The United States has reminded foreign visitors that the expiration date on a visa does not determine how long they are permitted to remain in the country.
The advisory, issued by U.S. immigration authorities, urged international travelers to pay close attention to the period of stay authorized by officials upon arrival.
According to the advisory, the duration of a visitor’s stay is determined by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry; not by the visa’s expiration date.
“The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in the United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date,” the advisory stated.
Authorities advised visitors to review their electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, particularly the “Admit Until” date, which indicates the deadline by which they must leave the United States.
The U.S. government explained that while a visa allows a traveler to seek entry into the country, the final decision on admission and the length of stay rests solely with CBP officers at the point of entry.
Immigration officials also warned that remaining in the United States beyond the authorized I-94 “Admit Until” date constitutes an immigration violation and could negatively affect future visa applications or subsequent entry into the country.
The advisory encouraged all international visitors to check their I-94 records immediately after arrival to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration regulations and avoid overstaying their authorized period.
