The I-94 record is the official arrival and departure information maintained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for each international traveler. It determines your authorized period of stay and serves as a key immigration document used by employers, agencies, and universities to verify status.
Because this system affects entry, work eligibility, and future applications, understanding how the record is created, stored, and corrected is essential for every traveler and sponsor. The sections below explain the record format, common uses, rights, and options if something appears incorrect.
| Field Name | Description | Typical Location | Impact if Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Full legal name as it appears on passport | CBP arrival manifest | Delays boarding, entry questions, or employment verification |
| Date of Birth | Passport DOB | I-94 record metadata | Benefit eligibility, ID matching issues |
| Admission Date | CBP processing timestamp | I-94 electronic record | Determines authorized stay end date |
| Class of Admission | Visa or waiver category used | I-94 record details | Eligibility for work, study, or extensions |
| Departure Date | Recorded exit or expected departure | I-94 history | Overstay flags if missing or incorrect |
| SEVIS ID | Unique identifier for students and exchange visitors | Linked during admission for F, J, M statuses | Required for status maintenance and OPT |
Understanding the I-94 Record Format
The I-94 format is standardized, containing machine-readable and human-readable elements that define your immigration identity in the United States. Each entry includes biographic details, visa information, and timestamps used by multiple systems.
Electronic I-94 records are created automatically at ports of entry, while manual entries are rare and handled through specific channels. Because agencies pull this data from CBP systems, even small formatting differences can change how your status is interpreted.
Your arrival information is linked to other government databases, including the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System for scholars and the Department of Labor for certain work programs. This interconnected structure makes accuracy across systems essential.
Common Uses of I-94 Data
Employers reference the I-94 record to confirm work authorization and document eligibility during onboarding, while schools use it to verify nonimmigrant student status and program compliance. Government agencies rely on arrival and departure data for statistical reporting, enforcement, and case adjudication.
Travelers themselves depend on the record to track authorized stay, calculate reentry eligibility, and prepare supporting documents for applications, interviews, or drivers’ license requests at state motor vehicle agencies.
How to Access Your I-94 Record
You can retrieve your I-94 online through the official CBP portal using your biographic details or passport information. The system allows you to view, print, or download a copy of your current admission record for personal records or third-party submission.
If you traveled before automation, historical records may require a Freedom of Information Act request or direct contact with CBP offices, depending on the timeframe and circumstances of entry.
Correcting Errors and Protecting Your Record
If you spot a discrepancy, it is important to act quickly by contacting CBP or working with the port of entry where the travel occurred. Supporting documents such as passports, boarding passes, and appointment letters help demonstrate the correct information.
For employment or school-related issues, you may also coordinate with designated school officials or employer representatives who can submit corrections through the proper government channels.
Key Takeaways for Managing Your I-94 Record
- Verify your electronic I-94 immediately after international travel to ensure dates and status are accurate.
- Use the official CBP website to access, download, or request corrections to your record.
- Keep supporting documents such as passport, visa, and employment or enrollment letters with your I-94 copy.
- Address discrepancies promptly to avoid complications with work, study, or future immigration applications.
- Understand that your I-94 is a foundational record used across government agencies and private-sector verifications.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I check my I-94 online and what should I do if the dates are wrong?
Visit the official CBP I-94 website, enter your passport and travel details, and review the electronic record. If the admission or departure dates are incorrect, contact CBP at the port of entry or use the online correction portal with supporting evidence.
Can an incorrect I-94 affect my work authorization or OPT?
Yes, errors in admission date, class of admission, or departure information can impact employment eligibility, OPT timing, and renewal applications by misrepresenting your authorized status.
What documents should I carry to prove my correct I-94 information during a secondary inspection?
Bring your passport, printed I-94 record, boarding pass, visa, and any approval notices or letters from your school or employer that reference your status or program dates.
How long does it take to get a corrected I-94 record after contacting CBP?
Processing times vary, but many corrections are completed within a few business days for electronic updates, while cases requiring manual review or involving historical records may take longer.