How long is a US B1/B2 visitor visa valid and how many entries does it allow?
TL;DR: Visa validity (how long you can use the visa to seek entry) and length of stay (how long CBP lets you remain per visit) are different things. Many B1/B2 visas are issued for up to 10 years with multiple entries, but reciprocity schedules vary by country, and each individual stay is capped by the officer at the port of entry — commonly around 6 months.
The claim
A 10-year multiple-entry stamp does not mean 10 years of continuous US residence — it just means you can request entry repeatedly during that window.
The evidence
The State Department sets visa validity and entry count per country under "visa reciprocity" tables, so a US citizen's home country matters. Separately, CBP officers — not the visa itself — decide how long you may stay on each individual visit, stamped or noted electronically at the port of entry.
Validity vs length of stay
| Concept | Who controls it | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Visa validity | US State Department (by reciprocity with your country) | 1 month to 10 years, often multiple entry |
| Entries allowed | Same reciprocity schedule | Single, multiple, or unlimited during validity |
| Length of stay per visit | CBP officer at the port of entry | Commonly up to 6 months, noted on Form I-94 |
| Extension of stay | USCIS (Form I-539) | Case-by-case, filed before I-94 expires |
Step-by-step: using your B1/B2 correctly
- Check your visa's validity dates and entry count printed on the sticker.
- On arrival, note the date CBP writes or enters electronically on your I-94 — that's your real deadline, not the visa expiration date.
- Never assume "10-year visa" means you can stay 10 years straight; it doesn't.
- If you need more time, file Form I-539 before your I-94 date expires.
- Track your I-94 admit-until date directly at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
FAQ
Does my visa expiring mean I have to leave the US? No. Your permitted stay is set by your I-94 date, not your visa expiration date. You can legally stay past visa expiration if your I-94 date hasn't passed.
Can I extend a B1/B2 stay past 6 months? You can request an extension via Form I-539, but approval isn't automatic and depends on your circumstances.
Does every country get a 10-year B1/B2 visa? No — validity and entry counts follow reciprocity agreements and vary widely by nationality.
What happens if I overstay my I-94 date? Overstaying can trigger visa voidance and future inadmissibility, separate from any consequences tied to the visa's original validity.
By Pinal Dave Last updated: 2026-07-26