The United States Mission in Nigeria has reminded Nigerian travellers that the validity of a U.S. visa does not determine how long they are permitted to remain in the country, stressing that the decision rests with officers of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Monday, the mission explained that the duration of a visitor’s stay is determined by a CBP officer upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, regardless of the visa’s expiration date.
It advised travellers to verify their authorised period of stay by checking their Form I-94, particularly the “admit until date,” which specifies when they must leave the United States.
A Form I-94 is required for most foreign visitors entering the U.S., except U.S. citizens, returning lawful permanent residents, foreign nationals travelling with immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens visiting or transiting through the country.
The document is issued during the admission process at a port of entry. However, travellers entering the U.S. through a land border or by ferry from selected ports may apply for a provisional Form I-94 before arrival.
The U.S. Mission also reiterated that remaining in the country beyond the authorised “admit until date” constitutes an immigration violation, even if the visitor’s visa remains valid.
According to the mission, overstaying an approved period of stay could lead to the cancellation of an existing visa and affect eligibility for future U.S. visas.
The advisory comes amid continued scrutiny of visa compliance. Last year, the United States placed Nigeria among countries subject to partial travel restrictions, citing concerns over security and travel documentation.
Data from the U.S. Overstay Report showed that Nigeria recorded a 5.56 percent overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visitor visas and an 11.90 percent overstay rate for F, M and J category visas.
