OVERSTAYS: Keep an eye on your I-94

International travelers are usually aware that they can remain in a foreign country for a limited time. If they remain longer than allowed, they have overstayed their lawful presence in the country. That can have consequences.

Note: A visa validity period does not indicate how long they may remain in the USA. A visa simply means that the holder can request admission at a port of entry such as an airport. A visa does not guarantee admission.

The CBP officer that looks at your passport decides whether to grant entry and also the period of lawful stay.

The period is indicated on a form referred to as I-94. The I-94 is available for download at the I-94 website.

Visa holders should download their I-94 to check the period of lawful presence so that they avoid inadvertently staying longer than permitted.