In a post shared on its official X account (formerly Twitter) on Friday, the Mission explained that the duration of international visitors’ stay in the U.S. is at the discretion of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer encountered upon arrival.

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a reminder on visa policies, emphasising that the expiration date on a U.S. visa does not determine how long international visitors, including Nigerians, are allowed to stay in the country.

In a post shared on its official X account (formerly Twitter) on Friday, the Mission explained that the duration of international visitors’ stay in the U.S. is at the discretion of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer encountered upon arrival.

“Reminder! The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in the United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date,” the Mission stated.

The statement further clarified that a U.S. visa only permits a traveller to approach a port of entry to request permission to enter the country, but it is the CBP officer who decides the duration of stay once entry is granted.

“A U.S. visa allows you travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter. How long you are allowed to stay in the United States is not your visa’s expiration date,” the Mission said.

It also advised travellers to verify their authorised stay after entry by checking the “admit until date,” which can be accessed online.

“The CBP officer determines your ‘admit until date’ upon your arrival and you can check the date by which you must depart online,” it added.

The announcement comes as part of ongoing U.S. government changes in its visa policies for U.S. visa holders and international travellers, emphasising proper compliance with the country’s immigration rules to avoid violations that could affect future travel or immigration status.

SaharaReporters earlier this month reported that Nigerians hoping to travel to the U.S. would now face stricter visa rules following the U.S. Department of State’s announcement of new restrictions affecting several countries, including Nigeria.

https://saharareporters.com/2025/07/08/breaking-us-limits-validity-nigerian-non-immigrant-visas-3-months-single-entry

Under the new policy, which took effect immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will be valid for only three months and will allow a single entry.

The U.S. Department of State stated that the policy shift is expected to impact thousands of Nigerian students, businesspeople, tourists, and families who frequently travel to the U.S. for various purposes.

According to the new policy, those who already hold valid U.S. non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, would not be affected, as their visas would retain their original status and validity.,

Reminder! The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date. To see how long you can stay, check your I-94 (admit until date) at… pic.twitter.com/v3Ppf0zzjD

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) July 18, 2025