Authorized Period of Stay vs. Visa: Know the Difference
Many visitors to the United States mistakenly believe they can stay as long as their visa is valid. In reality, your period of authorized stay is determined by your I-94 record—not the visa in your passport. Overstaying even by a few days can lead to serious immigration consequences, including bars to reentry. In this article, we explain the critical difference between visa validity and authorized stay, how to check your status, and what steps to take to remain compliant with U.S. immigration laws.