The I-94 record is the official arrival and departure information maintained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for international travelers. Accurate I-94 details determine your lawful status while in the United States and are essential for employment, benefits, and future travel.
This guide explains how the I-94 form works, how to check and correct your record, common issues at ports of entry, and how the system affects your entry and exit each time you cross the border.
What Is an I-94 Form and How It Works
The I-94 is the Arrival-Departure Record issued to most non-citizens entering the United States. Unlike a visa, which allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry, the I-94 confirms the conditions of your temporary stay, including your admitted date, class of admission, and authorized departure date.
How I-94 Is Generated at Ports of Entry
At air and land ports of entry, CBP officers create your I-94 record during the inspection process. The system uses biometric data, your travel documents, and the purpose of your visit to assign a status and a temporary I-94 expiration date.
How I-94 Affects Your Status and Work Eligibility
Class of Admission and Duration of Status
The class of admission on your I-94, such as B-2, F-1, or H-1B, determines what you are allowed to do in the United States. Your duration of status may be different from the visa validity, and you must comply with the conditions of the recorded admission.
Common Issues Travelers Face With I-94 Records
Incorrect Name, Date of Birth, or Passport Number
Data entry errors at busy ports or mismatches between documents can result in wrong name, DOB, or passport details on your I-94, which may cause problems with employment, boarding, or reentry.
Late Arrival or Early Departure Records
System delays or manual entry mistakes can create I-94 timestamps that do not match your actual arrival or departure, potentially leading to overstay allegations or complications with status changes.
How to Check and Correct Your I-94 Online
You can view and download your I-94 record through the CBPP website using your passport details. If you find mistakes, you can apply for corrections before your status issues affect your work or reentry plans.
Key Takeaways for Managing Your I-94 Record
- Always verify your electronic I-94 after each arrival using the official CBPP website.
- Ensure your name, date of birth, and passport number on the I-94 exactly match your travel documents.
- Understand the difference between visa validity and I-94 authorized stay to avoid accidental overstays.
- Request corrections promptly if you spot errors to prevent issues with employment, boarding, or reentry.
- Keep both your visa stamp and I-94 record accessible when planning domestic travel or work activities.
FAQ
Reader questions
How can I find my I-94 number and what does it look like?
Your I-94 number is listed on your electronic Arrival-Departure Record, typically displayed as a red admit stamp or a paper I-94 card with a number formatted like XX1234567, and also appears in the CBPP system under your passport information.
What should I do if my name on the I-94 does not match my passport?
Contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection and file a correction request with supporting identity documents to align your I-94 name with your passport before traveling or applying for benefits.
Can an incorrect I-94 affect my ability to work in the United States?
Yes, employers verify your I-94 to confirm work authorization, and discrepancies can lead to delays in onboarding or rejection of employment eligibility verification during the I-9 employment verification process.
What happens if my I-94 shows an earlier expiration than my visa validity?
You must leave the United States by the I-94 expiration date, even if your visa stamp is valid, and you should request an extension or change of status before the authorized stay period ends if you need more time.