Visa validity ≠ how long you can stay. Visa validity (dates on the visa sticker) determines until when you can ENTER the US. Duration of stay (on your I-94) determines how long you can REMAIN in the US after entry. Example: A 10-year visa lets you enter anytime in those 10 years, but the immigration officer at entry decides your stay duration (typically up to 6 months for B1/B2).
Key Concepts Explained
| Term | What It Means | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Validity | Period during which you can enter the US | On the visa stamp in passport |
| Duration of Stay | How long you can stay after entering | On I-94 (online) |
| Number of Entries | How many times you can enter | On visa stamp (S, M, 1, 2) |
Understanding Your Visa Stamp
Your visa stamp shows:
- Issue Date: When the visa was issued
- Expiry Date: Last day you can USE the visa to enter
- Entries: M (Multiple), S (Single), or a number
- Visa Type: B1/B2, F1, H1B, etc.
Example:
Visa Issue Date: January 15, 2026 Visa Expiry Date: January 14, 2035 (10-year visa) Entries: M (Multiple)
This means: You can ENTER the US any time between Jan 15, 2026 and Jan 14, 2035, as many times as you want.
Understanding Duration of Stay (I-94)
When you enter the US, the immigration officer stamps/records your admission:
- I-94: Your arrival/departure record
- Admit Until: Date by which you must leave
- Class of Admission: What status you're admitted in
Typical Stay Durations by Visa Type:
| Visa Type | Typical Stay Granted | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 (Visitor) | Up to 6 months | Officer decides at entry |
| F1 (Student) | D/S (Duration of Status) | Valid while enrolled |
| H1B (Work) | Petition end date | Based on I-797 approval |
| L1 (Transfer) | Petition end date | Based on I-797 approval |
How to Check Your I-94
- Go to i94.cbp.dhs.gov
- Click "Get Most Recent I-94"
- Enter your passport details
- View your I-94 record showing:
- Admission date
- Class of admission
- Admit Until date
- Print or save for your records
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Tourist Visit
- Visa valid: Jan 2026 - Jan 2035 (10 years)
- Enter US: March 1, 2026
- I-94 says: "Admit Until Aug 28, 2026" (6 months)
- You must leave by: August 28, 2026 (I-94 date)
- NOT January 2035 (visa expiry)
Scenario 2: Multiple Trips
- Trip 1: Enter March 1, stay until March 20 (go back to India)
- Trip 2: Enter July 1, stay until July 15 (go back to India)
- Trip 3: Enter November 1, stay until November 30
- Each entry gets a new I-94 with new duration
Scenario 3: Visa Expires While in US
- Enter US: January 10, 2026
- Visa expires: January 14, 2026
- I-94 says: "Admit Until July 9, 2026"
- Legal to stay until: July 9, 2026
- Visa expiry doesn't matter once you're inside
- You'll need to renew visa for NEXT trip
Common Mistakes and Consequences
Mistake 1: Thinking 10-Year Visa = 10-Year Stay
Reality: You can enter for 10 years, but each stay is limited (typically 6 months for tourists).
Mistake 2: Overstaying I-94
Consequences:
- Overstay <180 days: Visa cancelled, harder future applications
- Overstay 180-365 days: 3-year ban from entering US
- Overstay >1 year: 10-year ban from entering US
Mistake 3: Not Checking I-94 Online
Always verify your electronic I-94 after entry. Officers sometimes make errors. Catch mistakes early.
Can You Extend Your Stay?
Yes, B1/B2 visitors can apply for extension:
- File Form I-539 before I-94 expires
- Must show valid reason (medical, family, etc.)
- Not guaranteed - officer discretion
- Cannot extend indefinitely
Important Rules
The 6-Month Rule:
Immigration officers look at total US presence. Spending too much time in the US (even with valid entries) can raise questions:
- 6 months in US, 6 months out is borderline
- Spending more than 6 months/year regularly = potential issues
- Officers may ask about your actual residence
Grace Period:
There is NO grace period. Your I-94 date is absolute. Plan to leave before that date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in the US until my visa expires?
No. You can only stay until your I-94 "Admit Until" date, regardless of visa expiry.
My visa expired while I'm in the US. Am I illegal?
No, as long as your I-94 is still valid. Visa expiry only affects your ability to RE-ENTER, not your current legal stay.
What if I only got 3 months on I-94 instead of 6?
The officer has discretion. If you need longer, apply for I-539 extension. Arguing at the border doesn't help.
How do I know the exact date I must leave?
Check your I-94 online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. The "Admit Until" date is your deadline.