If you are travelling to the United States, here’s something important many people miss: Your visa’s expiration date does not tell you how long you can stay in the US. Instead, the date that really matters is found on your I-94 travel record.

The US Embassy in India on Monday issued an alert on the same and advised travellers to check their Form I-94 to avoid any consequences of overstaying in the country.

What is the Form I-94?

When you enter the United States, the border officer issues you a form called the I-94. You can also access it online. On this form, you will see something called the “Admit Until Date” This date shows the last day you are allowed to be in the country.

Even if your US visa in your passport is still valid for months or years, that does not let you stay longer than the date on your I-94. The two are not the same.

What Happens If You Stay Past Your I-94 Date?

If you remain in the US even one day after your I-94 expires, it is called a “visa overstay.” This can lead to big problems:

• Your US visa can be cancelled
• You might have to leave the country
• It can become hard or even impossible for you to get a US visa again in the future

How Can You Avoid a US Overstay?

To avoid any overstay in the United States, check your I-94 date as soon as you arrive in the country. You can do this online at the official government website: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

Make sure you leave the country or apply for an extension before your “Admit Until Date.” Never assume your visa stamp alone controls your stay.

Why This Matters for Indian Travellers

Many Indian travellers often look only at their visa expiry date, leading to mistakes and stress. With strict US immigration rules, being clear about your I-94 date keeps your travels safe and saves you from future visa issues.

Final Thoughts

Always know your I-94 “Admit Until Date.” Your visa’s expiration date only controls when you can travel to the US, not how long you can stay there. This simple step helps you travel smart and avoid serious problems.

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