Difference between visa expiration date and I-94 expiration date (Part II)

In a previous article, I discussed the differences between a non-immigrant visa and an I-94 (white, postcard-size document stabled in your passport upon entry into the US.) In this article, I will discuss the differences between the expiration dates on the visa and on the I-94. 

Expiration dates

The expiration on a visa is different from the date stamped on your I-94 by the CBP officer. The expiration date on the visa indicates the time period during which you can travel to the US. The date on the I-94 indicates the length of time that you are allowed to stay in the US on THIS PARTICULAR TRIP. Therefore, if you have a 10-year multiple entry visa, but the CBP officer gave you 6 months for this trip, then the length of time that you can lawfully stay in the US on this particular trip is 6 months, not 10 years. Similarly, if your visa expires in 2 weeks, but the CBP officer gives you 6 months on the I-94, you are allowed to stay the 6 months. (However, you would then need to apply for (or renew) your expired visa when you return to the Philippines in order to travel back to the US.)

In addition, if you remain in the US even one day beyond the date on the I-94, your visa could be considered void, even though it may be a 10-year multiple entry visa. This is because the I-94 governs the length of time you can remain in the US on this particular trip, and overstaying by even one day could void your visa. Overstaying more than 180 days, but less than a year could subject you to a 3-year, bar once you depart the US. Overstaying in the US for more than a year could later subject you to a 10-year bar, if you depart.

Therefore, it is very important that you keep track of the various expiration dates in connection with your travels to the US, such as expiration date of your passport, the expiration date of your visa, and the expiration date of your I-94.

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