The United States government has reminded international visitors that the length of time they are allowed to stay in the country is decided by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer when they arrive, not by the expiration date on their visa.

In a public advisory, US authorities urged travellers to check their I-94 arrival and departure record to confirm the date they are required to leave the country.

“Reminder! The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date,” the notice stated.

According to the advisory, visitors should confirm their approved period of stay by checking the “admit until” date on their electronic I-94 record.

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The clarification follows a common misunderstanding among travellers who believe they can remain in the US until the expiration date printed on their visa.

US immigration authorities explained that a visa only allows a person to travel to a US port of entry and request admission into the country.

The authorities said the final decision on whether a visitor is allowed into the US, and how long the person may stay, is made by the CBP officer at the port of entry.

Travellers who remain in the country beyond the date authorised on their I-94 may violate US immigration laws, a situation that could affect future visa applications or travel to the United States.

US authorities also encouraged all international visitors to check their I-94 records after entering the country to understand the length of their approved stay and avoid overstaying their permitted period.