US Visa Expiry Date Calculator

US Visa Types and Their Validity Periods

A US visa allows foreign nationals to travel to the United States and present themselves at a port of entry. The visa itself has an expiry date — after which it cannot be used to enter the US. However, a valid visa does not guarantee entry; the authorised period of stay (I-94) is a separate document issued by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at entry.

Important Distinction: Your US visa expiry date determines when you can travel to and enter the US. Your I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) determines how long you can stay in the US. These are two separate dates.

Common US Visa Types and Typical Validity

Visa Category	Visa Type	Typical Validity (for Indians)
Tourist / Business	B1/B2	10 years
Student (academic)	F-1	5 years
Student (vocational)	M-1	1 year
Skilled worker	H-1B	3 years (extendable)
Intracompany transfer	L-1	3 years
Exchange visitor	J-1	Varies (1–5 years)
Treaty trader / investor	E-1/E-2	5 years
Work & holiday	H-2B	1 year

Visa Expiry vs. Authorised Stay: A Critical Difference

Many visitors confuse the visa expiry date with the authorised stay period. Here is the key distinction:

Visa Expiry Date: The date by which you must enter the US (not leave). Your visa can expire while you are legally in the US.
I-94 Expiry Date (Authorised Stay): The date by which you must leave the US. This is stamped or electronically recorded when you arrive.
Duration of Status (D/S): F-1 and J-1 holders typically have "D/S" on their I-94, meaning they can stay as long as they maintain their student/exchange visitor status.

When Should You Renew a US Visa?

Apply for renewal at least 2–3 months before your current visa expires.
You can apply for renewal at a US Embassy or Consulate in India even if your current visa is still valid.
Many categories (like B1/B2) allow interview waivers for renewal if your previous visa was issued when you were 14–79 years old and the visa is less than 48 months expired.
Always check the US Embassy India website for the most current procedures and wait times at your nearest US Consulate (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as long as your visa is valid on the date you enter the US, you can be admitted — even if it expires shortly after. The period of stay you are authorised for (recorded on your I-94) is separate from the visa expiry. CBP officers may question very short remaining validity, but it is not a legal barrier to entry by itself.

It is legal for your US visa to expire while you are in the US, as long as your I-94 authorised stay period has not expired. Your visa expiry only means you cannot re-enter the US using that visa after it expires. To re-enter, you would need to get a new visa from a US Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Your US visa sticker in your passport shows the issue date and the expiry date. The "Expiration Date" is already printed on the visa — you do not need to calculate it. However, if you want to verify or track the remaining validity, use our calculator with the issue date and validity period.

Most Indian nationals receive a B1/B2 US visa valid for 10 years on a multiple-entry basis. However, the consular officer has discretion to issue a shorter validity visa. The reciprocity schedule (based on what the US grants to Indian passport holders) determines the maximum validity. As of 2024, Indian nationals generally receive 10-year B1/B2 visas.

US Visa Types and Their Validity Periods

Common US Visa Types and Typical Validity

Visa Expiry vs. Authorised Stay: A Critical Difference

When Should You Renew a US Visa?

Frequently Asked Questions

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