Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) to enter USA

[momemon]

Hello,

I am new to the ARV process. I am in the US and I have a valid F1 Visa and I just got my status changed from F1-OPT to H1B. How does the ARV apply to me and what are my options to travel outside the country? I know I can always get an H1-B stamped from Canada or ideally my home country, but that may require at least a couple of weeks of travel, if not more. Would going to Canada and getting the ARV help me in future travels outside of North America?

 

[lampbreaker]

Hello,

I am new to the ARV process. I am in the US and I have a valid F1 Visa and I just got my status changed from F1-OPT to H1B. How does the ARV apply to me and what are my options to travel outside the country? I know I can always get an H1-B stamped from Canada or ideally my home country, but that may require at least a couple of weeks of travel, if not more. Would going to Canada and getting the ARV help me in future travels outside of North America?

No, AVR is automatic visa revalidation. It means if you travel to Canada or Mexico and return to the US within 30 days, you can return without having a valid Visa. But if you travel to any other country or longer than 30 days, you will need a Visa of the appropriate class to return.

 

[momemon]

No, AVR is automatic visa revalidation. It means if you travel to Canada or Mexico and return to the US within 30 days, you can return without having a valid Visa. But if you travel to any other country or longer than 30 days, you will need a Visa of the appropriate class to return.

Got it. Thanks. So since my status in the US has changed (even though I have a valid visa), I can travel to Canada and return with the AVR correct? Also, is there a limit to how many times you can do it? Say, I want to travel to Canada a few times in the next six months or so until I get H1-B stamped?

 

[lampbreaker]

Got it. Thanks. So since my status in the US has changed (even though I have a valid visa), I can travel to Canada and return with the AVR correct? Also, is there a limit to how many times you can do it? Say, I want to travel to Canada a few times in the next six months or so until I get H1-B stamped?

Your valid Visa is not the same class as your latest I-94, so it is 'invalid' in that sense. You can use AVR any number of times, there is no restriction.

 

[PatwaBobby]

My h1b application is pending which might get denied before my last entry date to Canada, I am on F1 which is expiring within 6 months. Hence trying to go for AVR. In the rules I read the person should not have a pending visa application or a rejected visa application. Wanted to confirm the h1b petition is considered as visa application in this case?

Thanks, waiting for your reply

 

[harirajmohan]

Wanted to confirm the h1b petition is considered as visa application in this case?

No. Its the application for visa stamp they talk about which we apply at the consulate.

 

[PatwaBobby]

Oh I thought so, thank you very much for your quick response. I believe I am good to enter USA through AVR, although I might to research on the risks of travelling outside USA while H1B is pending

 

[harirajmohan]

Oh I thought so, thank you very much for your quick response. I believe I am good to enter USA through AVR, although I might to research on the risks of travelling outside USA while H1B is pending

Is your coursework/studies over at the university? If so then it will be a problem with some officers without approved H1 or pending courses.

 

[PatwaBobby]

No it is valid and it is valid till Aug 2020

 

[harirajmohan]

No it is valid and it is valid till Aug 2020

I am not talking about your F1 I94 validity. I am asking if you studies are over.
it doesnt matter if you have valid visa while reenetering. Have you enrolled in courses currently which are yet to be completed or not?

 

[PatwaBobby]

I am not talking about your F1 I94 validity. I am asking if you studies are over.
it doesnt matter if you have valid visa while reenetering. Have you enrolled in courses currently which are yet to be completed or not?

Yes my course is valid till Aug 2020, I am in a 2/3 courses now and will register 2/3 in the next sem

 

[lampbreaker]

Yes my course is valid till Aug 2020, I am in a 2/3 courses now and will register 2/3 in the next sem

Irrespective of AVR, if you are enrolled in a shady day one CPT type university, then you could face more scrutiny and potential denial of entry at any time.

 

[vineverlas]

[URGENT REQUEST]

I am in Canada to complete PR process. I am an F1 student with expired Visa and I was planning to use AVR. But without complete knowledge of AVR, booked Visa interview for F1 renewal. Is there any way I can still use AVR? Does cancelling the interview helps?

Please respond as my interview is next week.

Thanks in advance.

 

[harirajmohan]

[URGENT REQUEST]

I am in Canada to complete PR process. I am an F1 student with expired Visa and I was planning to use AVR. But without complete knowledge of AVR, booked Visa interview for F1 renewal. Is there any way I can still use AVR? Does cancelling the interview helps?

Please respond as my interview is next week.

Thanks in advance.

You are already in Canada but interview is next week?
Yes cancel the appointment. It should be fine.

 

[vineverlas]

You are already in Canada but interview is next week?
Yes cancel the appointment. It should be fine.

Yeah, it is a long story. My interview is on Friday. I wanted to try entering US on Thursday. If they allow me I can ignore the interview.

But if I cancel it and they dont allow me, then I do not have interview opportunity. I already used the expedite interview option too.

So I want to be careful. So, are you sure cancelling should be fine for AVR?
Secondly, what happens if I go without cancelling and they deny entry? Will that have an impact on interview?