Visto n' Visa
Blog
Notícias e artigos
Destinations
Careers
Immigrants

How many days do I have to enter the US after the immigrant visa is printed?

Entry into the US with an immigrant visa must occur before the printed expiration date, generally within six months after the medical examination.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on January 24, 2026
2 min read
Share

It is important to know that the visa printed in your passport comes with a specific expiration date, and this date determines until when you can travel to the United States. Generally, for the immigrant visa, including in the context of the EB-2 NIW, the period for your entry is linked to the expiration date printed on the visa, which is often about six months from the completion of your medical examination. This means you must use the visa to enter the US before that date is reached.

In practical terms, it is not a fixed number of ‘days counted after issuance’ that universally applies, but rather the validity indicated on the visa itself. Thus, when you receive the document, it is essential to carefully check the expiration date. Entry into the United States must occur by that date; if the deadline is exceeded, the visa automatically becomes invalid, and additional procedures may be necessary to revalidate it.

Always remember to strictly follow US immigration laws and consult official sources or reliable experts when needed to avoid any setbacks. It is also advisable to be cautious of companies or marketing campaigns promising guaranteed results or simplified processes, as the immigration path requires compliance with several stages and thorough analyses by American authorities.

Staying informed and acting according to established deadlines and rules is essential for your process to proceed without unforeseen issues. In case of specific doubts or unusual situations, seeking additional guidance through official channels can be a great way to ensure that all steps are followed correctly.

Learn more about EB-2 NIW

Category
EB-2 NIW Green Card
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
PERM
Waived
Processing
12-36 months
All about EB-2 NIW
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

How many days do I have to enter the US after the immigrant visa is printed?

Entry into the US with an immigrant visa must occur before the printed expiration date, generally within six months after the medical examination.

Recommended reading about EB-2 NIW

More content about EB-2 NIW