Visa vs Status

VISA

A "Visa" is a travel document issued by the U.S. Consulate or Embassy when one seeks to visit the U.S. The "Visa" is a stamp/or sticker placed on a page in your passport. After reviewing your passport, visa, and other supporting documents, the Port of Entry Inspector (Customs and Border Patrol) will determine the type of admission and the duration of time for which you will be admitted to the U.S. and create an I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. (See below).

STATUS

I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

The form I-94 is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrival/departure record electronically issued to travelers who are admitted to the United States. The I-94 generated by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicated the date of entry, status at entry (e.g., B1, F1, H1B, etc.), and the authorized period of stay. One must depart the United States or extend their status before the departure date on their I-94. To obtain a copy of your I-94 on CBP's online portal, please visit https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/i94/#/home . 

For example, the individual entered the U.S. as an F1 student. They were admitted until "D/S" or for the duration of the status. They may remain in the U.S. as long as they are enrolled in a degree program, until graduation, or completion of Optional Practical Training (OPT). Then they must depart the U.S. or change their status to one that will allow them to continue to remain in the U.S.

Essentially, it is the I-94 that dictates the STATUS and EXPIRATION DATE of one's stay, not the visa stamp. If an individual applies for a change of status (i.e., from F1 to H1B) and/or an extension, a NEW I-94 will be generated by the USCIS and will be found on the I-797A, Approval Notices.