Canada, Mexico and adjacent islands for J-1 scholars

J-1 scholars whose visa has expired may be able to return to the U.S. after traveling to Mexico, Canada and neighboring islands/U.S. territories under the following conditions:

• Visit is not more than 30 days and the purpose is pleasure or vacation only.
• Scholar has maintained full-time J-1 status at all times.
• Scholar has an unexpired passport and unexpired I-94.
• Scholar has DS-2019 endorsed for travel within a year.
• Scholar has not applied for a visa during the visit.
• Scholar is not from the countries identified as State Sponsors of Terrorism by the Department of State.

The automatic visa revalidation process re-validates that you are eligible to enter the U.S. for this single trip. It is not considered a new admission to the U.S. nor a renewal of a visa.  If you are considering using the automatic visa revalidation process, please contact ISSC to set up an appointment to meet with an advisor.