What Is an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record?

If you’ve entered the United States on a visa or through a visa-free program, you were issued an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. While many travelers focus on their visa, the I-94 is the document that actually controls how long you’re allowed to stay in the U.S.

What Is an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record?

An I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is an official record created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection each time a non-U.S. citizen enters the United States.

The I-94 documents:

• Your date of entry
• Your immigration status or visa classification
• Your authorized length of stay (“Admit Until Date”)

Even if your visa is valid for years, your I-94—not your visa—determines how long you may legally remain in the U.S.

Who Gets an I-94?

An I-94 is issued to:

• Visitors entering the U.S. with a visa (tourist, student, work, etc.)
• Travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
• Students, workers, and exchange visitors
• Individuals changing or extending status in the U.S.

U.S. citizens and most permanent residents do not receive an I-94.

Electronic vs. Paper I-94

Electronic I-94

Most travelers now receive an electronic I-94, which is stored digitally and accessible online after entry.

Paper I-94

Paper I-94s are still issued in limited situations, such as:

• Certain land border crossings
• Refugees or parolees
• Special immigration classifications

Regardless of format, the I-94 serves the same legal purpose.

What Information Is on an I-94?

Your I-94 typically includes:

• Full name
• Passport number
• Country of citizenship
• Date of entry
• Class of admission (e.g., B-2, F-1, H-1B)
• Admit Until Date

The Admit Until Date is the most important field—it determines when you must leave the U.S. or take action to remain legally.

Why the I-94 Is So Important

The I-94 is used by:

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to evaluate applications
• Employers for work authorization (Form I-9)
• DMVs for driver’s licenses or state IDs
• Social Security Administration for SSN issuance

Overstaying your I-94—even unintentionally—can lead to serious immigration consequences.

How to Find and Download Your I-94?

Most travelers can retrieve their I-94 online using passport details.

You’ll need:

• Passport number
• Country of issuance
• Date of birth
• Date of entry

Always download and save a copy of your I-94 after each entry.

Common I-94 Issues and Errors

Mistakes on an I-94 are more common than many travelers realize.

Frequent problems include:

• Name errors (such as FNU or misspellings)
• Incorrect visa classification
• Wrong Admit Until Date
• I-94 not found online

Because many agencies rely on I-94 data, even small errors can cause delays or denials.

How to Correct an I-94 Error?

If your I-94 contains an error, you may need to:

• Contact a CBP Deferred Inspection Office
• Provide your passport, visa, and entry documentation
• Request correction as soon as possible

Corrections are typically handled by CBP—not USCIS.

I-94 and USCIS Applications

The I-94 is required for many immigration filings, including:

• Adjustment of Status (green card)
• Employment Authorization (EAD)
• Change or Extension of Status
• Naturalization eligibility reviews

USCIS uses the I-94 to confirm lawful admission and current status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an I-94 used for?

The I-94 proves lawful entry and shows how long a non-U.S. citizen is authorized to stay in the United States.

Is the I-94 the same as a visa?

No. A visa allows entry; the I-94 controls your authorized stay.

Do I need to carry my I-94?

You don’t need to carry it daily, but you should keep a copy for employment, travel, and immigration purposes.

Can I stay in the U.S. after my visa expires?

Yes—only if your I-94 is still valid and you remain in status.

How do I fix a mistake on my I-94?

Most errors must be corrected by CBP through a deferred inspection office.