Abuja, Nigeria – The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a critical clarification aimed at Nigerian travellers regarding a common misconception about U.S. visas. In a public advisory released via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, July 17, the embassy explained that the expiration date on a U.S. visa does not determine how long a traveller can legally remain in the United States.
According to the embassy, the length of stay in the U.S. is not dictated by the visa itself but is instead determined by an officer of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry. This officer issues an official “Admit Until Date,” which is recorded on the traveller’s I-94 arrival/departure record.
“Your visa may still be valid, but it does not authorize how long you may stay,” the embassy emphasized. “Only a CBP officer can determine your period of authorized stay.”
Travellers are advised to check their I-94 record online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov immediately after arrival to verify the exact date they are required to leave the United States. Overstaying beyond this date, even if the visa has not expired, may result in serious immigration consequences, including future visa denials or bans.
The clarification is part of the U.S. Embassy’s ongoing campaign to educate Nigerian travellers on immigration compliance, reduce cases of visa overstays, and ensure lawful travel.
Nigerians applying for or travelling on U.S. visas are urged to pay close attention to official information from U.S. immigration authorities and avoid relying on informal or misleading travel advice.
This advisory comes amid increasing scrutiny of visa violations and efforts by both Nigerian and U.S. authorities to strengthen legal migration practices.
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