Many tourists feel that the expiration date on their US visa determines how long they get to stay in the country. The US Embassy in India has clarified that this is not true. The US visa expiration date and how long a tourist is allowed to stay in the country are two different things.
The visa expiry date does not dictate the duration of stay.
As indicated in a release by the US Embassy, the date of expiry on the visa simply states how long the holder can visit the USA. It does not indicate how long the visitor is allowed to stay in the country. It was indicated in a recent posting on their X (Twitter) account.
United States Customs and Border Protection
Once a traveler is inside the United States, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer determines how long a traveler can remain in the USA. Also, this determination happens at entry points of a port of entry, but not at times of visa approval. A traveler needs to abide by a determined date approved by a Customs and Border Protection officer.
Significance of the I-94 Form
This allowed duration of stay is indicated on the I-94 document. I-94 is required for most international visitors. On the I-94 document, there is an “Admit Until Date,” which shows the last date that an individual is allowed in the country. This date should be checked after arrival.
I-94 Date May Differ from Visa Expiry
The date written on the form I-94 is not necessarily the same as that of visa expiry. In most instances, the expiry date of form I-94 is before that of the visa. The person must leave the country before the expiry date of form I-94.
Prolonged Stay May Have Dire Aftermaths
The US Embassy has continued to issue warnings that overstaying the date listed on the I-94 form may lead to severe outcomes, such as deportation. These warnings come at a time when immigration regulations continue to be strictly applied among immigrants and foreign visitors.
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