May I apply to re-enter the U.S. with an expired visa after a brief visit to Canada or Mexico?
Maybe. Initially, it will depend on the country of which you are a citizen; whether you applied for and were denied a visa during this visit; or whether you are in F-1, M or J-1 Nonimmigrant Status. Please note that you will not be permitted to re-enter the U.S. if you have a visa application pending at the U.S. consulate in Mexico or Canada; you may only enter the U.S. once your visa application has been approved. In rare circumstances a person may be able to re-enter the U.S. if the person was denied a visa abroad but has a valid unexpired visa in his or her passport. The U.S. State Department regulations have provided for decades that foreign nationals in the United States on temporary visas (not green card holders) whose actual visa in their passport has expired could, nonetheless, visit Canada or Mexico for 30 days or less as long as the individual possesses a valid I-94 card verifying current lawful status. They would be allowed back into the U.S. upon presentation of their valid
Related Questions
- What happens if I am denied re-entry to the U.S. after a brief visit to Canada or Mexico because I am a citizen of a designated terrorist sponsoring state without a valid visa?
- I plan to travel to Canada, Mexico or one of the islands (except Cuba) adjacent to the United States. Can I still use my expired visa?
- If I am denied a visa at the U.S. Consulate in Mexico or Canada, can I use the Visa Waiver Program to re-enter the U.S.?
