Automatic Visa Revalidation

Individuals in J, H, TN, E-3 or O-status whose visas have expired and who plan to travel to Canada or Mexico for 30 days or less may re-enter the U.S. as though their visa were still valid. Additionally, individuals in J status may also travel to the Caribbean islands for 30 days or less (except Cuba) and re-enter as though their visa were still valid. This applies also to individuals who changed their status in the U.S. and whose visa is in the category in which they entered the US.

When using the Automatic Visa Revalidation process to re-enter the US, you should carry all relevant travel documents you would normally be required to bring for J, H, TN, E-3, or O-1 status, with the exception of a valid visa sticker in your passport. This visa sticker in your passport may have expired. This applies also to employees and their dependents who changed their status in the U.S. and whose visas are in the category in which they entered the U.S.

Please click here for the CBP Fact Sheet on Automatic Visa Revalidation.  Print the page and carry it with you when you travel.

Note:

• To re-enter the U.S. on the basis of Automatic Visa Revalidation, you must hold on to your I-94 record when you leave the U.S.; this record is needed to re-enter the U.S.
• Individuals who apply for but are denied a visa during their visits abroad are not eligible to participate in the Automatic Visa Revalidation program. Individuals who visited other countries, but are returning to the U.S. via Canada or Mexico (or the Caribbean islands [except Cuba] in J status) are also not eligible for the automatic visa revalidation process.
• Please note that this option is not available to citizens of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.