If you’re planning on traveling to the United States anytime soon, it’s important to know the
difference between a visa stamp and your authorized stay duration. Many people
think that they are the same, but they are two very different things. 

What is a US VISA?

There are many types of
visas that allow foreign nationals to enter the United States for a specific
purpose. The most common type of visa is the tourist visa, which allows
individuals to enter the country for leisure travel. Other types of visas
include business visas, student visas, and work visas.

It is important to note that having a US visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. At the
port of entry, you will be required to present your passport and visa to a US
Customs and Border Protection officer who will determine whether or not you are
eligible to enter the country.

What is Visa Stamp

the term “visa stamp” generally refers to
the physical label placed on your passport by a US consular officer. This label
indicates that you have been granted permission to enter the United States for
a specific purpose and a specific period. The duration of your stay in the
United States will be determined by the type of visa you have been issued.

When it comes to US visa
stamps, two things are important to keep in mind: the expiration date and the
authorized stay duration. The expiration date is the date on which your visa
stamp will no longer be valid and you will need to get a new one. The authorized
stay duration is the amount of time that you are allowed to stay in the US with
your current visa stamp. It is important to note that these two things are not
necessarily the same.

It’s important to be
aware of both the expiration date and authorized stay duration when traveling
on a US visa as overstaying

Importance of
Authorization in Stay duration in the US

There are many benefits
to maintaining authorized status while in the United States. Perhaps most
importantly, it allows you to remain in the United States for as long as your
visa allows. If you overstay your visa or otherwise violate the terms of your
visa, you may be subject to deportation and will not be allowed to return to
the United States for a certain period. Additionally, authorized status is
necessary to maintain if you wish to apply for a green card or other
immigration benefits.

Visa Expiration Date

The visa expiration date
is the last day that a person can use their visa to enter the United States.
The authorized stay duration is the amount of time that a person is allowed to
stay in the United States with their visa.

The visa expiration date
is not the same as the authorized stay duration. A person’s authorized stay
duration may be shorter than their visa’s expiration date. For example, if a
person has a tourist visa with an expiration date of January 1st and they enter
the United States on December 15th, their authorized stay duration would be 15
days. If a person overstays their authorized stay, they may be subject to immigration
consequences such as being denied entry into the United States in the future or
being removed from the United States.

It’s important to note
that a person’s visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A U.S.
Customs and Border Protection officer will review a person’s documentation and
determine whether or not they are allowed to enter the United States.

Duration of Stay- Form
1-94

The duration of your
stay in the US is determined by the date stamped in your passport upon entry.
The expiration date on your Form I-94, or Arrival/Departure Record, indicates
the last day you are allowed to stay in the US.

If you want to stay
longer than the expiration date on your Form I-94, you must apply for an
extension of your stay with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. If you
do not apply for an extension of stay and remain in the US beyond your
authorized stay, you will be considered unlawfully present.

It is important to note
that even if your visa stamp expires while you are in the US, as long as you
have a valid Form I-94, you can remain in the US until the expiration date on
your Form I-94.

Change of Status

When it comes to your
visa status, there are two things to keep in mind: the visa stamps in your
passport, and the authorized stay duration listed on your I-94
Arrival/Departure Record.

Visa Stamps- A
visa stamp is simply an indication that you have been granted permission
to enter the United States. The stamp will include your name, photograph,
and the dates that you are allowed to stay in the country. You will need
to present your passport with a valid visa stamp whenever you enter the
US. However, just because you have a valid visa stamp does not mean that
you can stay in the United States for as long as the stamp is valid. 

Authorized Stay Duration- The
authorized stay duration listed on your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is
what determines how long you can remain in the country. This duration may
be shorter or longer than the validity of your visa stamp. 

It’s important to keep
track of both your visa stamp expiration date and your authorized stay
duration, as overstaying either one can result in serious consequences. If you
need to extend your stay beyond what is allowed by either your visa stamp or
I-94 record, you will need to apply for a new visa or change of status before
your current permission expires.

So remember: when it
comes to your visa status in the United States, there are two things to keep
track of – your visa stamps or expiration of your visa and your authorized stay
duration!