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Important Note on Expired Visas for F and J Visa Holders

If an F-1 student or J-1 visitor is traveling to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island* other than Cuba for 30 days or less, it is not necessary to obtain a new visa for reentry into the U.S., even if the original visa has expired. However, the student will need a properly endorsed and valid I-20 and statement of continued financial support to reenter the U.S.

Please note that starting April 1, 2002, this benefit will not apply to citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba, and any nonimmigrant who applies for a visa renewal during their trip to Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands.

If an F-1 student's visa has expired or the number of authorized entries is exhausted, he/she will have to go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country of residence to apply for a new visa. If a student is traveling to a third country, the student may not be able to acquire another visa and may be denied a renewal. If it is not possible to return to your home country to acquire a new visa, then the student will need a letter from the ISA explaining any extenuating circumstances. This letter will not guarantee the issuance of a visa but may help in the application process. If the student has lost his or her I-20 or has had a substantive change on the I-20, the student should request a new I-20 from the ISA prior to departure.

*The term "adjacent islands" includes Saint Pierre, Miquelon, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, the Windward and Leeward Islands, Trinidad, Martinique, and other British, French, and Netherlands territory or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea.

Renewal of Visas Outside of the U.S. 

*** Visas cannot be renewed in the U.S.

In addition, visa holders must furnish the following to renewal their visa:

• a valid passport
• a current photograph
• a valid I-20 student copy or DS-2019 that has been properly endorsed
• proof of financial support, i.e., letter from the University if student has financial assistance or a scholarship, contract letter from the University, current bank statement, letter from parent's employer, family assets
• proof of enrollment (bill from University, letter from University Registrar)
• proof of nonimmigrant intent, i.e., family ties, promise of employment, family assets in home country, etc.

Office of International Education | University of Richmond VA 23173 | Phone 804-289-8836 | Fax 804-289-8904