Your Visa Expired – Do You Have to Leave the U.S.?

Emmerson Mirus , Nicole S. Schram | 07.29.25

The word ​“visa” is commonly used to refer to two different things: the visa status and the visa stamp of a nonimmigrant (temporary visitor or resident) in the U.S. Historically, many nonimmigrants’ visa stamps and visa status were valid for the same period of time. In early July of 2025, however, the Trump administration changed the Visa Reciprocity Schedule, reducing the validity period of visa stamps for many countries. Since a growing number of nonimmigrants’ visa stamps will now expire earlier than their status, it is more important than ever to understand the differences between the two.

A visa stamp (or just ​“visa”) is the physical stamp or sticker placed in your passport that is issued by a consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of the U.S. It is solely used for entering the U.S. at a land border or airport — you can think of it as your ​“ticket” for admission. The stamp must be valid (unexpired) on the day you enter the U.S. from another country. 

The validity period on your visa stamp is based on your nationality and visa type. After the July 2025 changes to the Visa Reciprocity Schedule, most visa stamps for Nigerian nationals, for example, will be valid for just one entry during a three-month validity period. 

On the other hand, your nonimmigrant visa status is your legal immigration classification, allowing you to stay (and sometimes work) in the U.S. The period your status is valid depends on your visa classification. For instance, H‑1B status is usually granted for 3‑year periods. 

Status validity dates are often noted first on the government form granting your nonimmigrant status (I‑797 Approval Notice for H‑1B workers, I‑20 for F‑1 students, etc.). Your status expiration date will also be noted on the Form I‑94 that is issued every time you enter or re-enter the U.S.

As of mid-July 2025, many nonimmigrants’ visa stamps will now expire significantly before their status. It is important to remember that if your visa stamp expires, you do NOT have to leave the U.S. An expired visa stamp only prevents you from re-entering the country. You are legally permitted to stay (and work if authorized) in the U.S. as long as your nonimmigrant status is valid.

If you have questions about your visa status expiration date, or if your latest Form I‑94 contains the wrong ​“Admit Until” date, Boardman’s immigration team is here to help.