Automatic Visa Revalidation
In some cases, persons in F/J visa status may re-enter the United States - even if their visas have expired - without obtaining a new visa. This is called Automatic Visa Revalidation.
You can enter the United States and automatically revalidate your visa if:
- You have an expired/valid F/J visa
- Your stay in Canada/Mexico or the Carribean was less than 30 days and you did not travel to other countries
- You have a valid I-20/DS-2019 (your program has not expired and you have a valid signature for travel)
- You have a valid passport with an expiration date of at least six months into the future
- You did not apply to renew your F/J visa status
- and You are not a citizen from
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Sudan
- Syria








