If your visa has expired, you will most likely need to renew your visa before returning to the U.S. after international travel.
In limited circumstances, you may be able to use an expired visa to return from a short trip to a neighboring country using something called "automatic visa revalidation." Please talk to an advisor if you are interested in traveling with this option.
You are allowed to remain in the United States during the program authorized on your I-20/DS-2019, even if your entry visa expires while you are in the United States.
How to Obtain a New Visa
- Visit the U.S. State Department website for links to U.S. Consulates around the world. If possible, schedule an appointment before you depart the U.S.
- Ensure that you have all of the proper documents. Requirements may vary by consulate, but generally you will need to present:
- Valid passport
- Valid I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature
- Evidence of funding/employment
- Either a transcript (if you are still a student) or documentation of your post-graduation work authorization (if you have graduated)
- Ensure that you have plenty of time while traveling to accommodate potential delays with your visa, including security clearances or administrative processing. More information about this is available on the Security Clearance Check page.
- You will be required to pay a new visa application fee, but do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
Visa Denials
It is rare for returning students or scholars to be denied a new entry visa. There are no guarantees, however, so there is always some risk that your request for a new visa will be denied. This risk increases under the following situations:
- You are applying for a visa in a country other than your home country (Third Country National Visa Applications). You have the right to apply for a visa in any country, but it will be less risky to apply in your home country. If you must apply in a third country, be prepared to present additional evidence that documents why you needed to get a visa in the third country.
- You are pursuing a post-graduation work authorization (OPT or AT). Students on post-graduation work authorizations are eligible to apply for a new visa, but your risk of denial is increased, especially if you do not already have a job. If you must apply for a visa during a period of authorized post-graduation work, be prepared to present evidence of employment (a letter from your employer will be best) to the U.S. consulate.
- You have close family members (spouse, parents, or siblings) who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. If you have close family members in the U.S., the consular official may question your ties to your home country.
- You are named in a pending immigrant application such as an I-140.
