If you plan to travel to another country that is not your country of citizenship, you should check to see if you need a visa to travel there. You can find a list of embassies and consulates in the U.S. on the U.S. State Department website. ISS is not able to advise on or assist with visa applications for other countries.
Transit Visa
You may need a visa just to transit through another country, even if you do not intend to leave the airport during your layover. Check the requirements of each country before you purchase your ticket.
Applying for a visa in another country
Please note that it is more difficult to apply for a U.S. visa while in one of these countries unless you are a citizen of that country. Contact the U.S. consulate in that country to inquire about your eligibility to apply there. Plan for delays and additional requirements.
Automatic Visa Revalidation:
Travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean
If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent Caribbean islands, you may not need to obtain a new visa to reenter the U.S., if you meet the following conditions below.
Please check the U.S. Department of State automatic visa revalidation page before you plan your travels.
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F-1 or J-1 status
Currently be in valid F-1 or J-1 student status.
I-20 or DS-2019
Have a valid I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature.
I-94 record
Have a print-out of an unexpired I-94 record with you (do not surrender it when you leave the U.S.).
Passport
Have an unexpired passport valid at least six months into the future.
F-1 or J-1 visa
Have a previously-issued F-1 or J-1 visa that is or will be expired when you reenter the U.S.
Make sure your visa has not been cancelled the U.S. Department of State.
If you have applied for a visa abroad, you are not eligible for automatic visa revalidation. You must wait for the outcome of your visa application.
SEVIS Fee Receipt
Proof that you have paid the SEVIS fee for your current I-20/DS-2019 SEVIS ID.
Less than 30 days outside of the U.S.
Be in Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent Caribbean islands (except Cuba) for less than 30 days.
If you travel to Cuba, you are not eligible.
Exceptions
Automatic visa validation does not apply to students who are citizens of the countries named above and who are traveling to their home country. In those cases, students must obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa to reenter the U.S., except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda.
Nationals of countries that the U.S. has designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, including Iran, Syria, and Sudan, are not eligible for automatic revalidation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Q&A: Can I re-enter the U.S. with a valid I-94 and expired visa?