Ways to return to US without a physical F1 Visa
I am travelling in Mexico (it's been about a little more than a week) and need to go back to the States asap as my school is starting soon. However, I forgot to bring my F1 visa which was in my old passport. I asked a friend to mail my old passport to my hostel in Cancun but it is taking forever to get here and I am not sure if it will ever arrive according to my brief research on this matter (my friend used the USPS priority mail).
Is there any way for me to enter US without the physical F1 Visa with me? I have my current passport, I20, and a copy of my F1 Visa. What would be the fastest way?
Edit: I just learned about ESTA. Is it possible to enter US with ESTA and leave US before ESTA expires and come back with my F1 Visa?
Best Answer
The simple fact is: you're not getting in without a visa, least of all by air.
You need to visit a US embassy or consulate in Mexico and obtain a new visa in your current passport, bringing your I-20 and visa copy and explaining the situation.
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Can I enter the US if my f1 visa is about to expire?
Automatic visa revalidation allows most F-1 students to take a trip of less than 30 days to countries contiguous to the United States and reenter on an expired visa provided you have proper documentation and have not applied for a new visa during the visit.Can F-1 students return to the US?
At this time, international students must have the following documents in order to travel to the U.S. in F-1 status: Valid I-20 issued by the UW (valid travel signature required if you are returning to the U.S. to continue studies) Valid passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond your expected return to the U.S.Do I need a return ticket for f1 visa?
When you have a F-1 student visa you don't need a return ticket so it is okay to book a single ticket. You can enter the US at the earliest 30 days before the course start stated on your I-20.HOW TO TRANSITION YOUR STUDENT(F1) VISA TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY or A CITIZEN in USA 2019
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Answer 2
I am sorry to that you are in this situation. I am, too, an F1 student, and I understand these kind of paperwork issues can be very worrisome.
Since you haven't lost your old passport or your old visa, I would suggest just wait. Getting a new visa takes a while, even if you explain your urgent situation. As cruel as this sounds, the US government doesn't really give a crap about whether you can start school on time.
I had a friend who forgot to bring her I-20 when she entered the States, and after going through secondary inspection, she was allowed in. When it comes to visa though, I have no idea.
I highly doubt the USCBP officer will admit you without your F1 visa. And if you are flying, chances are you won't even be able to roll that dice. Pretty much all airport staff will check your US visa when you get your boarding pass. This is because if you get deported, they have to fly you back for free and they get fined by the US government. In fact, many airports now check both the US visa as well as the original I-20 for all those flying on F1.
If you are driving, I don't know what will happen. You can try, but get ready to be denied entry. Also keep in mind a denied entry doesn't play well next time you apply for a US visa, or any visa or immigration document in any country for that matter (because they ask for those information).
In a word, just wait. Since your visa is already on the way to you, it shouldn't take long. Finally, I hope that you could get your visa soon and be on your way back to the States. Best of luck!
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