Understanding the Difference Between Visa and Status — Important for Our Penn International Community
Dear Penn International Students and Scholars,
We know that questions often come up about the difference between a visa and immigration status. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably but actually have very different meanings that affect your rights and responsibilities while you’re here at Penn. To help you better understand, here is a clear explanation.
What is a Visa?
A visa is a stamp or sticker placed in your passport by a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States. It allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter the country. Think of your visa as the “key” that lets you seek entry to the U.S. However, having a visa does not guarantee admission. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry makes the final decision on whether you may enter—and under what immigration status.
What is Status?
Your immigration status is your legal standing while inside the United States. It determines the rights and responsibilities you have during your stay. For example, if you entered on an F-1 visa, you have F-1 status, which allows you to study at Penn and potentially work under certain conditions.
When you enter the U.S., you will receive an entry stamp in your passport indicating your status category (such as F-1 or J-1) and the length of time you are allowed to remain. Many Penn international students and scholars receive a “D/S” (Duration of Status) notation, which means you can stay as long as you remain enrolled or participate in your program.
Visa Expiration vs. Status Expiration
- Your visa may expire while you are still in the U.S. — this does not mean you have to leave. You may remain here as long as your status is valid and you follow its rules.
- You only need a valid visa if you leave the U.S. and plan to return. If your visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new one before re-entry.
A Helpful Analogy
Imagine you have a hotel reservation and a key card. The key card (visa) lets you enter the hotel and your room. Without it, you cannot get inside, even if you are physically there. But the reservation (status) is what actually allows you to stay. You can remain in the hotel as long as your reservation is valid. If you lose your key card, you can get a new one. But if you lose your reservation, no key card will let you stay.
What This Means for You
- Keep track of your status expiration date and always comply with program requirements.
- If your visa expires while you are in the U.S., you do not need to leave or renew it unless you plan to travel internationally.
- Before traveling abroad, make sure your visa is valid for re-entry, and contact ISSS for guidance.
- When reviewing your visa, carefully check whether it permits single or multiple entries and note the visa’s expiration date. Please remember that your status expiration is determined by the I-94 entry record, not by the visa expiration date.
- For any questions or help with your visa or status, please reach out to ISSS—we are here to support you.
We hope this explanation clarifies an important distinction that affects your ability to remain in the U.S. and succeed here at Penn.
Please don’t hesitate to contact ISSS anytime for personalized assistance.
Best,
Rudie Altamirano, Ph.D.
