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22 CFR § 41.112(d) / 8 CFR § 214.1(b) / 30-Day Rule

Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR)

Qualifying travel to Canada, Mexico, and, for eligible F and J travelers, adjacent islands on an expired U.S. visa. Learn the regulatory requirements, documentation rules, and common AVR traps.

Regulatory Authority
22 CFR § 41.112(d) (State Dept)
8 CFR § 214.1(b) (DHS/CBP)

What is Automatic Visa Revalidation?

A U.S. visa generally permits a nonimmigrant to seek admission during the visa validity period. The visa validity period is separate from the period of authorized stay granted by DHS, which is reflected in the traveler’s admission record or Form I-94.

Federal regulations provide a limited exception known as Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR). Under this provision, certain eligible nonimmigrants with expired visas may seek readmission without first obtaining a new visa, provided they satisfy the applicable AVR requirements. CBP makes the admission decision at the U.S. port of entry.

This rule facilitates short-term travel for business, leisure, or family visits. Because AVR is enforced strictly by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), misunderstanding the rules can result in being turned away at the border or denied boarding by airlines.

The Core Rules of AVR

To qualify for Automatic Visa Revalidation at a port of entry, a traveler must meet all of the following regulatory criteria simultaneously:

1. Eligible Destinations

Your travel must remain within the territory permitted by the AVR rules. For most nonimmigrants, this means Canada or Mexico. For qualifying F and J nonimmigrants, travel may also include qualifying adjacent islands, excluding Cuba.

2. The 30-Day Limit

You must have been outside the United States for 30 days or less. If the absence exceeds 30 days, automatic revalidation does not apply.

3. Maintain Valid Status & Documentation

You must have maintained and intend to resume the applicable nonimmigrant status and must be seeking readmission within the authorized period of admission or extension of stay. Travelers should carry the applicable DHS admission record or Form I-94 and supporting status documentation. Qualifying F and J travelers should carry the required Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.

4. Zero Pending Visa Applications (The Trap)

You must NOT apply for a new U.S. visa while abroad if you intend to rely on AVR. Applying for a new nonimmigrant visa makes you ineligible to use automatic revalidation.

AVR and Approved Change of Status (COS)

Under 22 CFR § 41.112(d)(1)(ii), when DHS has changed a nonimmigrant classification to another nonimmigrant classification, the validity of an expired or unexpired nonimmigrant visa may be considered automatically extended to the date of application for readmission and converted as necessary to the changed classification, provided the applicable AVR requirements are satisfied. An approved Form I-797A may be important supporting evidence in a change-of-status case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) is described in both 22 CFR § 41.112(d) and 8 CFR § 214.1(b). Subject to the applicable requirements, certain nonimmigrants with expired visas may seek readmission to the United States after qualifying travel to Canada, Mexico, or, for qualifying F and J nonimmigrants, an adjacent island, for 30 days or less.

No. If you apply for a new nonimmigrant visa while abroad, you cannot take advantage of automatic revalidation. This applies whether the new visa has not yet been issued or the application was denied. The disqualifying event is applying for the new visa, not merely submitting a DS-160 form.

Yes, in appropriate circumstances. Under 22 CFR § 41.112(d)(1)(ii), when DHS has changed a nonimmigrant classification to another nonimmigrant classification, the validity of an expired or unexpired nonimmigrant visa may be considered automatically extended to the date of application for readmission and converted as necessary to the changed classification, provided the applicable AVR requirements are satisfied. For example, a person who changed from F-1 to H-1B status may qualify if all requirements are met.

The adjacent-island provision applies to qualifying F and J nonimmigrants, including qualifying students or exchange visitors and eligible accompanying family members, subject to the AVR requirements. M-1 students do not receive the adjacent-island exception and are limited to Canada and Mexico. Cuba is also excluded for F and J travelers.

AVR does not apply in several circumstances, including when: 1) you have been outside the United States for more than 30 days; 2) you have traveled to a country outside the territory covered by the AVR provisions; 3) you have applied for a new nonimmigrant visa while abroad; 4) you are a national of a State Sponsor of Terrorism country covered by the AVR restriction, currently including Iran, Syria, and Sudan; 5) an F or J traveler has traveled to Cuba; or 6) an M student has traveled outside the United States other than to Canada or Mexico.

You should carry a valid passport, unless an applicable passport exemption applies, together with your valid DHS admission record or Form I-94 and documentation supporting your current nonimmigrant status. Qualifying F students should carry the required Form I-20, and qualifying J exchange visitors should carry the required Form DS-2019. Travelers relying on a change of status should also carry the applicable approval and status documentation. There is no general AVR rule requiring six months of passport validity.
Official U.S. Government Portals

• U.S. State Department Automatic Revalidation Rules: travel.state.gov/auto-revalidate
• CBP Automatic Visa Revalidation Guidance: CBP Automatic Revalidation Guidance

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Adjacent Islands

For qualifying F and J nonimmigrants, AVR can apply after travel to qualifying adjacent islands other than Cuba, subject to all other AVR requirements. The statutory definition of "adjacent islands" is found in INA § 101(b)(5):

  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Bermuda
  • Dominican Republic
  • Haiti
  • Jamaica
  • Trinidad
  • Martinique
  • Windward and Leeward Islands
  • Other territories or possessions covered by the statutory definition
  • Cuba is excluded for F and J AVR travel
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