The Form I-94, or Arrival/Departure Record, is one of the most important documents for any non-U.S. citizen entering the United States. Issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it officially records your legal admission and specifies how long you are permitted to stay. Since 2013, this form has been electronic for most travelers, and knowing how to manage it is crucial for maintaining your legal status.
What is a Form I-94 and Why is it Important?
Your I-94 is a digital record that contains key details about your entry, including:
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Your name, date of birth, and passport number.
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Your visa classification (e.g., B-2, F-1, H-1B).
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The date you entered the U.S. and your port of entry.
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The “Admit Until Date”—the date by which you must depart the U.S. or extend your status.
You will need a printout of your I-94 for many official purposes, such as:
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Applying for a driver’s license or Social Security Number.
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Proving employment eligibility.
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Applying for a visa extension or change of status.
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Completing the Form I-9 for a new job.
How to Get Your I-94 Record (Step-by-Step)
Retrieving your I-94 is a free and simple online process.
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Go to the Official Website: Visit i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94.
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Enter Your Information:
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Select “Get Most Recent I-94” to see your current stay.
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Enter your name, date of birth, passport number, and country of citizenship exactly as they appear in your passport.
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View and Print: Your I-94 record will appear on the screen. Print a copy immediately for your records.
Pro Tip: You can also use this website to get your “Travel History” for the last 5 years, which is useful for visa applications.
Why You MUST Check Your I-94 After Every Entry
You should check your I-94 online within a few days of entering the U.S. Errors are not common, but they can have serious consequences. Look for:
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Incorrect “Admit Until Date”: This is the most critical field. It must match the duration allowed for your visa type.
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Name Misspellings or Typos: Your name must match your passport exactly.
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Wrong Visa Classification: (e.g., listed as B-1 when you are an F-1 student).
How to Correct an Error on Your I-94
If you find a mistake, you must get it corrected. Do not ignore it.
If you are still at the airport (Port of Entry):
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Immediately bring the error to the attention of a CBP officer before you leave the customs area.
If you have already left the airport:
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Contact a CBP Deferred Inspection Site. These are offices located in many major cities specifically for this purpose.
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What to do:
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Find the nearest Deferred Inspection Site on the official CBP website.
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Call or visit the office to see if you need an appointment.
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Bring your passport, visa, and printed I-94 record. Also bring any supporting documents, like your flight itinerary or boarding pass.
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The officers at the Deferred Inspection Site can update your electronic record on the spot.
Special Situations
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Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) Travelers: You do not get a paper I-94. You must use the online system to get your electronic I-94, which will show an “Admit Until Date” of 90 days.
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Departing the U.S.:
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By Air or Sea: Your departure is automatically recorded when you check in for your international flight.
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By Land: Keep your entry/exit stamps, bus tickets, or other travel documents as proof of your departure, as land exits are not always automatically recorded.
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Key Tips to Remember
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Print a Copy: Always print a copy of your I-94 after every entry and keep it with your important documents.
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Check for Accuracy: Make checking your I-94 a habit every time you enter the U.S.
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Use Only Official Sites: Only use the official cbp.gov website. Avoid third-party sites that may charge you a fee for this free service.
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Know Your “Admit Until Date”: This date overrides the expiration date on your visa. You must leave the U.S. by this date to avoid being “out of status.”
By understanding and actively managing your Form I-94, you ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws and prevent unnecessary complications with future visa applications or status changes.
Start here to get your I-94: i94.cbp.dhs.gov
