The United States Department of State has reminded international travellers that the expiry date on a US visa does not determine how long they are allowed to stay in the country.
In a public notice issued on 21 July, the Bureau of Consular Affairs explained that the authorised period of stay is decided by a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer when a traveller arrives at a US port of entry.
According to the agency, a valid visa only allows a person to travel to the United States and request admission. The final decision on how long the visitor may remain in the country is made by the CBP officer and is recorded on the traveller’s Form I-94, also known as the admission record.
The State Department urged visitors to check the “admit-until” date on their I-94 record rather than relying on the expiry date printed on their visa. Remaining in the United States beyond the authorised date on the I-94, even if the visa has not expired, could lead to serious immigration consequences, including restrictions on future travel to the country.
Most foreign visitors receive an I-94 during the admission process. However, US citizens, lawful permanent residents returning to the country, immigrant visa holders, and most Canadian citizens travelling for tourism or transit are generally exempt from the requirement.
The CBP also allows travellers entering through certain land border crossings or selected ferry routes to apply for a provisional I-94 before arrival, a process designed to reduce waiting times at entry points.
The reminder is particularly relevant for Sierra Leoneans and other international travellers planning to visit the United States, as many mistakenly believe they can remain in the country until their visa expires.
In a related advisory issued earlier, US authorities also reminded dual citizens that anyone who holds US citizenship, including children with dual nationality, must use a valid US passport when entering or leaving the United States.
