I-94 Arrival/Departure Records

I-94 Record Definition and Purpose

• Official record of arrival to and departure from the United States
• Issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at ports of entry
• Contains your immigration status, authorized period of stay, and admission information
• Required for most employment authorization, benefit applications, and status changes
• Electronic format since 2013 (no longer paper cards for most travelers)
• Serves as proof of legal entry and current immigration status in the United States

Step-by-Step I-94 Retrieval Process

Key Information Fields on I-94 Record

• Name: Must match passport exactly as presented to CBP officer
• Birth Date: Date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format
• Passport Information: Passport number and country of issuance
• Admission Date: Date you were admitted to the United States
• Admission Class: Your immigration status (B-2, F-1, H-1B, etc.)
• Admitted Until Date: Date your authorized stay expires
• Admission Number: Unique 11-digit number assigned by CBP

Typical I-94 Admission Classes and Duration

• B-1: Business visitor - typically 6 months
• B-2: Tourist/pleasure visitor - typically 6 months
• F-1: Student - Duration of Status (D/S) while maintaining student status
• H-1B: Specialty occupation worker - up to 3 years initially
• L-1: Intracompany transferee - varies by category
• O-1: Extraordinary ability - up to 3 years
• J-1: Exchange visitor - Duration of Status (D/S) per program
• TN: NAFTA professional - up to 3 years

What D/S Means on Your I-94 Record

• Meaning: Authorized to remain as long as maintaining valid status
• Common for: F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, some diplomatic personnel
• Requirements: Must maintain status requirements (enrollment, program participation)
• No specific end date: Status continues while requirements are met
• Grace periods: Usually 60 days for F-1, 30 days for J-1 after program completion
• Status violations: Can result in immediate termination of authorized stay

How to Fix Common I-94 Issues

• Minor spelling errors in name: Contact CBP Deferred Inspection at port of entry
• Wrong admission date: Visit CBP Deferred Inspection office with evidence
• Incorrect status: May require filing I-102 Application to Register Permanent Residence
• Missing I-94: File Form I-102 with USCIS with $445 filing fee
• Wrong authorized stay period: Contact CBP with supporting documentation
• Passport number errors: Bring correct passport to CBP for correction

Post-Status Grace Periods and Overstay Rules

• B-1/B-2 visitors: No grace period - must depart by 'admitted until' date
• F-1 students: 60-day grace period after completion or termination
• J-1 exchange visitors: 30-day grace period after program completion
• H-1B workers: 60-day grace period after employment termination (if eligible)
• Overstay consequences: Bars to future admissibility, visa cancellation
• Unlawful presence: Accrues if staying beyond authorized period

Using I-94 for Work Authorization Verification

• I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification: I-94 acceptable as List C document
• Valid period: Must be unexpired and show work-authorized status
• Combination required: Must present with List B identity document
• Status restrictions: Some statuses (B-1, B-2) do not authorize employment
• Work authorization: Verify status allows employment before hiring
• Updates required: New I-94 needed when status changes

How Travel Affects Your I-94 Record

• International travel: I-94 record becomes invalid upon departure
• New I-94: Issued each time you enter the United States
• Automatic revalidation: Special rules for brief trips to Canada/Mexico
• Re-entry requirements: Must have valid visa (unless visa exempt)
• Status maintenance: Must maintain valid status throughout absence
• SEVIS considerations: F-1/J-1 students need travel signature on I-20/DS-2019