Visa
You are required to have a valid visa to re-enter the United States after you have traveled outside of the country. If you leave the U.S. on an expired visa, you are expected to renew your visa before you return. Otherwise, you will not be able to re-enter the country for the continuation of your studies.
Renewing Your Visa
To renew your visa, it must be done outside of U.S borders. It is highly suggested that you renew your visa in your home country to prevent any problems from occurring. You may alternatively renew your visa in Canada or Mexico, or one of the U.S. adjacent islands.
Note of Warning: Once you have applied for visa renewal in a country other than your home country, you may not return to the United States until you have received your visa. This may require you to stay within that country for an extended period of time. If your application has been denied, you cannot return to the U.S.
Automatic Visa Revalidation
If you have visited Canada or Mexico, or any of the U.S. adjacent islands for less than 30 days on an expired visa, you may re-enter the United States with automatic visa revalidation. You cannot have applied for a new visa, nor are you able to travel to another country before returning to the U.S. In this case, you must keep your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. Do not give the I-94 to the immigration officer if you are planning to re-enter the U.S. on an expired visa.
You will not be able to take advantage of automatic visa revalidation if you are from one of the following countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria.
U.S. Adjacent islands
Saint Pierre, Miquelon, The Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bermuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, The Windward and Leeward Islands, Trinidad, Martinique
Transit Visa
If you are traveling to a country other than a country you hold citizenship in, it is important that you check the visa requirements for that country. The country may necessitate a visitor visa.
In addition, pay attention to your travel itinerary. If your flight is scheduled for an intermediate stop in another country, you may be required to obtain a visa for that country (transit visa). You will want to get the necessary visa in advance. Failure to do so will prevent you from traveling.
