Can I enter the United States on a Visa Waiver, go to Mexico and re-enter with an F1 visa?
I have seen this question being asked many many times but yet have not found a satisfying answer nor anyone with experience.
I have an F1 visa to study in the United States and I know I can only enter with that visa (status) maximum 30 days prior to the start date. However, I qualify for a Visa Waiver and would like to spend two months prior to my studies in the U.S. JUST traveling as a tourist. Can I leave to Mexico and re-enter on my F1 visa?
I know some people will say "you can only enter the U.S. on a Visa Waiver with a round-trip" but what if I BOOK a round trip and just don't take the trip back? I don't need to be lectured on the rules. I am simply asking if anyone has done it and what your experience with that was.
Best Answer
Buy a fully-refundable return (or onward) ticket and cancel it after entering the US.
Having entered the US under the VWP, it is perfectly fine to exit to Mexico and re-enter in F1 status.
Your main concern will be convincing the officer on your first entry that you will be a genuine tourist for the two months preceding your studies (have documents proving your plans as clearly as possible).
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Can F-1 student visa enter Mexico?
Automatic Revalidation: Most F-1 and J-1 students can travel to Canada, Mexico, and the adjacent Caribbean Islands and re-enter the United States on an expired (US) visa, but only if their stay is less than 30 days.How many times can I use the Visa Waiver Program?
There is no limit on the number of times you may enter the U.S. under either ESTA of a visa.Can you leave and reenter the US with a tourist visa?
Is a Short Overstay a Problem? If you overstayed for less than 180 days, leaving the U.S. will not trigger any bars to reentry. And if you have a visa that's still valid, there's nothing to stop you from booking travel to the United States.Can I enter the US with an ESTA from Mexico?
If you are a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and you enter the U.S. by land from Mexico or Canada, you are only required to complete the paper I-94W form at the land border crossing. ESTA is currently required for air and cruise ship travel only.can enter under the Visa Waiver Program if visiting
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