FAQ Category: Visa Questions

If you’re planning to study, teach, research, or participate in an exchange program in the United States, you’ll interact with the SEVIS system. Understanding how SEVIS works—and why it matters—is essential to maintaining lawful status in the U.S.

What Is the SEVIS System?

SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a federal database that tracks international students and exchange visitors in the United States, from acceptance into a U.S. program through completion or departure.

SEVIS is administered by Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which operates under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Who Is Tracked in SEVIS?

SEVIS tracks nonimmigrants in the following visa categories:

• F-1 / F-2 – Academic students and dependents
• M-1 / M-2 – Vocational students and dependents
• J-1 / J-2 – Exchange visitors and dependents

If you hold one of these visas—or are applying for one—your records are maintained in SEVIS.

Why the SEVIS System Exists

The SEVIS system was created to:

• Verify that international students and exchange visitors are enrolled and active
• Ensure compliance with U.S. immigration regulations
• Provide accurate, real-time status updates to U.S. agencies

SEVIS helps the government confirm that visitors are maintaining lawful status while studying or participating in approved programs.

What Information Does SEVIS Track?

SEVIS maintains key details, including:

• Your personal and passport information
• School or program details
• Program start and end dates
• Enrollment status (full-time, authorized leave, completion)
• Employment authorization (if applicable)
• Address and contact updates

Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Responsible Officers (ROs) are required to report changes promptly.

What Is the SEVIS Fee (Form I-901)?

Most F, M, and J applicants must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before their visa interview or U.S. entry.

The fee:

• Funds SEVIS operations
• Is paid separately from visa application fees
• Must be paid before scheduling a visa interview

Keep the payment receipt—it’s often required for interviews and entry.

How SEVIS Affects Your Immigration Status

Your SEVIS record directly impacts:

• Visa eligibility and issuance
• Admission at the port of entry
• Eligibility for on-campus or practical training (OPT/CPT)
• Transfers, extensions, or program changes

Failure to maintain an active, accurate SEVIS record can result in termination and loss of status.

Common SEVIS Status Issues

Some of the most frequent SEVIS problems include:

• Dropping below full-time enrollment without authorization
• Failing to report address changes
• Working without proper authorization
• Missing program start dates
• SEVIS termination due to non-compliance

Most issues can be avoided by staying in close contact with your DSO or RO.

What Happens If a SEVIS Record Is Terminated?

If your SEVIS record is terminated:

• You may be out of status
• You could be required to leave the U.S. immediately
• Future visa applications may be affected

In some cases, reinstatement may be possible, but it depends on timing and circumstances.

SEVIS and USCIS Applications

SEVIS data is used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services when reviewing applications such as:

• Reinstatement of status
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• Change or extension of status

Accuracy in SEVIS is critical for approvals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SEVIS system used for?

SEVIS is used to track international students and exchange visitors and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration rules.

Is SEVIS the same as a visa?

No. SEVIS is a tracking system; a visa is an entry document. Both are required, but they serve different purposes.

Who updates my SEVIS record?

Your school’s Designated School Official or your program’s Responsible Officer updates your SEVIS record.

Do dependents have SEVIS records?

Yes. Dependents in F-2, M-2, or J-2 status are linked to the primary holder’s SEVIS record.

What happens if I don’t pay the SEVIS fee?

Failure to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee can result in visa denial or denied entry to the United States.

If you’ve heard the term “Burroughs Visa” while researching U.S. travel or immigration, you’re not alone. Many travelers search for this phrase, but the truth is important to understand upfront:

👉 There is no official U.S. visa called a “Burroughs Visa.”

Key Takeaway

A “Burroughs Visa” does not exist. If you’re planning to visit the United States, the correct path is almost always a B-2 tourist visa, B-1/B-2 visitor visa, or ESTA if eligible. Using the correct terminology and visa category is essential for a smooth application and entry process.

Is a Burroughs Visa a Real Visa?

No. “Burroughs Visa” is not an official visa category recognized by the United States government. You will not find it listed by the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The term is informal and incorrect, but it is commonly used due to:

• Mispronunciation
• Misinformation online
• Confusion with legitimate visa types

What Do People Usually Mean by “Burroughs Visa”?

In most cases, when someone says “Burroughs Visa,” they are referring to one of the following real U.S. visas:

1. B-2 Tourist Visa

The most common meaning.

The B-2 Visitor Visa allows travel to the U.S. for:

• Tourism
• Family visits
• Medical treatment
• Short recreational trips

Because “B-2” is often spoken quickly, it can be misheard or misremembered as “Burroughs.”

2. B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

Sometimes the term refers to the combined B-1/B-2 visa, which covers:

• B-1: Business activities (meetings, conferences)
• B-2: Tourism and personal visits

This is one of the most commonly issued U.S. nonimmigrant visas.

3. Visa Waiver Program / ESTA (Less Common)

In some cases, people mistakenly use “Burroughs Visa” to describe visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) using ESTA authorization, even though ESTA is not a visa.

Why the Term “Burroughs Visa” Causes Problems

Using an incorrect visa name can lead to:

• Applying for the wrong visa
• Providing incorrect information to an embassy or travel agent
• Delays or denials due to misunderstandings
• Confusion during interviews or entry inspection

U.S. immigration decisions are made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of State based on official visa categories only.

How to Apply for the Correct U.S. Visitor Visa

To apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa, you must:

1. Complete the DS-160 application
2. Pay the visa fee
3. Schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
4. Attend the interview with supporting documents

Visa approval is determined by the U.S. Department of State, and entry is decided by CBP officers at the port of entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Burroughs Visa an official U.S. visa?

No. There is no visa officially called a Burroughs Visa. The term is informal and incorrect.

Why do people call it a Burroughs Visa?

The term usually comes from mishearing or mispronouncing “B-2 visa” or “B-1/B-2 visa.”

What visa should I apply for instead?

Most people searching for a Burroughs Visa should apply for a B-2 tourist visa or B-1/B-2 visitor visa, depending on their purpose.

Can I be denied for using the wrong visa term?

Using the wrong term itself won’t cause denial, but applying for the wrong visa type or misunderstanding eligibility can.

Does ESTA replace the Burroughs Visa?

ESTA is not a visa and does not replace a B-2 visa. It is only for travelers eligible under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows eligible travelers to visit the United States without applying for a traditional visa. Instead, travelers must meet specific requirements and obtain approval through the ESTA travel authorization system before departure.

Key Takeaway

Qualifying for the Visa Waiver Program requires more than just holding the right passport. Meeting ESTA requirements, following strict stay limits, and maintaining a clean travel history are essential to visa-free travel to the United States.

What Is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a U.S. government program that permits citizens of designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days without a visa.

The program is administered by U.S. Department of Homeland Security in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of State.

Basic Requirements to Qualify for the Visa Waiver Program

To qualify for the VWP, all of the following conditions must be met.

1. Be a Citizen of a Visa Waiver Program Country

You must hold a passport issued by a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program. Permanent residents of VWP countries do not qualify unless they are citizens.

Your passport must:

• Be issued by a VWP country
• Be valid for the duration of your stay
• Be an e-passport with an embedded electronic chip

2. Obtain ESTA Approval Before Travel

All VWP travelers must receive approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a U.S.-bound flight or vessel.

ESTA screens travelers for:

• Security risks
• Immigration violations
• Prior visa or entry issues

An approved ESTA allows you to request entry, but it does not guarantee admission.

3. Travel for an Approved Purpose Only

The Visa Waiver Program permits travel only for:

• Tourism or leisure
• Short-term business activities (meetings, conferences)
• Transit through the United States

You cannot use the VWP to:

• Work or receive payment
• Study for academic credit
• Remain in the U.S. longer than 90 days

4. Stay 90 Days or Less

Your stay under the Visa Waiver Program is strictly limited to 90 days per visit.

Important rules:

• Extensions are not allowed
• Change of status is generally prohibited
• Overstays can permanently affect future eligibility

Your authorized stay is documented in your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, created by CBP at entry.

5. Have a Return or Onward Ticket

You must show proof of:

• A return ticket to your home country or
• An onward ticket to another country outside North America

Open-ended or one-way tickets can result in denied boarding or entry.

6. Meet Security and Immigration History Requirements

You may not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program if you have:

• Overstayed a prior U.S. visit
• Been denied a U.S. visa or entry
• Certain criminal convictions
• Provided false information on past applications

Even minor violations can affect eligibility.

7. Comply with Travel History Restrictions

Some travelers are automatically disqualified from the VWP due to travel history.

You may be ineligible if you have:

• Traveled to certain restricted countries after specific dates
• Held dual nationality with restricted countries

In these cases, you must apply for a traditional U.S. visa instead.

What Happens If You Qualify for the VWP?

If you meet all requirements and receive ESTA approval:

• You may board a U.S.-bound flight
• CBP reviews your entry at the port of entry
• An electronic I-94 is issued with a 90-day limit

Final admission is always determined by CBP officers.

What If You Do NOT Qualify for the Visa Waiver Program?

If you don’t qualify for the VWP, you must apply for a U.S. visitor visa (B-1/B-2) through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Applying for a visa allows:

• Longer stays
• Greater flexibility
• Formal review of special circumstances

Common Reasons Travelers Lose VWP Eligibility

• Overstaying a prior ESTA visit
• Working without authorization
• Providing inaccurate ESTA information
• Attempting frequent back-to-back visits
• Violating terms of admission

Once lost, VWP eligibility is difficult to restore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I qualify for the Visa Waiver Program?

You must be a citizen of a VWP country, obtain ESTA approval, travel for an approved purpose, and stay 90 days or less.

Is ESTA approval guaranteed if I qualify?

No. ESTA approval is required, but final entry is determined by CBP officers upon arrival.

Can I extend my stay under the Visa Waiver Program?

No. Extensions and changes of status are generally not permitted.

Can I work in the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program?

No. Employment of any kind is prohibited under the VWP.

What happens if I overstay under ESTA?

Overstaying can result in loss of VWP eligibility and may require you to apply for a visa for all future visits.

If you’ve entered the United States on a visa or through a visa-free program, you were issued an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. While many travelers focus on their visa, the I-94 is the document that actually controls how long you’re allowed to stay in the U.S.

What Is an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record?

An I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is an official record created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection each time a non-U.S. citizen enters the United States.

The I-94 documents:

• Your date of entry
• Your immigration status or visa classification
• Your authorized length of stay (“Admit Until Date”)

Even if your visa is valid for years, your I-94—not your visa—determines how long you may legally remain in the U.S.

Who Gets an I-94?

An I-94 is issued to:

• Visitors entering the U.S. with a visa (tourist, student, work, etc.)
• Travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
• Students, workers, and exchange visitors
• Individuals changing or extending status in the U.S.

U.S. citizens and most permanent residents do not receive an I-94.

Electronic vs. Paper I-94

Electronic I-94

Most travelers now receive an electronic I-94, which is stored digitally and accessible online after entry.

Paper I-94

Paper I-94s are still issued in limited situations, such as:

• Certain land border crossings
• Refugees or parolees
• Special immigration classifications

Regardless of format, the I-94 serves the same legal purpose.

What Information Is on an I-94?

Your I-94 typically includes:

• Full name
• Passport number
• Country of citizenship
• Date of entry
• Class of admission (e.g., B-2, F-1, H-1B)
• Admit Until Date

The Admit Until Date is the most important field—it determines when you must leave the U.S. or take action to remain legally.

Why the I-94 Is So Important

The I-94 is used by:

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to evaluate applications
• Employers for work authorization (Form I-9)
• DMVs for driver’s licenses or state IDs
• Social Security Administration for SSN issuance

Overstaying your I-94—even unintentionally—can lead to serious immigration consequences.

How to Find and Download Your I-94?

Most travelers can retrieve their I-94 online using passport details.

You’ll need:

• Passport number
• Country of issuance
• Date of birth
• Date of entry

Always download and save a copy of your I-94 after each entry.

Common I-94 Issues and Errors

Mistakes on an I-94 are more common than many travelers realize.

Frequent problems include:

• Name errors (such as FNU or misspellings)
• Incorrect visa classification
• Wrong Admit Until Date
• I-94 not found online

Because many agencies rely on I-94 data, even small errors can cause delays or denials.

How to Correct an I-94 Error?

If your I-94 contains an error, you may need to:

• Contact a CBP Deferred Inspection Office
• Provide your passport, visa, and entry documentation
• Request correction as soon as possible

Corrections are typically handled by CBP—not USCIS.

I-94 and USCIS Applications

The I-94 is required for many immigration filings, including:

• Adjustment of Status (green card)
• Employment Authorization (EAD)
• Change or Extension of Status
• Naturalization eligibility reviews

USCIS uses the I-94 to confirm lawful admission and current status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an I-94 used for?

The I-94 proves lawful entry and shows how long a non-U.S. citizen is authorized to stay in the United States.

Is the I-94 the same as a visa?

No. A visa allows entry; the I-94 controls your authorized stay.

Do I need to carry my I-94?

You don’t need to carry it daily, but you should keep a copy for employment, travel, and immigration purposes.

Can I stay in the U.S. after my visa expires?

Yes—only if your I-94 is still valid and you remain in status.

How do I fix a mistake on my I-94?

Most errors must be corrected by CBP through a deferred inspection office.

If your U.S. immigration records list “FNU” as your first name, you’re not alone. Many immigrants and visa holders encounter this issue when their legal name does not fit standard U.S. naming conventions. While confusing, FNU is not your real name—it is a system placeholder.

What Does FNU Mean?

FNU stands for First Name Unknown. It is used by U.S. government systems when an individual’s given (first) name cannot be clearly identified from their passport or identity documents.

U.S. immigration databases require a first name and a last name. When a passport does not clearly separate these fields—or lists only one name—the system inserts FNU in the first-name field.

Is FNU a Legal First Name?

No. FNU is not a legal name and does not replace your actual given name. It is a placeholder created by U.S. immigration systems and commonly appears in records managed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State.

However, once entered, FNU often carries forward into other federal and state databases.

Why Does FNU Appear on Immigration Documents?

FNU most commonly appears when:

• A passport lists only one name
• The passport does not distinguish given name and surname
• The name order differs from Western naming conventions
• Older passports or national IDs use a single-name format

Rather than leaving the first-name field blank, U.S. systems insert FNU to maintain database consistency.

Where You May See FNU Listed

You may find FNU on:

• U.S. visa records
• USCIS notices and approval letters
• I-94 arrival/departure records
• Social Security records
• State driver’s licenses or ID cards

Once introduced, FNU often propagates automatically across agencies unless corrected.

Problems Caused by an FNU Name

Although FNU is administrative, it can cause real-world issues, including:

• Bank and credit application denials
• Driver’s license delays
• Employment verification problems
• Inconsistent records across federal and state systems

Many institutions treat FNU as an actual first name, leading to mismatches when compared with your passport or foreign documents.

How to Fix an FNU Name Issue

1. Correct Your Passport Name Format

The most effective solution is ensuring your passport clearly separates:

• Given (First) Name
• Surname (Last Name)

Once corrected, future U.S. visas and immigration records are far less likely to list FNU.

2. Request an I-94 Correction

If your I-94 lists FNU incorrectly compared to your passport, you can request a correction through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This helps align your entry record with your legal name.

3. Keep All Future Filings Consistent

When filing forms with USCIS or the Department of State, ensure your name matches exactly how it appears on your corrected passport.

Example of How FNU Happens

If a passport lists only:

Name: Khan

U.S. systems may record:

• First Name: FNU
• Last Name: Khan

This results in an official U.S. record showing FNU Khan, even though “FNU” is not part of your legal name.

Should You Leave FNU as Your First Name?

While technically allowed, leaving FNU unchanged often leads to ongoing administrative problems. Correcting the issue early—especially before applying for work authorization, permanent residence, or citizenship—is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FNU mean on U.S. immigration documents?

FNU means First Name Unknown and is used when U.S. systems cannot identify a given name from a passport or identity document.

Is FNU my real or legal first name?

No. FNU is a placeholder used by immigration databases and does not replace your legal name.

Which agencies use FNU?

FNU commonly appears in records maintained by USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Can FNU cause problems in the United States?

Yes. It can lead to mismatches with banks, DMVs, employers, and government agencies.

How do I permanently fix an FNU name issue?

Correcting your passport to clearly separate first and last names is the most effective long-term solution.

Spain is a beautiful, diverse, and vibrant country in Europe that has attractions ranging from stunning beaches to historic landmarks. If you’re a driver who’s planning to travel through Spain to reach your final destination, it’s essential to know about the transit visa requirements before hitting the road.

This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Spain’s transit visa requirements and how to obtain them.

Who Needs a Spain Transit Visa?

If you’re a non-EU national and traveling through Spain to reach another Schengen Area country, you’ll need a transit visa. The transit visa is not required for those who have a valid visa for their final destination or are citizens of the Schengen Area countries.

If you’re a driver employed by a company that falls under the EU transport agreement, you may be exempt from needing a transit visa.

How to Apply for a Spain Transit Visa?

To obtain a Spain transit visa, you’ll need to schedule an appointment at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You’ll also need to submit the following documents:

Valid passport and other travel documents
Completed visa application form
Proof of transportation
Evidence of the reason for transit
Applicable visa fees
Onward Travel: You would need to prove where you are going, and you are permitted to enter your destination country.
Health Insurance

It’s essential to apply for a transit visa well in advance of your trip, as processing times may take several days.

Spain Airport Transit Visa Application Process

The process of obtaining a Spanish airport transit visa is almost identical to that of a short-stay visa, but it is comparatively easier.

If you are planning to travel through Spain and need a transit visa, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Determine if you need a Transit Visa for Spain
2. Submit Required Documents and Application From
3. Make an Appointment with Spain Embassy
4. Pay Fees

Spain Transit Visa Exemptions

There are a few exemptions to the Spain transit visa requirement that you should be aware of. If you’re a citizen of a Schengen Area country or have a valid visa for your final destination, you can transit through Spain without a transit visa. Additionally, if you’re a driver who’s employed by a company that falls under the EU transport agreement, you may be exempt from the transit visa requirement.

What is a Spain Transit Visa?

A transit visa is a temporary visa that allows non-EU nationals to pass through the Schengen Area, including Spain, to reach their final destination. Suppose you’re a driver traveling through Spain. In that case, the transit visa allows you to enter Spanish territory and pass through the country to reach your final destination in another Schengen Area country. The transit visa is typically valid for up to five days.

If you’re a driver traveling through Spain to reach your final destination, it’s essential to know about the Spain transit visa requirements. If you’re a non-EU national, you’ll need a transit visa to pass through Spain to reach another Schengen Area country.

The transit visa allows you to enter Spain for up to five days. Be sure to apply for a transit visa in advance and have all necessary documents ready. If you fall under the EU transport agreement or are a citizen of a Schengen area country, you may be exempt from the transit visa requirement. With this knowledge, you can get through Spain without any hassle.