;

Form I-94 is what determines how long you can stay in the United States, not your visa!

Form I-94 is what determines how long you can stay in the United States, not your visa!

Form I-94 is what determines how long you can stay in the United States, not your visa! 1920 1280 Gianfranco De Girolamo

You just went to the consulate, your tourist visa was approved and they gave it to you for 10 years. Awesome you thought, now I can go and stay in the United States for 10 years… not so fast! A visa does not determine how long you can stay in the United States. Instead, think of you a visa as an airplane ticket. It gives you the right to board an airplane and present yourself at the border for inspection and admission. Once at the border the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will decide two things:

  1. Whether to admit you at all;
  2. If the officer admits you, for how long you will be admitted.

Your visa determines the maximum length of stay the officer can give you, but the document you need to pay attention to is Form I-94. Form I-94 contains basic information such as your full name, passport number, nationality, visa category of admission, and for how long you can stay.

If you’ve been traveling to the United States for a long time, you may remember filling out a white paper with your name and passport number on it. That paper was then stamped by the CBP officer together with your passport. Well, since 2013 that paper is no longer used much. Instead, nowadays you’ll find the I-94 online on this page. Here you can also find your travel history to the United States.

 

Make sure to review the I-94, and do not go by the passport stamp date. What matters is the I-94 as that is what stays in the system. So check it right away, and if you see a mistake contact the pertinent CBP port of entry or deferred inspection office to correct it, here.

 

Avatar photo

Gianfranco De Girolamo

I immigrated and became a naturalized United States citizen myself. I personally experienced the process, the fears, the worries, the what-ifs. Having walked the immigration walk myself, I am well-versed in all aspects of U.S. immigration law.

All stories by:Gianfranco De Girolamo
3 comments
  • Ilmu Forensik 12/27/2023 at 4:18 am

    What are the two key decisions that a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will make when inspecting and admitting someone with a visa at the U.S. border?
    Visit us telkom university

  • Reyna María oliva Valdez 07/20/2022 at 6:08 pm

    Mi necesidad de solicitar la visa de trabajo es por mí familia y mis hijos para poder darles una buena vida

    • Reyna María oliva Valdez 07/20/2022 at 6:11 pm

      Mi necesidad de solicitar la visa de trabajo es por mi familia y mis hijos para poder darles una buena vida

Leave a Reply

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

    Join our Newsletter

    We'll send you newsletters with news, tips & tricks. No spams here.

      Contact Us

      We'll send you newsletters with news, tips & tricks. No spams here.

        Privacy Preferences

        When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in the form of cookies. Here you can change your Privacy preferences. It is worth noting that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we are able to offer.

        Our website uses cookies to offer you a better experience. By continuing browsing you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy.