What does the term "overstay" refer to in immigration?

The term "overstay" in immigration specifically refers to the situation where an individual remains in the United States beyond the expiration date of their visa without having obtained an extension or change of status. This is a critical concept in immigration law because overstaying a visa can lead to various legal consequences, including potential deportation and bans on re-entering the country.

In contrast, staying within allowed visa conditions refers to compliance with the terms set forth by the visa, which does not involve overstaying. Returning home before the visa expiry date is simply adhering to the visa’s time limits and does not constitute an overstay. Transitioning to another visa type can also avoid the issue of overstaying, provided it is done through the correct legal channels before the original visa expires. Overall, overstaying can significantly affect an individual's future travel and immigration status in the U.S.