Entering the U.S. — From Canada, Mexico, & Adjacent Islands
Individuals (F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2) traveling to Canada, Mexico, or Adjacent Islands MUST carry and present required immigration documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Port of Entry (POE). BEFORE traveling, individuals should review the ISO Entering the U.S. web pages that apply to their situation (new, current, or alumni status) for detailed requirements.
- I. What to Expect at U.S. Entry
- II. Documents Required to Enter the U.S.
- III. Travel Documentation & Processing
- IV. Important Travel Reminders & Resources
I. WHAT TO EXPECT AT U.S. ENTRY
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers inspect all travelers requesting entry into the U.S., including U.S. citizens. As such, entry into the U.S. is at the sole discretion of the CBP Officer.
Review the ISO Travel Reminders & Resources information on the ISO Entering the U.S. for All International Students webpage for detailed guidance and answers to common questions.
ATTENTION: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other authorities may request these documents, especially near U.S. borders (within 100 miles of Canada or Mexico) or at transportation hubs. As mentioned above, students traveling in these areas should always carry their original immigration documents.
II. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO ENTER THE U.S.
Guidance for New/Incoming Students (First-Time Entry To The U.S.)
BEFORE traveling, all New/Incoming, Transfer-In, or Return from Leave of Absence international students MUST review the entry requirements on the ISO First-Time/New MIT Student Entering The U.S. webpage.
Current Students (Entering The U.S.)
BEFORE traveling, all current enrolled F-1 and J-1 students (i.e., not yet graduated) MUST review the entry requirements for their status on the ISO web pages below:
- F-1 Current Students: Review the ISO Entering the U.S. (Continuing F-1 Students) webpage.
- J-1 Current Students: Review the ISO Entering the U.S. (Continuing J-1 Students) webpage.
Alumni Students (Entry After Program Completion)
BEFORE traveling, all alumni F-1 and J-1 who have graduated from MIT and are in a period of Optional Practical Training (F-1 students) or Academic Training (J-1 students) MUST review the entry requirements for their status on the ISO web pages below:
- F-1 Alumni Students: Review the ISO Traveling During F-1 OPT/STEM OPT webpage.
- J-1 Alumni Students: Review the ISO Entering the U.S. (Continuing J-1 Alumni Students) webpage.
III. TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION & PROCESSING
IMPORTANT: MIT-sponsored F-1 and J-1 Students MUST request a new “Certificate of Eligibility” (F-1 Form I-20 or J-1 Form DS-2019) document with an updated travel signature online through iMIT. The ISO DOES NOT accept in-person requests.
ATTENTION: Individuals sponsored by MIT MUST enter the U.S. only in F or J status (F-1/J-1 and F-2s/J2s). Entry in any other U.S. immigration status (B-1/B-2, ESTA/VWP, etc.) will terminate F/J status and result in the loss of legal eligibility to remain and study in the U.S.
Requesting Updated Immigration Documents & Travel Signatures
BEFORE making travel plans or submitting a request to the ISO, students MUST check if their most recently issued “Certificate of Eligibility” document already has a valid travel signature.
REMINDER: A valid travel signature on a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 is NOT required to exit/depart the U.S. It is ONLY needed for entry into the U.S.
| F-1 & J-1 Student Types | Valid Travel Signature Must Be Dated Within |
| Current Students | F-1 Student: Most recently issued Form I-20 has been signed for travel (page 2) within the past 12 months. J-1 Student: Most recently issued Form DS-2019 has been signed for travel (page 1) within the past 12 months. |
| Alumni Students (With OPT / Academic Training) | F-1 Student: Most recently issued Form I-20 has been signed for travel (page 2) within the past 6months. J-1 Student: Most recently issued Form DS-2019 has been signed for travel (page 1) within the past 6 months. |
REMINDER: Individuals traveling to or transiting through a country(s) where they are not a citizen or permanent resident MUST check entry/transit requirements with that country’s embassy/consulate BEFORE departure. A list of Foreign Embassies & Consulates can be found on the U.S. Department of State (DOS) website [here].
How to Request a New Form I-20 / Form DS-2019 in iMIT
- 1) Log in to iMIT (full-client services for current students / limited-client services for alumni)
- 2) Select ”(F-1 or J-1) Student Services” from the left-side menu.
- 3) Complete the ”Request Replacement of (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019)” e-Form.
- Select a reason for the new “Certificate of Eligibility” document request (e.g., “Travel Signature”).
- Upload the REQUIRED financial support documentation.
- Current Students: As part of the e-Form request, students MUST upload updated financial support documentation that has been issued within the past 6 months and shows up to 12 months of financial support – OR – funding until the program end date, whichever is earlier.
- Alumni Students: As part of the e-Form request, students MUST upload updated financial support documentation that has been issued within the past 6 months and shows up to 12 months of financial support – OR – funding until the end date of their work/employment authorization period (OPT/AT), whichever is earlier.
- 5) Review all information and documents to make sure they are correct and up to date.
- 5) Click “Submit”.
REMINDER: When the new document is processed, students are REQUIRED to download, print, and “wet” sign their new electronic “Certificate of Eligibility” document by hand to make it a valid hard copy, accepted by the U.S. government.
ISO Processing Times
- Immigration Document Processing Timeline: The ISO strives to process immigration requests as efficiently as possible and typically completes correct and complete requests within 10 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) from the date of submission through iMIT.
- Delivery of Immigration Documents: After the ISO processes a request, the student will receive an email at the primary email address on file. The email will include instructions on how to access and download the immigration document.
- Immigration Document Signature Requirements: Students are NOT permitted to sign immigration documents digitally or electronically. Upon receiving the document(s), students MUST download, print, and hand-sign (“wet sign”) and date the document(s) to make it a valid hard copy, accepted by the U.S. government.
- NOTE: Signed documents may then be used for international travel and visa sticker/stamp applications (as applicable).
IMPORTANT: Students should always carry previously issued immigration documents when traveling, as these may be needed to verify their prior U.S. immigration history.
IV. IMPORTANT TRAVEL REMINDERS & RESOURCES
What is Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR)?
Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) is a provision under U.S. immigration regulations [22 CFR 41.112(d)] that allows specific eligible individuals to re-enter the United States with an expired visa sticker/stamp. This provision ONLY applies when:
- Travel was LIMITED to Canada, Mexico, or Adjacent Islands for tourism.
- The absence from the U.S. was less than 30 calendar days.
- ALL AVR eligibility requirements are fully met.
AVR Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR), an individual MUST:
- Hold a U.S. visa sticker/stamp that has expired but corresponds to their current U.S. immigration status.
- The visa sticker/stamp CANNOT be marked “Cancelled” or “Revoked.”
- Return to the U.S. DIRECTLY from Canada, Mexico, or Adjacent Islands.
- Return to the U.S. in the same immigration status held BEFORE departure.
- Carry a copy of their most recent I-94 record, verifying their U.S. immigration status before departure.
- Carry all other required travel documents outlined in the relevant ISO travel web pages.
IMPORTANT: Travelers CANNOT visit another country in between and then attempt to re-enter from Canada, Mexico, or Adjacent Islands using AVR. This is NOT allowed.
Who is NOT Eligible for AVR?
Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) DOES NOT apply to individuals who:
- Are citizens of countries designated by the U.S. as “State Sponsors of Terrorism” (currently: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Syria).
- Applied for a new U.S. visa sticker/stamp at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Canada, Mexico, or the Adjacent Islands during their trip.
Additional Travel Resources
- MIT Resources:
- MIT Global Support Resources – Travel and Safety Abroad website.
- ISO Resources:
- Entering the U.S. for All International Students [Main] webpage.
- How to Request “Certificate of Eligibility” Documents (Forms I-20 or Forms DS-2019).
- Obtaining the Form I-94 Record webpage.
- U.S. Port-of-Entry Inspection & Common Questions information.
- Traveling With Electronic Devices, Data, & Equipment Information.
- Secondary Inspection information.
- Nexus & Global Entry information.
- Special Situations information.
- U.S. Entry Visa Sticker/Stamp Requirements webpage.
- Applying for a New U.S. Student Entry Visa in a Third-Party Country webpage.
- Third-Party Country Visa Applicants webpage.
- How to Contact the ISO for Assistance Information.
- U.S. Government Resources:
- The U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Guidelines For Travel Re-Entry For F-1 Non-Immigrants webpage.
- The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Travel For International Visitors webpage.
- The U.S. Department of State (DOS) J-1 Exchange Visitor Entering the United States information.
- The U.S. Department of State (DOS) J-1 Exchange Visitor webpage.
- The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Travel For International Visitors webpage.
- Other Travel Resources:
- The New England Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Know Your Rights: What to Do if You are Detained at a Port of Entry guide.
- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Know Your Rights: Enforcement at the Airport website.
Disclaimer: The information on this webpage is only for MIT-sponsored students.
For additional questions, students should first review the ISO Entering the U.S. for All International Students web pages thoroughly. They are encouraged to use the ISO search tool (located at the top of the ISO website) or consult the comprehensive FAQ section in the ISO Knowledge Base. MIT students may also contact their designated ISO Advisor directly for assistance.
