If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting or working in the United States, there’s one important “job” you take on the moment you arrive: managing your Form I-94. It’s not a job that pays in money, but in peace of mind because this little record determines how long you can legally stay and what you’re allowed to do while you’re here.
Many travelers overlook it, only to find themselves facing stressful situations later. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step, so your stay in the U.S. is smooth, stress-free, and fully compliant.
Why It Matters:
| Reason | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Proof of legal entry | Required for employment verification, driver’s license applications, or status changes |
| Stay limit | Lists the exact date you must leave the United States |
| Visa status | May show “D/S” (Duration of Status), meaning you can remain as long as your visa status is valid |
Pro Tip: Check your I-94 as soon as you arrive in the U.S. If there is an error, it should be corrected immediately at a CBP Deferred Inspection Site.
Who Needs a Form I-94?
Most non-U.S. citizens entering the United States will be issued an I-94.
Needs I-94
- Tourists (B-1/B-2 visas)
- Students (F, M, J visas)
- Temporary workers (H, L, O, etc.)
- Business visitors
- Visitors extending or changing immigration status
- Non-U.S. citizens re-entering after temporary travel abroad
Does Not Need I-94
- U.S. citizens
- Green card holders (lawful permanent residents)
- Immigrant visa holders
- Canadian citizens visiting for less than six months
- Visa Waiver Program visitors (entry tracked electronically through ESTA)
Example:
Ana, an H-1B worker from India, receives an electronic I-94 each time she enters. David, a Canadian citizen visiting New York for a weekend, does not.
Check Also: Form I-90 Explained – Complete Information
Where to Find Your “Admit Until Date”
- Stamped in your passport upon entry
- Listed in your electronic I-94 record (downloadable from CBP)
- “D/S” means you can remain for the duration of your visa status, not a set end date
How to Get Form I-94?
If You Arrive by Air or Sea
- CBP automatically creates an electronic I-94 when you arrive.
- Your passport is stamped with your admission date and status.
- Your “Admit Until Date” is stored in the CBP system.
Check or print your I-94 here: I-94 Website
If You Arrive by Land (Car, Bus, or On Foot)
Paper I-94s are no longer issued; all records are electronic.
Recommended: Apply online before arrival to speed up border processing.
Steps:
- Apply online at the I-94 Website or via the CBP One™ app.
- Pay the $6 nonrefundable fee.
- Arrive at the border within seven days of applying.
- Present your passport, visa, and supporting documents.
- CBP may take fingerprints, a photo, and ask questions about your visit.
Keeping Your I-94 Safe:
- Keep a printed or saved copy of your I-94.
- If you have a paper I-94, surrender it when leaving the U.S. so CBP can record your departure.
- You may need your I-94 for:
- Employment verification (Form I-9)
- Applying for a driver’s license
- Extending or changing your visa status
Why Form I-94 is Important – Your Key to U.S. Immigration Status
If you’ve entered the United States as a non-U.S. citizen, Form I-94 is one of the most important documents you’ll receive. It serves as official proof of your arrival date, visa class, and authorized period of stay. Understanding why Form I-94 is important can help you avoid immigration issues and ensure you maintain lawful status.
I-94 Proof of Legal Entry:
The I-94 is proof of legal entry into the United States. It’s often required when applying for immigration benefits, renewing visas, adjusting status, or proving lawful presence to employers and government agencies. Without a valid I-94, you may have difficulty showing that you entered the U.S. legally.
How to Read Form I-94:
Knowing how to read Form I-94 is essential for tracking your lawful stay. Key details include:
- Admission (I-94) Number – Unique identifier for your entry.
- Date of Entry – The day you arrived in the U.S.
- Class of Admission – Your visa type (e.g., F-1, H-1B, B-2).
- Admit Until Date – The last day you are authorized to remain in the country.
Always verify this information for accuracy as soon as you receive it.
I-94 Travel History Explained:
Your I-94 travel history provides a record of your past arrivals and departures. This is useful when applying for new visas, immigration benefits, or verifying compliance with stay limits. You can access your travel history online via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
I-94 and Legal Stay in USA:
The I-94 determines your legal stay in the USA. Even if your visa in your passport hasn’t expired, you must leave the country or apply for an extension before your I-94 “Admit Until Date” expires. Staying beyond this date can result in penalties, visa cancellations, or bans on re-entry.
I-94 for Visa Holders:
For all visa holders, the I-94 is the official record that governs how long you can remain in the U.S. This is especially important for work visa holders, students, and tourists, as each category has different authorized stay periods.
I-94 and Visa Validity:
It’s important to know that I-94 validity and visa validity are not the same. The visa allows you to enter the U.S., while the I-94 controls how long you can stay after entry. You can have a valid visa but an expired I-94, which means you are out of status.
I-94 and Green Card Process:
When applying for permanent residency, your I-94 plays a critical role in the Green Card process. It shows you entered legally, which is often a requirement for adjustment of status within the U.S. An accurate, valid I-94 can prevent delays or denials in your application.
How to Access or Replace Your I-94?
View or Print
- Online: Get Most Recent I-94
- Mobile: CBP One™ app
Replace a Lost I-94
- Entered before April 2013: File Form I-102 with USCIS ($560 fee)
- Entered after April 2013: Retrieve a free copy from CBP’s website
Leaving the United States:
- By air or sea: Departure is recorded automatically.
- By land:
- If you have a paper I-94, surrender it to a border officer.
- If you have an electronic I-94, keep proof of departure (passport stamp from Mexico or Canada, travel tickets).
Checking Your Travel History:
- CBP’s website shows up to five years of travel history (longer records available by FOIA request).
- Use the “View Compliance” tool to check how many days you have left on your I-94.
If You Cannot Get Your I-94:
Submit:
- A notarized personal statement explaining why the document is unavailable.
- Supporting evidence of legal entry, such as tickets, boarding passes, or witness affidavits.
Conclusion:
Form I-94 is your official proof of legal entry into the United States, showing how long you can stay and under what status. Checking, saving, and correcting it promptly protects your travel rights and avoids immigration issues. By understanding when you need it, how to get it, and how to keep it safe, you ensure a smoother and more secure U.S. visit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is Form I-94?
Form I-94 is the U.S. government’s Arrival/Departure Record. It’s issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you enter the country and shows your entry date, departure deadline, and immigration status.
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How do I check my Form I-94?
Visit the official CBP I-94 website or use the CBP One™ app. Select “Get Most Recent I-94,” enter your details exactly as in your passport, and download or print a copy.
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Who gets a Form I-94?
Most non-U.S. citizens entering the United States receive an I-94. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, green card holders, Canadian visitors staying less than six months, and Visa Waiver Program visitors.
