Quick Summary: 3 Terms to Know
| Term | What Is It? | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Official permission to enter the U.S. for a specific purpose, issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate | Proves you are authorized to travel to a U.S. port of entry |
| Visa stamp | Physical ink stamp applied directly to a passport page | Evidence of visa issuance printed directly in the passport |
| Visa foil | Adhesive label affixed to a passport page | Same purpose as a stamp; the more common format in modern U.S. visas |
| I-94 | Electronic arrival and departure record issued by CBP at the port of entry | Records the date of entry and the authorized period of stay inside the U.S. |
Visa Validity Period and Number of Permitted Entries
Expiration date:
The expiration date on the visa is the last date on which the visa may be used to enter the United States. After this date the visa cannot be used for a new entry, even if you have never used it.
Number of entries:
| Symbol | Meaning | Common Example |
|---|---|---|
| M (Multiple) | May enter the U.S. multiple times within the visa validity period | Standard B-2 tourist visa |
| S (Single) | May enter the U.S. only once | Some specialized visa categories |
| D (Double) | May enter the U.S. twice | Less common |
Important note: Even with an M (multiple entry) visa, each individual entry is still subject to the length of stay authorized by the CBP officer at the port of entry as recorded on the I-94. A multiple entry visa does not mean unlimited time inside the United States; it only means you may travel in and out of the U.S. multiple times while the visa remains valid.
In U.S. immigration matters, a visa is a document that allows a foreign national to enter the United States for a specific purpose, such as tourism, work, study, family visits (a nonimmigrant visa) or to immigrate (an immigrant visa). It is typically a stamp or sticker placed in the foreign national’s passport by a U.S. consulate or embassy.
A visa stamp refers to the physical impression or mark placed directly onto a passport page. It contains important information such as the visa holder’s name, passport number, visa classification (e.g., B-1/B-2 for business/tourism or F-1 for a student), and expiration date.
A visa foil, on the other hand, refers to the physical adhesive visa document that’s affixed to a passport page. It’s essentially the visa sticker itself, which contains similar information to the visa stamp. The visa foil is named after older visa material which had a consistency and look of (aluminum) foil but this material is no longer used.
Both the visa stamp and visa foil serve as evidence that the holder has been granted permission to travel to the U.S. to seek admission for a specific purpose and for a specified period. They are necessary for border officials to determine the traveler’s eligibility to enter the country. Without a valid visa, admission into the U.S. may be denied, except for citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), who can travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a U.S. visa, a visa stamp and a visa foil?
A U.S. visa is the general term for the official authorization issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that permits a foreign national to travel to the United States for a specific purpose. A visa stamp is an ink impression applied directly to a passport page. A visa foil is an adhesive label affixed to the passport page — this is the more common format for modern U.S. visas. Both a stamp and a foil contain the same information and the terms are frequently used interchangeably.
What is the difference between the visa expiration date and the I-94 authorized stay?
The visa expiration date printed in the passport is the last date on which that visa may be used to enter the United States. The I-94 authorized stay is the date by which the holder must depart the United States after entry. These two dates are often different. The I-94 date controls how long you may legally remain inside the U.S. Staying past the I-94 date is an overstay regardless of the visa expiration date. Always check your I-94 record at i94.cbp.dhs.gov after each U.S. entry.
What does “M” (multiple entries) mean on a U.S. visa?
An “M” (Multiple Entries) designation on a U.S. visa means the holder may enter the United States multiple times during the visa’s validity period without a limit on the number of entries. However each individual entry is still subject to the authorized stay period determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry as recorded on the I-94. A multiple entry visa does not mean unlimited time inside the U.S.; it simply means you may travel in and out of the country multiple times while the visa is still valid.
If my visa expires while I am inside the United States, is that a problem?
Not if your I-94 authorized stay is still valid. A visa expiring while you are lawfully present in the United States has no effect on your legal status during that stay. You remain authorized to stay until the date recorded on your I-94. However after you depart the United States, you will need to apply for a new visa before re-entering since your previous visa is no longer valid for entry.
What is the difference between a nonimmigrant and an immigrant visa?
A nonimmigrant visa (such as B-2, F-1, H-1B or K-1) is for temporary visits with a defined purpose and expected return to the home country after the authorized stay. An immigrant visa (such as CR-1, IR-1, EB-3 or EB-5) is for foreign nationals intending to reside permanently in the United States. A person who enters the U.S. on an immigrant visa becomes a lawful permanent resident with a Green Card immediately upon entry — no additional application is required.
If you have any questions about U.S. visas or U.S. immigration, contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei.
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