What is the difference between Visa validity and Duration of stay in a country?
Visa validity is normally indicated on the visa at the time of issuance. Duration of stay is normally determined by the immigration office on arrival. It is important to note, that the validity of a visa may not be the same as the authorized period of stay in the issuing country. The visa validity usually indicates when the alien can apply for entry to the country. For example, if a visa has been issued January 1st and expires March 30th and the typical authorized period of stay in a country is 90 days, then the 90-day authorized stay starts on the day the passenger reaches the country, which has to be between the visa validity dates. Once in the country, the authorized stay can often be extended for a fee at the discretion of immigration authorities. Overstaying the period of authorized stay given by the immigration officers is considered illegal immigration even if the visa validity period isn’t over (i.e. for multiple entry visas) and a form of being “out of status” and the offender
