Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR)

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Automatic Visa Revalidation, or AVR, is a term used to describe a benefit given to nonimmigrant visitors to the United States who maintain lawful status and wish to visit Canada, Mexico, or an adjacent island only, for up to 30 days. If the nonimmigrant has a form I-94 that has not yet expired, nor will expire by the time the person wishes to return to the United States, then the I-94 takes the place of the otherwise required visa. This is true even if the individual received a change of nonimmigrant status (such as from F-1 to H1B). The I-94 will be treated as though it were a visa issued for the appropriate category.

The legal authority for this is found at 8 CFR 41.112(d).

Anyone intending to use this provision should take particular note of the following:

• If you apply for a visa at a U.S. consular office, you may not use AVR to reenter the United States irrespective of whether the visa is or is not issued.
• You must retain your original form I-94 - do not allow the airline to take it if you fly to your destination.
• You must return within 30 days.
• You may not travel to any other countries.
• Citizens of certain countries are not eligible for AVR.

Please also see the State Department information sheet on AVR.