Dr. William:

I have a non-immigrant visa. What will happen if I decide to stay in U.S. longer beyond the period of time authorized? Does that mean I will be out-of-status?

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Answer:

With a non-immigrant visa, you should carefully consider the dates of your authorized stay and make sure you are following the procedures. Failure to do so will cause you to be out-of-status. Staying beyond the period of time authorized by the Department of Homeland Security and out-of-status in the U.S. is a violation of U.S. immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the U.S. 

If you overstay the end date of your authorized stay, as provided by the CBP officer at a port-of-entry, or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your visa will generally be automatically be voided or cancelled.