Traveling on an H-1B visa can feel daunting when your visa stamp in the passport has expired, even though your underlying status remains valid. Many assume that once the visa stamp expires, international travel is off the table until a new stamp is obtained at a U.S. consulate. In reality, there is a lesser-known provision called Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) that allows certain nonimmigrants to re-enter the United States after a short trip to Canada or Mexico without a valid visa stamp. H-1B Automatic Visa Revalidation allows certain travelers with expired visa stamps to reenter the U.S. without applying for a new visa, provided specific conditions are met. I recently used AVR to return to the U.S. from Ontario, Canada, and I want to share my experience in detail.
My Situation
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Visa Stamp: Expired in December 2024.
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I-797 Approval Notice: Valid until July 2025.
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I-94 Record: Valid and consistent with my I-797.
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Purpose of Travel: Short visit to Ontario, Canada.
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Duration of Stay: Three weeks, within the 30-day AVR limit.
Although my visa stamp had expired, my I-797 approval and I-94 confirmed that my H-1B status remained valid. This made me eligible to take advantage of AVR.
The Border Crossing Experience
When I arrived at the land border in February 2025, I approached the inspection booth and handed the officer my passport along with my I-797 approval notice. I did not bring up the expired visa stamp, and the officer did not ask about it. He scanned my passport, reviewed the approval notice, and then asked two straightforward questions: “Where do you work?”and “Where are you headed today?”
I responded directly, naming my employer and explaining that I was returning home to the U.S. after a short trip to Ontario. Satisfied with my answers, the officer returned my documents with a brief nod and said, “Have a good day.”
The entire exchange lasted less than two minutes. I was admitted without issue, and there was no mention of my expired visa stamp.
A Note on Secondary Inspection
Not every traveler will have such a quick experience. If a CBP officer notices that your visa stamp has expired while your I-797 approval remains valid, you may be directed to secondary inspection.
Secondary inspection is a routine process where travelers are asked to step inside the border inspection facility for a more thorough review. A CBP officer will carefully examine your passport, I-797 approval notice, and I-94 record to confirm that your U.S. status is valid. In some cases, they may request additional documentation, such as recent pay stubs or an employment verification letter, to verify that you continue to work under the terms of your H-1B approval.
This process is not adversarial; rather, it ensures that your documents and electronic records align. While it may extend the amount of time you spend at the border, it is a normal part of the re-entry process for many travelers in this situation.
⚠️ Tip: If you are traveling with an expired visa stamp and relying on AVR, plan your trip with extra time in mind. While some are cleared quickly, others may be referred to secondary inspection, which can take longer.
Why This Worked: Understanding AVR
My re-entry was smooth because I satisfied all AVR requirements. According to USCIS and the U.S. Department of State, AVR allows nonimmigrants to re-enter the U.S. with an expired visa stamp if they meet the following conditions:
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🌎 The trip is limited to Canada or Mexico (or adjacent islands for F and J visa holders).
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📆 The stay is 30 days or less.
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✅ The traveler holds a valid I-94 and I-797 approval notice.
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🚫 The traveler has not applied for a new U.S. visa while abroad.
ℹ️ Note: AVR applies only to short visits to Canada or Mexico. Travel to other countries is not covered.
🚫 Important: If you apply for a new U.S. visa while abroad, even in Canada or Mexico, you lose eligibility for AVR, regardless of whether the application is pending or refused.
📖 Official References:
In my case, my visa stamp expired in December 2024, but my I-797 and I-94 remained valid through July 2025. My three-week stay in Canada was well within the 30-day limit, and I had not applied for a new visa while abroad. Because I met all the conditions, I was eligible for AVR and was admitted without difficulty.
Reflections and Advice
Although my crossing was quick and uneventful, every traveler’s experience may differ. Some may be admitted in minutes, while others may go through secondary inspection. Both outcomes are routine.
✨ My recommendations:
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Carry your passport, I-797 approval notice, and a copy of your I-94.
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Bring supporting documents such as recent pay stubs or an employment verification letter.
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Be concise and confident in answering questions.
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Allow extra time at the border, as secondary inspection is always a possibility.
For me, the entire process took just minutes, but I was prepared for the possibility of a longer review. Knowing the AVR rules in advance gave me the confidence to travel, and the process worked exactly as expected.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog is based on personal experiences and publicly available information. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Immigration policies and procedures may change, and individual circumstances can vary. For official and up-to-date guidance, always consult the U.S. government websites (USCIS, CBP, Department of State) or seek assistance from a licensed immigration attorney.