Question on automatic visa revalidation

[GCBy2010]

I have got my visa stamped on my passport recently. I am considering one of the two options below to land:

1. Fly to Toronto and land..return back to US from Toronto by flight.

2. Fly to Detroit. Take a rental car and land through the Windsor tunnel. Then return back through the same route.

My current visa stamp on my passport has expired, but I have a valid I-797. So, I am planning to use automatic visa revalidation rule for re-entry to US.

I know that automatic re-entry works in option 2 above where you go and come back through a land crossing.

Does anyone know how it works in option 1 above. Should the I-94 be surrendered to US airline when you board the flight. Also, when returning back to US port of entry, will the visa officer accept an expired Visa ?

Pl advice.

 

[bigboy00]

I have got my visa stamped on my passport recently. I am considering one of the two options below to land:

1. Fly to Toronto and land..return back to US from Toronto by flight.

2. Fly to Detroit. Take a rental car and land through the Windsor tunnel. Then return back through the same route.

My current visa stamp on my passport has expired, but I have a valid I-797. So, I am planning to use automatic visa revalidation rule for re-entry to US.

I know that automatic re-entry works in option 2 above where you go and come back through a land crossing.

Does anyone know how it works in option 1 above.

-- AVR applies to land crossing as well as for flying. If you are eligible to use the AVR, how you cross the border is not important...


Should the I-94 be surrendered to US airline when you board the flight.

-- NO. If you do this, then you WILL NOT be able to use the AVR and you will NOT be able to return to the USA.

Also, when returning back to US port of entry, will the visa officer accept an expired Visa ?

YES (along with the valid I-94) - If you are using the AVR.

 

[GCBy2010]

thanks

bigboy00 - thank you very much.