Visa approved — what do I do next?
Getting the visa is only the first of two decisions — at entry, a CBP officer decides whether to admit you and until which date, and that admitted-until date on your I-94 is your deadline to leave.
My visa is issued — what should I check first?
Check that the information printed on the visa is correct and matches your passport, and contact the issuing post if anything is wrong. Read the after-approval and I-94 guide
Does my visa's expiry date decide how long I can stay?
No — validity is only the window in which you may travel to a port of entry and request admission, and it has no relation to how long you may stay. Read the after-approval and I-94 guide
How do I find and read my I-94 after I arrive?
Retrieve it at i94.cbp.dhs.gov after every entry — it is your proof of legal visitor status and your lawful record of admission. Read the after-approval and I-94 guide
What if my I-94 is wrong, or shorter than I expected?
Errors made at entry can be reviewed and corrected by a CBP Deferred Inspection Site; a shorter stay is the officer's decision, not an error. Read the after-approval and I-94 guide
Can I extend my stay without leaving?
Extending a stay is a USCIS request on Form I-539, filed before your authorised stay expires. Read the after-approval and I-94 guide
What happens if I leave late?
You are out of status, your visa is automatically voided under Section 222(g), and late departure may also affect your future eligibility. Read the after-approval and I-94 guide
Can I visit again on the same visa?
If it allows multiple entries, yes — while it is valid and within its permitted entries, for the same purpose, with admission decided afresh each trip. Read the after-approval and I-94 guide
Official sources
Guides on this page are verified against official sources before publication. Official starting point: U.S. Department of State — Visitor Visa.
General educational information, not individualized legal advice. Follow the official instructions for the embassy or consulate where you apply, and consult a qualified U.S. immigration attorney for case-specific questions.
General information based on official sources — not a confirmation for your case. Always check the linked official page.