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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a public advisory to dispel a common misconception among travelers regarding the validity of U.S. visas and their authorized stay in the country.
In a statement shared on the embassy’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on July 17, the embassy emphasized that the expiration date on a visa does not determine how long a visitor may stay in the United States.
“Reminder! The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in the United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date,” the post read.
Travelers were advised to consult their I-94 form, which specifies the “Admit Until Date” set by CBP at the port of entry. This date indicates the official deadline by which a visitor must leave the U.S.
The form can be accessed online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
The embassy reiterated that a visa merely permits a foreign national to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter. It does not guarantee entry nor does it specify how long a person can stay.
Addressing a frequently asked question – “I have a U.S. visa. How long can I stay in the United States?” – the embassy explained: “A U.S. visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter. How long you are allowed to stay in the United States is not your visa’s expiration date. The CBP officer determines your ‘Admit Until Date’ upon your arrival.”
This advisory is part of the U.S. mission’s ongoing efforts to educate Nigerian travelers about U.S. immigration procedures and to prevent unintentional visa overstays, which could negatively affect future visa applications.
