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How Long Can I Stay in the USA

Wondering how long you can stay in the USA on an F-1, J-1, TN, or H-1B visa? This guide breaks down each visa type, your allowed duration, and what to know about extensions and grace periods.

Author Name: Amira M

Whether you're a student, intern, professional, or skilled worker, one of the most common questions visa holders ask is: “How long can I stay in the USA?” The answer depends entirely on the type of visa you’re on, your program or job duration, and whether extensions or transitions to other visa types are possible.

Let’s walk through the most common visa categories—F-1, J-1, TN, and H-1B—and break down how long you’re legally allowed to stay in the country on each one.

F-1 Visa (Student Visa)

Who it's for: International students enrolled in full-time academic programs at U.S. colleges, universities, or language schools.

Length of Stay:
You can stay in the USA for the full length of your academic program plus a 60-day grace period after completing your studies.

If you're pursuing Optional Practical Training (OPT), you may be allowed to stay an additional 12 months (or 36 months if you're in a STEM field).

What to Keep in Mind:

• You must maintain full-time student status and make normal progress toward your degree.
  
• If you drop out or finish early, your grace period starts immediately.
  
• Extensions are not typically granted unless you move into a higher degree level (e.g., bachelor’s to master’s).
  

J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor)

Who it's for: Participants in cultural and educational exchange programs, such as interns, trainees, researchers, and au pairs.

Length of Stay:
The length of stay varies based on the specific program, but generally ranges from a few weeks up to 18 months.
For some categories, like professors or researchers, it can be up to 5 years.

After your program ends, you have a 30-day grace period to leave the country.

What to Keep in Mind:

• Extensions are possible but must be requested and approved by your sponsor.
  
• Some J-1 visa holders are subject to the “two-year home residency requirement”, which means you must return to your home country for two years before applying for certain other U.S. visas.
  

TN Visa (for Canadian and Mexican Professionals)

Who it's for: Citizens of Canada or Mexico working in certain professional occupations under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA).

Length of Stay:
You can stay in the USA for up to 3 years per entry, with the ability to renew indefinitely, though it’s always at the discretion of U.S. immigration officers.

What to Keep in Mind:

• TN visas are non-immigrant visas, so they are not designed for permanent residence.
  
• To renew or extend your TN status, you must continue to meet the same eligibility requirements and have a valid job offer.
  

H-1B Visa (Skilled Workers)

Who it's for: Foreign professionals working in specialty occupations, often in fields like IT, engineering, finance, and hospitality.

Length of Stay:
The standard duration is 3 years, with the option to extend for another 3 years, for a maximum of 6 years total.

However, extensions beyond 6 years may be possible if you are on a path to permanent residency (green card).

What to Keep in Mind:

• If you stop working for your sponsoring employer, you must leave the U.S. or find a new sponsor within 60 days.
  
• Premium processing can speed up H-1B approval, but it doesn’t change how long you’re allowed to stay.
  

So, What Happens After Your Visa Ends?

Every U.S. visa comes with clear rules about how long you can stay, and most offer short grace periods after your program or employment ends. Overstaying your visa, even by a few days, can have serious consequences, including bans from reentry.

If you want to stay longer in the U.S., your best bet is to look into:

• Extensions (if available under your visa type)
  
• Changing visa categories (e.g., F-1 to H-1B)
  
• Applying for a green card if you’re eligible
  

Final Thoughts

How long you can stay in the USA depends on your visa, your program or job, and how you plan your next steps. Whether you’re a student, intern, or working professional, understanding your visa’s timeline is key to staying compliant and making the most of your time in the USA.

Thinking about extending your stay? StayLonger is here to help you navigate your visa journey with up-to-date info and real-world advice.

Let us know what your next goal is and we’ll help you figure out your best path forward. Schedule a free consultation with us!