Cruise closed loop travel query

[Prashanthavith]

Hello, 

I have i140 and i797 approval notices but with H1b visa is in expired state. Am I able to travel 5 day cruise trip to Mexico. Please advise.

Prashanth

[care_candidate]

Most Likely no. Ask your cruise company to verify.

[Tjgarla]

Yes you can travel with the approved petition and expired visa. 

 

It is called AVR

 

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1218/~/automatic-revalidation-for-certain-temporary-visitors

[pontevecchio]

Ask the cruise line whether you can enter Mexico without a visa for Mexico or the USA?

[care_candidate]

Automatic Visa Re validation is intended to enter back to US from trip to Mexico, Canada and some adjacent Islands for Certain visa types (F, M, J...). Once you lose validity of visa it is unlikely to gain entry. Also, in order to enter Mexico, you need unexpired multiple entry visa to US. I strongly advise to ask cruise company as many cruise traveler miss this step and get denial at the time of embarkation.

[pontevecchio]

AVR means that one needs a valid I94 to return and NO current VISA is required. You do not need an unexpired multiple entry visa, which in this context makes no sense at all. You need to know whether MEXICO will let you enter their territory and under what circumstances.