Video URL
Automatic Visa Revalidation FAQs
Friday, January 17, 2025 - 07:10
F-1 visa stamping and stamping in third-country; Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR)
Question
I am in the US with an approved COS from B2 to F1, so my F1 visa is yet to be stamped on my (Indian)Passport.
1. My STEM masters program is for 9 months, and my I20 has a start and end date of 2 years(2026). Do I have to stamp before the end of 2 years to avail myself of the OPT and STEM validity?
2.I might have to visit a family member in Canada sometime in mid-2025 after my master's program has started. Is it advisable to go to Canada since I do not have the F1 stamped on my Visa? If I can visit, then will I require a different visa?
3. Is it possible for me to schedule my F1 Visa stamping in Canada during the visit? Or would you advise something different here? Or is it better to get it stamped in Mexico?
Friday, March 10, 2017 - 09:13
Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) Traveling to Canada
Question
My wife is in F-1 visa status (cos from H-4) and I am on H-1B (I-140 approved). She needs to travel to Canada for an academic conference and she doesn't have stamping on her passport. Can we apply for visa stamping in Canada?
Answer
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) traveling to Canada
Video Transcript:
She can apply for visa stamping in Canada. She can just use the H-4, 1-94 and at the airport when they ask her to surrender the I-94 she can tell them that she will be using the same I-94 to come back. Keep a copy of the I-94. If they insist on the surrender you can show them a copy of the I-94. On your way back they should let you on your AVR. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
Thursday, December 6, 2012 - 01:34
K-1 Visa Automatic Visa Revalidation
Question
K-1 visa holders are limited to a single entry. May a K-1 visa holder nevertheless take advantage of automatic visa revalidation?
Answer
Yes. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) indicates that there is no law or regulation that precludes K-1 visa holders from benefiting from the automatic revalidation provision, provided all entry requirements and criteria are met, and their K-1 status has not changed since their initial K-1 admission.