Quick Definition
An overstay is remaining in a country beyond your authorised stay. Penalties are severe: USA — 3-year ban (180 days overstay) or 10-year ban (1 year+ overstay), plus F-1 status violation. UK, Canada, and Australia impose bans and future visa refusals. Always depart or extend before visa expiry.
Overstay Penalty — Full Explanation
F-1 overstays are rare but often result from confusion between visa stamp expiry and I-20/D/S duration — the I-20 governs, not the stamp. UK: overstaying even one day triggers a 1–10 year ban. Canada: overstay reported to CBSA and creates a flag on all future applications.
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