FAQ's for Issued Visas
Frequently Asked Questions about Issued Visas
What Do the Visa Validity Dates Printed on the Visa Mean?
The time period from the visa issuance date to the visa expiration date, as shown on the visa, is known as visa validity. The Issue Date is the date the visa first becomes valid. The Expiration Date is the last day on which you may use the visa to enter the United States. Many travelers mistakenly believe that the Expiration Date is the last day on which they may remain in the United States, but in fact the Expiration Date is the last date on which you are allowed to apply for entry into the U.S. at an airport, sea port or land border crossing.
A visa never guarantees admission to the United States. A visa simply allows you to present yourself before immigration officials at a U.S. port-of-entry. At the U.S. port-of-entry, it is the immigration official who will make a decision determining how long each traveler is allowed to stay in the United States. This time period is called the Authorized Length of Stay or the Duration of Stay Permitted.
Generally, the immigration official will note the date by which you must leave the United States. If no specific period of time is indicated, the maximum length of stay on a B1/B2 visa is 6 months. In some cases, the immigration official will note “D/S” meaning “duration of status” – in this case you are allowed to remain in the United States as long as you remain in status. For example, if you are a student with an F1 visa, you are allowed to remain in the United States as long as you continue to be a full-time student at an American university.
If you are planning to enter the United States before the Expiration Date on your visa, you will not need to apply for a new visa. This is the case even if you intend to stay in the United States beyond the Expiration Date of your visa. For example, if you plan to enter the United States on October 5, 2008 and the Expiration Date on your visa is October 11, 2008, you will not need a new visa. Since you are planning to arrive in the United States before the Expiration Date, your visa is still valid.
What About Applying for an Extension of Stay?
Travelers in the U.S. are allowed to apply for an Extension of Stay from the Department of Homeland Security. However, any extensions of stay will be reviewed closely at your next visa interview. Please bear in mind that the longer you remain away from your residence, the harder it will be for you to prove convincing ties to that residence.
How Do I know if I have a Multiple Entry or a Single Entry Visa?
An “M” designation means that you may enter and exit the United States multiple times, as long as the visa is still valid. A “1” or “2” means you are allowed to use the visa to enter the United States one or two times, respectively.
I travel to the US a lot. Can I get a visa that is valid for a longer period?
The visa validity dates and the number of entries granted are based on reciprocity with other countries. The United States will issue U.S. visas to Chinese citizens that are valid for the same period of time that China grants Chinese visas to U.S. citizens in the same visa class. The visa class is determined by the type of travel – students, business people, temporary workers and travelers fall under different visa classes. For example, the F1 student visa validity dates and number of entries given by the U.S. Government to Chinese citizens are equal to the maximum number granted by the Chinese Government to American Citizen students planning to study in China. The adjudicating consular officer retains the right to abbreviate the visa validity dates or number of entries if there is reason to do so.
Can I get my visa back the same day as my interview?
No. Due to the high volume of visas we process, we are unable to print visas the same day. If you are in a hurry, please ask China Post about the quickest method to get your passport back. If you applied through Amcham or CITIC Bank, you will have to contact those institutions to find out how long the normal process takes. Applying early is the best way to ensure that you receive your visa in plenty of time for your travel to the United States.
- Translation:
- 中文版