Visa Stamp vs. I-94 Record: What Every U.S. Visa Holder Should Know in 2025

At SG Legal Group, I often meet clients who are unsure how their visa stamp affects their ability to travel or reenter the United States. In today’s rapidly changing immigration landscape, this small sticker in your passport carries significant implications for your legal status, travel plans, and compliance with U.S. law.

Understanding what a visa stamp is—and how it differs from your I-94 record—is essential for avoiding unnecessary travel disruptions and maintaining lawful presence in the U.S.

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What Is a U.S. Visa Stamp?

A visa stamp (also called a visa foil) is the label placed in your passport by a U.S. embassy or consulate after your visa application is approved. It shows that a U.S. consular officer has reviewed your case and authorized you to request admission at a U.S. port of entry.

However, the visa stamp does not control how long you may stay in the country. That authority belongs to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, who issue your I-94 record upon entry.

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What Information Appears on a Visa Stamp

Each visa stamp includes several key fields. Before you travel, review each one carefully for accuracy:

• Name (surname and given name)

• Passport number and date of birth

• Issuing post – the embassy or consulate that issued your visa

• Visa type/class – e.g., B-1/B-2, F-1, H-1B, L-1, or E-2

• Control number – for administrative tracking

• Issue date and expiration date – define visa validity

• Entries – number of times you may seek entry (“1,” “2,” or “M” for multiple)

• Annotations – additional notes such as employer name, program sponsor, or SEVIS ID

Even a minor typo can cause delays at the airport or during future visa renewals. I always advise clients to verify these details as soon as their passport is returned.

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Visa Validity vs. Length of Stay

One of the most common misconceptions I see is confusing visa validity with authorized stay.

• Visa validity defines how long and how often you can request entry to the U.S.

• Length of stay is determined by your I-94 record once you are admitted.

For example:

• A B-1/B-2 visitor may receive a visa valid for ten years with multiple entries but is typically admitted for only six months per visit.

• A student (F-1) may have a visa valid for five years but can remain in the U.S. as long as they maintain student status and have a valid I-20.

• A temporary worker (H-1B, E-2, etc.) may have a visa valid for a specific number of entries within the petition validity period.

Visa validity periods depend on your nationality and visa category. You can check your country’s current reciprocity schedule on the U.S. Department of State website.

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Visa Stamp vs. I-94 Record: Understanding the Difference

Your visa stamp and I-94 record serve two distinct purposes:

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When you enter the U.S., CBP admits you in a specific visa status and creates an electronic I-94. This record includes your “Admit Until” date—the last day you may remain in the country unless you file for an extension or change of status.

You can retrieve your I-94 online at cbp.gov/I94.

Important: Your visa can expire while your I-94 is still valid, and you may still be lawfully present. But once you leave the U.S. after the visa expires, you must obtain a new visa stamp before returning.

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How to Get a U.S. Visa Stamp

The process depends on whether you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa (temporary stay) or an immigrant visa (permanent residence).

For Nonimmigrant Visas

1. Confirm your category. Petition-based visas (H-1B, L-1, E-2, O-1, etc.) require an approved USCIS petition before you apply for stamping.

2. Complete the DS-160 application online through the Department of State website.

3. Pay the visa application fee.

4. Schedule your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, usually in your country of residence.

5. Attend your interview and provide supporting documents. The consular officer will determine if you qualify and may place your case in administrative processing if additional checks are needed.

For Immigrant Visas

1. Submit Form DS-260 after your petition is approved and processed by the National Visa Center (NVC).

2. Provide civil and financial documentation as required.

3. Attend your immigrant visa interview at the assigned consulate.

4. Receive your immigrant visa stamp, typically valid for one entry within six months.

5. Enter the U.S. before it expires to activate your permanent resident status.

To check visa interview availability, visit the Global Visa Wait Times page.

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Avoiding Common Visa Stamp Problems

Small errors or misunderstandings can lead to major complications. I recommend every traveler:

• Verify that all visa details match the passport and USCIS approval notice.

• Review visa validity and entry limitations before booking travel.

• Print and carry the latest I-94 record during domestic verification requests.

• Consult an immigration attorney if visa renewal or status extension deadlines are approaching.

• Avoid traveling while a change of status is pending with USCIS, as leaving the U.S. may void that application.

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When to Seek Legal Help

For many professionals, investors, and families, visa stamping is the final but most stressful part of the immigration process. Administrative delays, background checks, or procedural errors can disrupt travel and employment plans.

At SG Legal Group, my team and I assist clients through every stage—from preparing consular applications to troubleshooting visa delays and I-94 discrepancies. We offer guidance in English, Russian, and Romanian and work with clients around the world.

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Contact SG Legal Group

If you need experienced legal guidance with your visa stamp, interview preparation, or I-94 status record, contact me at SG Legal Group. My team and I will help you navigate the process confidently and efficiently.

📞 Call 410-618-1288 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.

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This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, please contact me directly.