You cannot use automatic revalidation if:

  • You apply for a new U.S. visa while outside the United States
  • Your visa application is pending or denied
  • You travel to a country not listed above
  • You stay outside the U.S. for more than 30 days
  • Your visa has been canceled or revoked (Check the status of your visa using the Department of State's Visa Status Portal)

You are also not eligible if you are a citizen of a country designated by the U.S. government as a state sponsor of terrorism (currently Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Syria).

Important Travel Considerations

  • If you plan to visit any country on your trip, make sure you have the required entry visa for that country
  • If you travel outside the eligible regions or stay longer than 30 days, you must obtain a new U.S. visa before returning
  • If you have a new passport, carry both your new passport and your old passport with the visa

What to Carry When You Travel

When you leave and return to the United States, carry:

When you return, you should be admitted using the same I-94 record.

Important

Automatic revalidation is a helpful option, but it has strict rules. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact your international student advisor before you travel.