B2 visa stay length: what the document says

A B2 tourist visa does not set a fixed stay length. Instead, a US Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry — the airport, land border, or seaport where you arrive — decides how long you can remain. That officer stamps your passport with an I-94 arrival/departure record, which shows the date you must leave. This date is separate from your visa expiration date.

The visa itself is only permission to travel to the US and request entry. Once you arrive, the I-94 is what controls how long you stay. Most B2 visitors receive 6 months, but the officer can grant anywhere from a few days to 6 months depending on what you tell them about your trip and what documents you carry.

Key Takeaways

  • The CBP officer at your port of entry decides your stay length and writes it on your I-94 form, not your visa.
  • Most B2 tourists receive 6 months, but the officer can grant less if they doubt your plans or ties to your home country.
  • Your visa expiration date and your I-94 expiration date are different — you can overstay your I-94 even if your visa is still valid.
  • Leaving before your I-94 date is always safe; staying past it makes you deportable and damages future visa chances.
  • You cannot extend a B2 stay by filing a form — you must leave and reapply if you need more time.

What the CBP officer considers when setting your stay

The officer asks why you are visiting, how long you plan to stay, where you will go, and whether you have ties pulling you back home — a job, family, property, or ongoing school. They want to hear a specific plan: "I am visiting my sister in Texas for two weeks" is stronger than "I might travel around."

Bring documents that show those ties. A letter from your employer saying you have a job to return to, a lease or property deed in your name, bank statements showing you live somewhere else, or an admission letter to a school abroad all help. The officer is trying to predict whether you will leave on time. If you look like you might stay illegally, they grant fewer days.

If you have overstayed a previous visa, been deported, or have a criminal record, the officer may grant very little time or deny entry entirely. They can also grant 6 months to someone with a clean record and clear plans.

The difference between your visa date and your I-94 date

Your B2 visa is typically valid for 10 years (though this varies by country). It is a document that lets you board a plane or approach a border. It does not control how long you stay once you arrive.

Your I-94 is the actual permission to be in the US for a set number of days. If your I-94 says you must leave on December 15, you must leave by then — even if your visa does not expire until 2034. Overstaying your I-94 is a violation, regardless of visa validity.

When you leave the US, the CBP officer collects your I-94 (or you submit it electronically if you entered through certain airports). When you return, you get a new I-94 with a new stay date.

What happens if you stay past your I-94 date

Staying past your I-94 expiration date makes you deportable. You lose legal status when ready on that date. If you are stopped by police, explore for a job that requires a background check, or try to leave the country, you will be flagged.

An overstay also damages your record for future visas. If you overstay by a few days, you may still get another B2 visa, but the officer will note it. If you overstay by months or years, you become ineligible for many visas and may face a ban on re-entry lasting 3 to 10 years, depending on how long you stayed past your date.

There is no grace period. The day after your I-94 date, you are in violation. If you realize you need more time, you cannot file a form to extend — you must leave before the date and reapply if you want to return.

How to find your I-94 expiration date

When you arrive in the US, the CBP officer hands you a paper I-94 or directs you to print one from the CBP website. The expiration date is clearly marked. Write it down or photograph it. Do not rely on memory.

If you entered by air or sea at a major port, you can also look up your I-94 online at cbp.gov/i94. You will need your passport number and date of birth. This is useful if you lose your paper copy or want to confirm the date before you leave.

Set a phone reminder for one week before your I-94 date. Missing your departure date is one of the easiest ways to damage your immigration record.

Extending your stay is not an option for B2 visitors

Unlike some visa categories, B2 does not allow you to file a form to extend your stay in the US. Once your I-94 date arrives, you must leave. If you need more time, your only option is to depart, wait outside the US, and explore for a new B2 visa through a US embassy or consulate.

Some people try to change their status to a different visa category (like a student visa) while in the US, but this is complex and not may provide. If you think you might need to stay longer, discuss it with a US immigration attorney before you arrive.

What to do if you are close to your I-94 date and need to leave

Book your flight or arrange your departure at least two weeks before your I-94 expiration date. This gives you a buffer in case of travel delays. When you leave, the CBP officer at your port of exit will collect your I-94 or confirm your electronic departure.

Keep your departure proof — a boarding pass, receipt, or airline confirmation. If there is ever a question about whether you left on time, this document protects you. Some people also request a stamp in their passport from the CBP officer as proof of departure, though this is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay longer than 6 months on a B2 visa?

No. The maximum stay the CBP officer can grant is 6 months. If you need to stay longer, you must leave before your I-94 date and reapply for a new B2 visa from outside the US. There is no extension process for B2 visitors.

What if I lose my I-94 before I leave?

Look up your I-94 date online at cbp.gov/i94 using your passport number and date of birth. You do not need the physical paper to leave — the CBP officer at your port of exit can look it up in their system. However, print or photograph the online version as backup proof of your date.

Can my visa expiration date be extended so I can stay longer?

No. Your visa expiration date and your I-94 stay date are separate. Even if your visa is valid for 10 years, you must leave when your I-94 expires. The visa only lets you enter the US; it does not control how long you stay once you are here.

What happens if I overstay by just a few days?

Even a few days of overstay is recorded and can affect future visa applications. You may still receive another B2 visa, but the officer will see the overstay in your file. Longer overstays (30 days or more) trigger automatic bars to re-entry lasting 3 to 10 years.

Can I change to a student visa to stay longer?

Changing to a student visa (F-1) while in the US is possible but requires admission to a school and approval from US Citizenship and Immigration Services. This is not a straightforward process and is not may provide. Consult an immigration attorney if you are considering this before you arrive.