WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States has cautioned foreign visitors that the expiration date on their visas does not determine how long they are permitted to remain in the country, urging travellers to comply with the period authorised by immigration officials upon arrival.

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In an advisory, U.S. immigration authorities explained that the duration of stay for international visitors is determined by officers of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry, not by the visa’s validity date. The authorities advised visitors to check their electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, particularly the “Admit Until” date, to know the exact deadline for leaving the United States.

According to the advisory, many travellers mistakenly assume they can remain in the country until their visa expires. However, officials stressed that a visa only grants permission to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission, while the final decision on entry and the authorised period of stay rests solely with CBP officers.

The U.S. government warned that overstaying beyond the date indicated on the I-94 record constitutes an immigration violation and could negatively affect future visa applications and entry into the United States. It urged all international visitors to review their I-94 records immediately after arrival to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws and avoid penalties associated with overstaying.