Every time an international student or exchange visitor enters the U.S., they will receive an electronic I-94.
This electronic I-94 is extremely important as it is the international student or exchange visitor’s proof of status in the U.S.
OISS encourages all international students and exchange visitors at Champlain to check their electronic I-94 and print out a copy of it with each arrival to the U.S.
An electronic I-94 printout can be obtained here.
DO NOT TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE U.S. DURING YOUR 60-DAY GRACE PERIOD FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF YOUR STUDIES OR POST-COMPLETION OPT UNLESS A) YOU WISH TO DEPART THE U.S., OR B) YOU HAVE ALREADY MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO RETURN TO CONTINUE YOUR STATUS IN THE U.S. (i.e. you have successfully transferred to another U.S. institution, or you have a valid post-completion OPT/STEM OPT EAD card and letter of employment).
DO NOT TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE U.S. DURING YOUR 30-DAY GRACE PERIOD FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF YOUR PROGRAM UNLESS YOU WISH TO DEPART THE U.S.
“Automatic Revalidation of Visa” (or, Neighboring Country Provision) allows nationals of most countries in valid F-1 and J-1 status to travel to Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent islands of the Caribbean (other than Cuba) for 30 days or less and re-enter the United States without a valid F-1/J-1 visa. This procedure is not available to nationals of Iraq, Cuba, Sudan, Iran, Libya, Syria, or North Korea.
In order to take advantage of this benefit, the inspector at the border will verify your I-94 electronically to revalidate your expired visa if you meet the conditions of automatic revalidation.
Important notes:
Entry visas can only be issued outside of the United States.
OISS recommends that you apply for your new visa in your home country. OISS also strongly encourages you to schedule an appointment in advance with the Director, OISS before you leave the U.S. and also double check the U.S. embassy/consulate website in your country to see if there are other documents that they will require of you.
If your visa is already expired or will expire during the College breaks while you are away from the US, you will need to renew your visa before re-entering the U.S. to resume your studies.
Please make an appointment with the Director, OISS immediately to start the process, get your documents, and discuss your renewal of your visa.
Standard documents necessary for renewal:
Visa Renewal in Canada or Mexico:
Many students and scholars wish to travel to Canada or Mexico to apply for a new visa because they are so close to the United States; however, if you are denied a visa in Canada or Mexico, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S.
If you decide to travel to Canada or Mexico you must be prepared to stay at least four (4) days before your visa application will be approved.
If you are a full-time student at Champlain College, and wish to visit Canada or Mexico to apply for a new F-1/J-1 visa, OISS recommends that you schedule your appointment with the US Consulate in Canada or Mexico before leaving Burlington and to double check on the rules and requirements. See list above for the standard documents to bring with you to the visa interview. Once you are granted a visa, you will be able to return to the U.S.