If you are planning to visit USAit is essential that you review the validity and visa type that you have, since certain documents are no longer accepted to enter the country. Since April 1, 2004, the Department of State (DOS) declared indefinite visas, known as Burroughs visas, invalid, and this may affect travelers from Mexico and other countries.
Immigration: What are Burroughs visas and why are they no longer valid?
Burroughs visas were tourism or business documents that were manually stamped into passports and had an indefinite duration. Despite their popularity in past decades, these visas were officially discontinued by USA.
Since April 1, 2004, anyone who still holds this type of visa must apply for a new one, since the Burroughs They were no longer recognized as valid to enter the country.
Read also
Immigration: current requirements to enter the United States
In order to travel to the United States, it is essential that the type of visa in your passport meets the following conditions:
- Current validity: The visa must be valid at the time of requesting access to the country.
- Suitable purpose: The visa must correspond to the main reason for the trip, whether tourism, business, studies or other.
- Good physical condition of the document: It must not be damaged or altered.
If your visa expires while you are in the country, you should not worry, as long as you are within the period of stay authorized by the Form I-94 or the visa stamp. admission granted by the agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wave Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Form I-94 is the official record which indicates how long you are allowed to stay in the United States. Even if the visa expires, the permission indicated on this form remains valid as long as it does not exceed the authorized period.
Read also
Importance of having an updated visa
Although one approved visa does not guarantee automatic entry to the United States, it is an essential requirement to appear at a port of entry, where immigration agents will evaluate your application. It is crucial that you keep your visa up to date and that you comply with the following guidelines:
- Keep your Form I-94: This document proves your authorized stay and must always be inside your passport.
- Check the duration of your permit: respect the deadline established by immigration officials on the admission stamp or I-94.
Read also
Migrants in the USA: recommendations to avoid problems when traveling
If you have doubts about the validity of your visa or need to renew it, here are some steps you can follow:
- Check with a U.S. consulate or embassy in your country for renewal requirements.
- Check that your visa is valid and corresponds to the purpose of your trip.
- Apply for a new visa if you still have a Burroughs.
Entry to the United States may be denied if your visa does not meet current rules, so make sure you have all your documentation in order before you travel.
Read also
What does it mean to have an approved visa?
An approved visa does not guarantee automatic entry to USAbut it does allow you to reach a port of entry, where DHS or CBP agents will evaluate your case.
They have the authority to allow or deny entry and determine how long you can stay in the country.
Keeping your documents in order and respecting current regulations is essential to avoid problems on your next trip to the United States. Be sure to review your documentation in advance and be aware of current requirements.
