J-1 student and his or her dependent(s) who travel solely to Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent islands (Saint Pierre, Miquelon, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bermuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Windward and Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Martinique, Other British, French, and Netherlands territory or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea) are allowed, in most cases, to re-enter the U.S. when returning within 30 days even if their current J-1 or J-2 visa has been expired. This rule is called “Automatic Visa Revalidation.” Important:Student is not able to use this rule if he or she meets any of the following conditions: - Applied for a new visa in the applicable countries
- SEVIS record has been terminated (Out-of-Status)
- Have been outside the U.S. for more than 30 days
- Took a trip to the third country from Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent islands
- A citizen of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria
- Students who are ‘Special Registrants’ or NSEERS may have difficulty utilizing Automatic Revalidation and will need to see an advisor at ISPS
Required Documents (all must be valid and original copy) at the Port of Entry: - Form I-94 (you must NOT surrender your Form I-94 upon departure from the US)
- Valid Form DS2019
- Current travel signature
- Passport with a validity date at least six months into the future
- Visa stamp (expired) or Change of status approval notice (I-797)
Note 1: A valid J-1 visa is not required to visit/return from Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska
Note 2: Students are responsible for acquiring appropriate visas to visit Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands. Please refer to the country’s Embassy website to determine visa requirements. |
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