Travel to Canada or Mexico

For Citizens of Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, or Sudan: If you do not have a current unexpired multiple-entry visa, you will not be able to return to the US from Canada or Mexico. Consult with an Office of International Affairs advisor if you have questions.

Entering Canada or Mexico:

For visits of 30 days or less, students and scholars must show the following documents at the Canadian or Mexican border:

  1. F-1 or J-1 students/scholars: A valid I-20 or DS-2019 recently signed on the back by a International Student Advisor. H-1B or O-1 employees: Original I-797 Approval Notice.
  2. A valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to return to the U.S.).
  3. A valid I-94 card. NOTE: If you will be in Canada or Mexico for 30 days or less, keep your I-94 card throughout your trip. The I-94 card SHOULD NOT be turned in at the border when you are leaving.
  4. A valid Canadian or Mexican Tourist Visa if you are from a country for which a visa is require please see the links below for information about visa requirements for entering Canada and Mexico.

Application forms for Canadian Tourist Visas are available from the Canadian Consulate General website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/. The application is mailed to the Consulate General of Canada, Immigration Section, Suite 1100, 600 Renaissance Centre, Detroit, MI 48242-1798 (Telephone: 313-567-2085). CANADIAN TOURIST VISAS MAY TAKE 2 WEEKS OR LONGER TO GET.

Applications for Mexican Tourist Visas are available at the Mexican Consulate in Chicago website: http://www.consulmexchicago.com/. The visa application must be submitted in person at: 204 S Ashland, Chicago, IL 60607. MEXICAN TOURIST VISAS MAY TAKE 6-8 WEEKS TO GET.

NOTE: All the above documents must be valid beyond the date you expect to leave Canada or Mexico.

Re-entering the U.S.:

To re-enter the U.S. after your visit to Canada or Mexico, you must have:

  1. F-1 or J-1 students/scholars: A valid I-20 or DS-2019 recently signed on the back by a International Student Advisor.
    H-1B employees: Original I-797 Approval Notice plus letter from your department verifying continued employment.
  2. A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you re-enter the U.S.)
  3. A valid I-94 card.
  4. A nonimmigrant visa that is valid or was valid (can be for a different status than the status you now hold). Exception: If you applied for a visa in Canada or Mexico and were denied, your student or scholar visa must be valid.

If you plan to apply for a visa in Canada or Mexico, go to Applying For Visa in Canada or Mexico.

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