International Scholars

H-1B Travel to Canada & Mexico

Travel to Canada & Mexico
Automatic Visa Revalidation for H-1Bs


In general, re-entering the United States from Canada and Mexico require the same documents and procedures as travel from any other country. However, under very specific and limited conditions, H-1Bs may travel to Canada or Mexico and re-enter with an expired H-1B visa under “automatic visa revalidation.”

Use extreme caution if traveling under this option, and consult an advisor at ISSS before making travel plans! 

Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) allows certain individuals to re-enter the United States from Canada or Mexico with an expired visa as long as they continue to meet all requirements for their visa type. Under AVR the visa is considered to be "extended" to the date of re-entry, eliminating the need to obtain a new visa for that particular entry.

ALL of the following conditions must be met to be eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation: 

  • Your trip must be to Canada or Mexico ONLY. Travel to any other country before returning to the U.S. will make you ineligible for AVR.
  • Your stay in Canada or Mexico must be for 30 days or less.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired passport.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired I-797 Approval Notice.
  • You must have a print out of your current I-94 (available at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home).
  • You must have an expired H-1B visa in your passport.
  • You CANNOT apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate while in Canada or Mexico. If you apply for a new visa you cannot enter the U.S. until the new visa is approved.
  • You must have maintained and intend to resume non-immigrant H-1B status.
  • You are only eligible if you have never had a visa canceled under INA § 222(g)
  • You must not be inadmissible as a nonimmigrant under INA § 212. 
  • Citizens from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria are not eligible.  

Allow extra time at the Port of Entry (airport or land border) for immigration inspection, and double check any stamps or notations in your passport before you leave the inspection area. If you feel there is an error or problem, ask the inspection officer to clarify.

After Re-Entry:

  • Retrieve and print/save your I-94 at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home. Verify that the information on the I-94 is correct and that the “Admit until Date” is the same as your H-1B authorized end date or within 10 days after. If the date is any earlier, notify ISSS immediately.
  • Check entry stamps and I-94s for all H-4 dependents.
  • Make an appointment at ISSS to return the original I-797. Bring your passport, I-797 and I-94 (and dependent’s documents) with you to the appointment.