An expired visa must be renewed through a U.S. Consulate prior to reentry to the United States. Exchange visitor physicians and accompanying J-2 dependents are advised to check their passports prior to departure and plan accordingly. If visa renewal is required, please allow adequate time for Consulate review and processing.  

• Read the ECFMG Memo: Preparation for International Travel to ensure you have all the correct documents.

Under a provision of the U.S. immigration law termed “automatic revalidation,” exchange visitor physicians and J-2 dependents who travel to Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands of the United States (except Cuba) for less than 30 days are not required to have a valid J visa in their passports to reenter the United States as long as they hold valid U.S. nonimmigrant (J) status. To qualify for automatic revalidation, an individual in J status must present certain documentation to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer upon reentry to the United States. 

• Read the ECFMG Memo: Preparation for International Travel to ensure you have all the correct documents.

• NOTE: A visa is not required for Canadian citizens to reenter the United States; Canadian citizens should follow automatic revalidation procedures. 

• NOTE: Citizens of Cuba, Iran, Sudan, and Syria are not eligible for automatic revalidation and require a valid J visa each time they reenter the United States. 

Print the Global Insurance card to take along here. Note that you must call the US number on the card prior to any treatment to be eligible for coverage. Normal co-pays will apply.