Once you secure a visa from the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate abroad in the appropriate category, you may plan your travel to the U.S. Upon arrival at the port of entry, you will present your valid passport with valid visa stamp and your I-797 Approval Notice (if applicable) to a CBP officer who will conduct an inspection to determine if you will be admitted to the U.S If you are carrying an I-797 Approval Notice, be sure to request that the CBP officer provide a period of stay in the U.S. consistent with the I-797 Approval Notice expiration date. Upon admission, a form I-94 will be generated. If you receive a paper form I-94 at a land port of entry, be sure to review the document for accuracy (correct immigration status and expiration date). Individuals entering the U.S. through an air or sea port are no longer issued a paper form I-94. Their admission information is stored electronically and an admissions stamp is placed in the passport. Travelers are to secure a hard copy of the form I-94 from www.cbp.gov/I94. It is important that electronic form I-94 be reviewed for accuracy as well, as any discrepancy must be addressed as soon as possible.
Please keep in mind that this FAQ does not cover many exceptions such as brief trips to Canada and Mexico, visa waivers, the penalties for fraud or exceptions for those in adjustment of status proceedings and the use of advance paroles. Again, it is always best to seek individual legal advice about your travel plans as far in advance as possible.