where to check defined stay time in the us visa
How to find the exact length of your authorized stay, the tools you can use, and what to do if you’ve reached or exceeded that period.
1. Why “Stay Time” Matters
When you travel to the United States, the time you’re allowed to stay is not determined by the visa stamp’s validity (the date it can be used to enter).
It is determined by the authorized stay granted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the day you enter the country.
- Exceeding your authorized stay can result in serious immigration consequences:
- Deportation and a future bar from re‑entry
- Removal of future visa issuances
- Complication of any future visa or green‑card application
Therefore, it is vital to know where you can find this critical information and how to keep it up‑to‑date.
2. Key Documents That Show Your Authorized Stay
| Document | Where It’s Depicted | What It Tells You | How to Access it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Stamp | Inside your passport | Validity start–end date – when you can enter. | Your passport |
| I‑94 Arrival/Departure Record | Electronic or paper (often from the border agency) | Departure date ≈ “date of authorized stay.” | https://i94.cbp.gov (enter passport and SEVIS number if you have one) |
| Electronic I‑94 (e‑I94) | CBP website | Details of each entry and the “authorized stay” you’re granted | Online portal |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA) | U.S. Department of Homeland Security | “90‑day authorized stay” in the Visa Waiver Program | https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov |
| Form 1‑1/2 (for certain B‑1/B‑2 visas) | Document provided by CBP | Entry‑dated place and “authorized stay” | Appendix of your visa documentation |
| K‑12 & Student/Exchange Permits | Printed on your I‑20, DS‑2019, or “passport” | “Period of authorized stay” typical 2–3 years | Document from your school or program sponsor |
Bottom line: The actual stay period is only guaranteed as the date stamped on the I‑94 (or its electronic equivalent).
3. How to Check Your I‑94 Online
Modern travelers no longer need the paper I‑94. CBP now maintains an electronic record that can be accessed at any time:
- Go to https://i94.cbp.gov.
- Click “Get an I-94” or “Enter or Update I‑94”.
- Enter your passport number, country of citizenship, and date of birth exactly as on the passport.
- If you have a SEVIS ID (students/academics), optionally enter it.
- The resulting page displays every entry, the Admit date, and the Authorized Stay (“Departure” date).
Tip: Save a PDF of the record for your records. Some travelers also keep a screenshot in case of a system outage.
Example:
I entered the U.S. on May 12, 2023, on a B‑2 Visa. My I‑94 shows “Admit: May 12, 2023” and “Departure: Aug 10, 2023.” That means I must leave (or extend/change status) by Aug 10, 2023.
4. Checking Stay Time on Paper I‑94 or Visa
| Scenario | What to Look For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I‑94 (older travelers) | “Departure” date stamped by CBP officer | Usually located at the bottom edge of the sheet. |
| Visa Slot (e.g., B‑4) | “Output date” in the visa stamp | Do NOT use this for stay period; it’s only the validity of the visa. |
| ESTA Window | “Authorized stay: 90 days” | Stated in a provisional government/legal document; you can only sub‑devolve that period. |
Never rely on the printed visa validity as your allowed stay. The visa’s “valid” date and the “authorized stay” are separate pieces of information.
5. Understanding Different Visa Types and Their Typical Stay Periods
| Visa Category | Typical Authorized Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| B‑1 (Business) / B‑2 (Tourism) | 6 months (often shorter if the officer decides) | Officer discretion at entry; can request extensions at USCIS. |
| F‑1 (Student) | 5–6 months after program end + a 30‑day grace period | You must maintain full‑time enrollment. |
| J‑1 (Exchange) | Duration of the program + 30 days | Depends on program length; can be up to 5 years. |
| H‑1B (Specialty Occupation) | 3 years (extendable 3 years) | Requires a labor condition application (LCA) support. |
| K‑1 (Fiancé) | 90 days | Must marry and file for adjustment within this window. |
| O-1 (Extraordinary Ability) | 3 years | Can be extended by intervals of one year. |
| Visa Waiver Program (ESTA, 90 days) | 90 days | Cannot be extended; must leave before expiration. |
These are maximums and can be reduced at the discretion of the CBP officer.
6. Extension, Change of Status, and What Happens After Your Stay Expiry
| Option | How to Do It | When to Apply | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extension of Stay | File Form I-539 (Non‑immigrant Extension/Change of Status) | At least 45 days before the authorized stay ends | Provide evidence of financial support, purpose, and intent to depart on time. |
| Change of Status | File Form I-539 with desired new status (e.g., from B-2 to F-1) | As soon as you decide, before the present status expires | Must be on‑file/reviewed before current status ends. |
| Departure Before Expiry | Physically leave the U.S. | Any time before the authorized day | Avoid “improper departure” for future visa eligibility. |
| Overstaying | Illegal under U.S. immigration law | Never | Overstays of 90+ days can lead to a 30‑month bar or five‑year bar upon deportation. |
Important: If you are close to the end of your authorized stay (e.g., 30–60 days left), start the application process immediately. Processing times vary.
7. Practical Checklist Before and While Traveling
| Before Travel | During Stays in the U.S. | After Departure |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Verify Visa validity (start–end date). | 1. Check I‑94/cached record on entry. | 1. File Form I-539 if you extended while inside. |
| 2. Confirm I‑94 by using the online portal (mandatory if you’re traveling after 2013). | 2. Keep the printed I‑94 (if still on hand) or take screenshots. | 2. Keep receipts of any extension approvals. |
| 3. Understand the maximum authorized stay for your visa type. | 3. Note the “departure” field: that’s your deadline. | 3. Keep a copy of the final departure stamp in your passport. |
| 4. Plan for overlap between the certificate of enrollment (F‑1) or program (J‑1). | 4. Restart any finances or records should you need to renew. | 4. Retain relevant admission documents (DS‑2019, I‑20, etc.). |
8. Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| I got a visa stamp that says “Valid until 2025.” Does that mean I can stay until 2025? | No. The stamp tells you when you can enter. Your authorized stay is set at your arrival and can be as short as a few weeks. |
| Where can I see how long I have left if I switched from a B‑2 to F‑1 in the middle of my travel? | Your new authorized stay will be on a new I‑94 generated after filing Form I‑539 for status change. Check the online portal. |
| I saw “30-day grace period” on my I‑94. When does it start? | Immediately after the official authorized stay ends. It’s a buffer to prepare travel documents or extend your stay. After the grace period, overtaking is considered “overstay.” |
| What if my I‑94 shows a departure date far in the future compared to my visa validity? | That’s fine; the longer I‑94 indicates that the officer gave you a longer authorized stay. Check the electronic record, not the visa stamp. |
| How do I extend a stay beyond the maximum unless I have a special waiver? | Usually you can extend up to the maximum plus 30 days. For B‑1/B‑2, you can apply up to the same period you wish to stay for, but you cannot go beyond the overall maximum 10 years for a non‑immigrant status without adjustment or change of status. |
9. Resources & Links
| Resource | Description | URL |
|---|---|---|
| CBP – I‑94 web portal | Get a digital I‑94 outlook. | https://i94.cbp.gov |
| SEVIS Student Portal | For F‑1 and J‑1 students. | https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov |
| U.S. Department of Homeland Security – ESTA | Apply or check ESTA status. | https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov |
| U.S. Search System for Immigration and Customs Centers | For verifying I‑94 bank record if lost. | https://i94-historical.cbp.dhs.gov |
| U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | Form I‑539, extension, change of status. | https://www.uscis.gov |
| U.S. Visa Bulletin | Current visa availability and caps. | https://travel.state.gov |
| U.S. Department of State – Visa and Travel Information | Passport check, visa categories, travel advisories. | https://travel.state.gov |
10. Closing Advice
Your U.S. stay is a contractual relationship between you and U.S. immigration authorities. The contract is defined by the authorized stay statue on your I‑94, not by the stamp’s validity date. By routinely checking your I‑94 online, noting the exact departure date, and planning extensions or changes well in advance, you:
- Stay compliant with U.S. immigration law.
- Protect your future travel prospects (avoid bars and removal).
- Eliminate uncertainty during your travels.
Start by logging into the I‑94 portal today – a simple 10‑minute check can save you from months of bureaucracy. If you need help interpreting your record or applying for an extension, consider engaging an immigration attorney or your school’s international student office.
Remember: The dates on the paper/back of your visa are enter at your discretion, whereas the CBP’s electronic record is the actual authority granted. Treat that as your guiding document. Safe travels!
