For F-1 Students

Travel and Re-Entry

If you are thinking of leaving the U.S., even for a few hours, there are some things you should know.

F-1 students and F-2 dependents are generally given visas that have either multiple entries, or a limited number of entries (usually 1 or 2, in this case).  The visas also have a specific period of validity, often (but not always) four years.  The difference between these can be confusing, especially to the visa holders.  The number of entries refers to how often the visa may be used to enter the U.S.  The period of validity refers to the length of time the visa is usuable for entry to the U.S. 

When an F visa holder is admitted to the U.S., it is almost always as D/S (duration of status), which can be seen on your I-94 and I-20, when they are stamped.  Visa holders with D/S are allowed to use their F-1 visa even after it has expired, to re-enter the U.S., under very specific conditions.  This provision is known as automatic visa revalidation , and it has no limit on duration (the current record-holder is someone who has been crossing regularly for 10 years after the visa expiration date).

• The travel may take place only to Mexico, Canada and the neighboring islands
• The passport must still be valid
• The I-20 and status must still be valid
• The visa holder must retain the I-94 card upon departure, so it can be presented upon return
• The time spent outside the U.S. must not exceed 30 days

“Trapped”: REMEMBER: The automatic revalidation does NOT work for travel to any other nations!!!  With some regularity, someone forgets that this only works for neighboring countries, and travels to another nation not covered by this provision.  This is quite common during summer vacations, and is unfortunately difficult to deal with.  Typically, you wouldn’t find out until trying to board the return flight, which you will not be permitted to do.  There are only a few solutions to this:

• You may apply for a new visa in the country they currently find themselves.  This is challenging, since they usually don’t have the necessary documents with them.
• You may book another flight that does not pass through the U.S.
• You may enter the U.S. as a tourist, if possible, then apply for a visa renewal in Juarez or another convenient consulate.  If this is done by a student, they may not attend classes during this time, since that activity is not permitted as a tourist.  They may only return to attending classes when they have re-entered the U.S. as a student again (gotten a new I-94 for F-1 status).

Before travelling, we recommend you check your I-20, and see when the last signature for travel was.  If it’s been more than six months, we recommend a new signature before you go, to confirm to Port of Entry officials that you are still in status.  This also gives us a chance to review your situation, and if there are any problems, work with you to resolve them before you go.