What Is Form I-94
Form I-94, officially the Arrival/Departure Record, is the document that establishes your lawful entry into the United States and defines the duration of your authorized stay. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues this record when you arrive at a port of entry, whether by air, sea, or land. Since 2013, the I-94 is issued electronically for most arrivals rather than as a paper document, though you still receive a confirmation number and can access your record through CBP's website at cbp.gov.
Your I-94 serves as proof of your admission status and the authorized period you can remain in the U.S. The expiration date on your I-94, not your visa stamp, determines when you must leave the country or take action to extend your status. This distinction matters considerably when you're adjusting status to permanent residency or maintaining lawful nonimmigrant status.
How I-94 Connects to Your Immigration Case
Your I-94 record directly impacts several critical immigration processes. When filing for adjustment of status (Form I-485), USCIS uses your I-94 to verify your lawful entry and establish your eligibility to adjust. If you entered without inspection, you cannot adjust status in the U.S. and must pursue consular processing instead. For nonimmigrant categories like H-1B, L-1, or F-1 students, maintaining status means staying within the dates shown on your I-94, even if your actual visa validity period is longer.
Priority dates for employment-based green cards are established by your I-94 admission date in certain circumstances. Your I-94 also affects your ability to work, travel outside the U.S., and accumulate time toward permanent residency. Errors on your I-94, such as an incorrect admission date or status designation, can delay green card approvals or create grounds for deportation if not corrected promptly.
Checking and Correcting Your I-94
- Visit the CBP I-94 website immediately after arrival to retrieve your electronic record and confirm all details are accurate, including your name, passport number, admission date, and authorized stay period.
- If you spot errors, file a correction request with CBP at the port of entry where you arrived within 90 days of that entry. Delays beyond 90 days make corrections significantly more difficult and may require immigration counsel to challenge through formal procedures.
- When adjusting status or applying for extensions, provide a clear, legible copy of your I-94 confirmation with your USCIS application to avoid processing delays.
- If you overstayed your authorized period, your I-94 becomes the official record of that overstay, affecting future visa applications and green card eligibility. You may need to file Form I-131 for advance parole or consult an immigration attorney about your options.
Common Questions
- What happens if I lose my I-94 confirmation number? You can retrieve your I-94 information anytime through CBP's website using your name, date of birth, and passport number. The electronic system maintains your record permanently, so there's no need to worry about losing a physical document.
- Does my I-94 expiration date have to match my visa expiration date? No. Your I-94 shows when your authorized stay expires. Your visa validity period is separate and determines when you can use that visa to re-enter the U.S. You can have a valid visa but an expired I-94 (meaning you're out of status) or an expired visa but valid I-94 (meaning you can stay but cannot leave and return without a new visa).
- Can I extend my I-94 if I'm applying for a green card? Not directly. However, when you file Form I-485 for adjustment of status, you may be eligible for an extension of status through the same application. Form I-131 also allows you to apply for advance parole to travel while your adjustment is pending, which automatically extends your I-94.