Special Requirements for Visit to Mexico or Canada

Traveling to Mexico
For entry to Mexico border areas (within 200 miles of the U.S. border), an entry visa to Mexico is usually not required. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to obtain an entry visa to visit other parts of Mexico. Please contact the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles before traveling to inquire about the requirements for citizens of your country.

Address: 2401 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90057; Tel: (213) 351-6800

Traveling to Canada
Citizens from some countries may be required to obtain an entry visa to Canada . For more information, contact the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles.

Address: 550 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90071-2627; Tel: (213) 346-2700

Documents Needed for Travel to Mexico or Canada
If you are planning a short trip (less than 30 days) to Mexico, Canada or adjacent islands, you need the following documents with you for re-entry to the United States:

• A valid (unexpired) passport.
• An appropriate F-1/J-1 visa in the passport, even if it is expired.
• SEVIS I-20or DS-2019, signed for travel.
• A current I-94 card showing D/S (Duration of Status). The I-94 card is not surrendered when departing the U.S. in these cases. It is required for re-entering the U.S.

Applying for F/J Visa in Mexico or Canada - RISKS
Applying for F/J visa while in Mexico or Canada may be very risky because if your visa is not approved, you CANNOT re-enter the United States. You may be required to apply for a visa in your home country.

• If your F/J visa has expired and you do NOT apply for a visa during your short visit to Mexico or Canada, you CAN USE your valid I-94 card and expired VISA to return to the U.S. DO NOT submit your I-94 card when you are leaving the U.S.
• If you are renewing an expired F/J visa while in Mexico or Canada, you must wait for the result of your visa application before returning to the U.S. You CAN NOT use your unsurrendered I-94 card to return to the U.S.
• International students who are citizens of the following countries and have an expired F/J visa MUST APPLY for a visa to return to the U.S: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba. Students from these countries may need to apply for the F/J visa in their respective home countries. Also, these students CAN NOT use their unsurrendered I-94 card to return to the U.S.
• If you fell out of status before you travel to Mexico or Canada, you may NOT renew your visa there. You must apply for a new visa in your home country. You should speak with an IEE Advisor before you travel.