Q. How does duration of status differ from the visa expiration date?

A. Duration of status is the amount of time that an individual can stay in the U.S. and varies according to visa category. The duration of status is also tied in with the specific documents (i.e. I-20, DS-2019) and to the activity that the foreign national came to the U.S. to engage in. Visa expiration date is referred to as "visa validity". There are two aspects to a visa's validity. One refers to the period of time that the alien can make admission to the U.S. The second refers to the number of entries permitted during that time period. The visa stamp that a person used to enter the U.S. can expire while the nonimmigrant is in the U.S. and have no effect on the person's nonimmigrant status. However, if the person later wishes to travel abroad and re-enter the U.S., the person must obtain a new visa at a U.S. Consulate/Embassy before re-entering.

Q. How do I replace a lost, stolen or destroyed Form I-94?

A. Apply to the USCIS Service Center having jurisdiction of your place of residence on a Form I-102 with the appropriate filing fee.

Q. Who needs to report a change of address to USCIS and how is this done?

A. All aliens in the United States who are required to be registered with the exception of A visa holders (employees of foreign governments on official business) and G visa holders (Representatives to and employees of international organizations), and certain nonimmigrant who do not possess a visa and who are in the U.S. less than 30 days are required to keep USCIS informed of their change of address. Exchange visitors (J-1 and J-2 visa holders) must contact the Foreign National Advisor within 10 days when they have a change of address, telephone number, name, etc. Such changes are required to be entered into SEVIS. Foreign nationals other than J-1 or J-2 visa holders are required to notify USCIS on Form AR-11 within 10 days of changing their address. These foreign nationals must also notify the Foreign National Advisor within 10 days of the change. Form AR-11 is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/ar-11.htm. Special registrants are required to file Form AR-11SR which is available at http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/ar-11sr.htm.

Q. How Can I Find out the Status of Applications Filed at a Local USCIS Office?

A. If your application is pending for longer than the processing time projected on your receipt, and you have not recently received any type of notice or update from USCIS, you can call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for information. When you call, have your A-number, any receipt number issued to you after USCIS received your application, and the last notice you received about your case.