This regulation provides that, under certain circumstances, a person with an expired nonimmigrant visa* can reenter the USA from "contiguous territories" (Canada and Mexico) and (for those in F and J status) from "adjacent islands" (not Cuba) with an expired visa.

Those circumstances include:

1. The person must have traveled ONLY to the contiguous territories or adjacent islands 2. The absence cannot exceed 30 days 3. The person can NOT apply for a new US nonimmigrant visa during this time 4. This regulation does NOT apply to nationals of countries designated as "state sponsors of terrorism"(see http://www.state.gov/s/ct/c14151.htm) 5. Has maintained and intends to maintain non-immigration status in the U.S. 6. Holds a valid passport

IMPORTANT: The student must retain his/her I-94 when leaving the USA to ensure successful re-entry to the U.S.

If you are traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean by cruise ship, please contact the cruise line before purchasing your cruise to ensure they will recognize automatic revalidation and allow you to travel outside the U.S. without a valid F-1 visa.

*N4.1 Definition of "Expired Nonimmigrant Visa" With regard to the automatic extension of validity of expired nonimmigrant visas at ports of entry pursuant to 22 CFR 41.112(d), an "expired nonimmigrant visa" means a visa which is no longer valid due to the passage of time or because the maximum number of entries for which the visa is valid has been reached.