The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a clear advisory informing Nigerian travellers that the expiration date on a U.S. visa does not determine how long they are allowed to stay in the United States.
Instead, the authorized duration of stay is set by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. The embassy emphasized that while a visa permits travel to a U.S. border, it does not guarantee entry or specify the length of time a visitor can remain in the country.
Travellers were advised to check their official “Admit Until Date” on the I-94 form—a record issued by the CBP officer upon arrival—which indicates the exact date by which they must depart the U.S. The embassy’s statement, shared on July 17 via its official social media, aims to educate the public and prevent common misunderstandings that can lead to visa overstays and potential immigration penalties.
According to U.S. immigration authorities, the visa expiration date reflects the timeframe during which a traveller may seek entry to the U.S. but should not be confused with the length of admission granted. Overstaying beyond the I-94 date can lead to visa cancellation, jeopardizing future travel opportunities.
The advisory also noted that visitors needing to extend their stay must apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before their authorized period expires. The embassy’s clear guidance is part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws and to assist Nigerian travellers in understanding the critical differences between visa validity and authorized duration of stay.
