Taking a Trip Outside the US while Attending EMU
F-1 and J-1 visa students need:
- To be registered as a full-time student for the upcoming semester
- Updated I-20 or validated DS-2019 with OIS travel signature within the past 6 months
- Passport valid for at least 6 months into the future
- Visa stamp in your passport which is valid for re-entry on your anticipated return date
It is your responsibility to determine if the country you plan to visit requires a valid visa for you to enter. Make sure to surrender your I-94 card to the airline agents upon departure from the US, unless you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands for less than 30 days.
Traveling Outside US on an Expired F-1 or J-1 Visa
If your F-1 or J-1 visa has expired, you may not be required to obtain a new visa if you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands. This is called Automatic Visa Revalidation.
The following conditions apply:
- Your trip must be limited to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island
- Your trip must be less than 30 days in length
To re-enter the US you must have:
- Passport valid 6 months into the future
- Updated I-20 or validated DS-2019 with OIS travel signature within the past 6 months
- Your original I-94 card from when you last entered the USA. Do not surrender your I-94 card upon departure from the United States.
- Expired visa
- Be registered as a full time student for the upcoming semester
Please note that if you changed status in the US and do not have a F or J visa in your passport, then you are not eligible for the Automatic Visa Revalidation.
For more questions on the Automatic Visa Revalidation, please visit: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel/faq_f2.htm#_Toc81222014.
