Form I-94, Explained
How the I-94 arrival/departure record keeps track of your travel history — and why it matters
What Is the Form I-94?
Form I-94, officially called the “Arrival/Departure Record,” is a crucial document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It’s an essential part of the entry process for visitors to the United States. Here’s why it’s important:
- It proves you entered the United States legally.
- It shows the date you must leave the United States.
- It states how long you can legally stay in the United States.
Where to find your “Admit Until Date”
Your stamped passport and electronic or paper I-94 record will show your “Admit Until Date,” which shows how long you are allowed to remain in the United States. The CBP agent who stamps your passport may simply write “Duration of Status” or “D/S,” indicating that you can remain in the United States as long as your current visa remains valid.
The U.S. immigration system is complicated, but Boundless can guide you through the whole process from start to finish. Get started today!
Who Needs an I-94 Form?
Most people traveling to the U.S. who aren’t citizens need an I-94 form, including:
- Tourists: People visiting for pleasure or to see family and friends
- Students: Those coming to study at U.S. educational institutions
- Temporary workers: Individuals with work visas for short-term employment in the U.S.
- Business visitors: People coming for business meetings or conferences
- People changing their immigration status while in the U.S.
- People extending their stay in the U.S.
- Non-U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. after a temporary absence
You do not need an I-94 travel record if you are:
- A U.S. citizen: Natural-born or naturalized citizens of the United States
- A lawful permanent resident (green card holder): Someone with the right to live and work permanently in the U.S.
- A person with an immigrant visa: Those entering the U.S. to live permanently
- A Canadian citizen visiting or passing through: Unless staying for more than six months
- Using the Visa Waiver Program: These travelers get a different form called I-94W
Immigration Glossary
- Visa Waiver Program: A program that lets citizens of certain countries visit the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without needing a traditional visa.
- Border Crossing Cards: These cards function like visas for some Mexican citizens, allowing them to visit the U.S. for short periods.
- Automatic Visa Revalidation: A special rule that lets people with certain visas make quick trips to Canada, Mexico, or some Caribbean islands without needing a new visa to re-enter the U.S.
How to Get an I-94 Travel Record
The process for getting Form I-94 depends on how you enter the United States:
By Airplane or Ship
If you arrive by air or sea:
- You will receive an electronic I-94 automatically. The system creates it when you go through customs at the airport or seaport.
- A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will stamp your passport. This stamp shows the date of your admission to the U.S. and your immigration status.
- The officer will also write or stamp the date until which you can stay in the U.S. This is usually noted as “D/S” (Duration of Status) for students and exchange visitors, or a specific date for other travelers.
By Land (Car, Bus, or on Foot)
Land-bound travelers are now issued I-94s electronically and no longer receive a paper I-94 stub. CBP encourages travelers requiring an I-94 to use the CBP One™ mobile app or the CBP I-94 website to apply for their I-94 before arriving at the U.S. land border. If you arrive by land:
- You will receive an electronic I-94.
- You can apply for it before you arrive using the CBP One™ mobile app or the I-94 website.
- If you’re from a Visa Waiver Program country, you need to get approval from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before you arrive. The ESTA is a pre-travel authorization for visitors from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
Important:
Whether electronic or paper, be sure to keep your I-94 safe. You will need to hand in the paper version when leaving the U.S., so the U.S. government can track your departure and know that you left the country before your visa expired. Also, you may need this form for things like applying for a driver’s license, getting a job, or changing your immigration status.
Applying for a New Form I-94 Online
You can apply for a new I-94 online if you’re entering by land or certain ferries. Here’s a detailed explanation of the process:
- Cost: It costs $6 per person. This fee is not refundable, even if your entry is denied.
- Time Frame: You must arrive at the border within 7 days of applying online. If you don’t, your application expires, and you must apply again.
- At the Border:
- You may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints or a facial scan).
- You’ll have an interview with a CBP officer. They will ask about the purpose of your visit and may request additional information.
- Documents: Bring the same documents you used in your online application. This typically includes your passport and any relevant visas.
- Additional Evidence: Be ready to show proof of:
- Where you live (like a utility bill or lease agreement)
- Where you work (like an employment letter)
- Your travel plans (like hotel reservations or an invitation letter)
How to Access and Print Your I-94
You can see and print your I-94 in two ways:
- CBP One™ Mobile App:
- Download the app on your smartphone
- Follow the instructions to retrieve your I-94
- The I-94 website
- Go to the website
- Click on “Get Most Recent I-94”
- Enter your personal information as it appears on your passport
You can ask for a paper I-94 at the border, but this may take extra time and is generally discouraged unless necessary.
Understanding Your I-94 Number
Once CBP approves your lawful entry and issues the I-94 form, a unique code will be assigned to your record. This number is linked to a specific entrance and reason for visiting the United States, so you’ll receive a different I-94 number each time you arrive in the country. The number, which you can find on your paper I-94 card or your electronic record, may sometimes be required by a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or your employer may need it for their records. Since May 2019, I-94 numbers have a new format:
- They are 11 characters long
- The first 9 are numbers
- The 10th is a letter
- The 11th is a number
If you need to replace a Form I-94, you can do it on the CBP website or by calling CBP at 1-877-CBP-5511 (1-877-227-5511) Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
Old I-94s with only numbers are still valid until their end date. This number is unique to your entry and helps identify your specific arrival record.
Leaving the United States
When you leave the U.S., it’s essential to ensure your departure is recorded correctly:
- By Air or Sea: The system automatically records your departure based on information provided by the airline or ship.
- By Land:
- If you have a paper I-94, surrender it to the border officer.
- If you have an electronic I-94, your departure might not be automatically recorded.
- Keep proof that you left, such as:
- An entry stamp in your passport from Canada or Mexico
- Travel tickets
- Receipts from the country you enter
Properly recording your departure is crucial to maintain a good immigration record and avoid issues on future visits to the U.S.
Checking Your Travel History and Status
You can access your I-94 travel history on the CBP website. You’ll usually see your last 5 years of travel history, but you can request a full history if needed.
If you extend your stay or adjust your status after arriving in the United States — such as by gaining a green card — then U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will issue a new I-94 or other documentation to reflect your new situation. In such cases, the new documentation will be your primary way of showing your lawful status.
Travel History
To view your travel history, visit the I-94 website, click on “view travel history” and enter your personal information. Here, you will see:
- Your U.S. travel history for the last ten years
- When and where you entered and left the U.S.
Note: It might not show all land crossings or short cruise trips.
Checking Your Status
Use the “View Compliance” tab on the I-94 website or CBP One™ app and enter your information. This will tell you:
- How many days you can stay
- If you’ve overstayed
- What to do next if there are issues
If There’s a Mistake on Your I-94
If your I-94 has incorrect information:
- For errors made by CBP:
- Go to a CBP Deferred Inspection Site
- Bring all relevant documents (passport, visa, evidence of correct information)
- If USCIS made the mistake (for those who got I-94 through a change of status):
- Use Form I-102 on the USCIS website
- There may be a fee for this correction
While an I-94 travel doesn’t have a high price, immigrating can be expensive. Learn the costs for common USCIS forms and fees here.
Where to Get a Copy of Your I-94
How to replace a Lost I-194 Form
If you can’t find your passport containing your admission stamp and visa or your I-94 travel record, you can request these records from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), but the method you must follow depends on when you arrived in the United States:
- If you entered the United States before April 2013, you may request a replacement of your I-94 by submitting Form I-102 (officially called the “Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document”). You must mail your completed form to USCIS and pay a filing fee of $560.
- If you entered the United States after April 2013, you may request a copy of your most recent I-94 and travel history from the past five years from CBP. There is no cost for this service.
Filing a FOIA Request for I-94 Travel Records
Although the above options are the fastest ways to obtain your records, you may instead request the release of your records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Processing this request, however, can take up to one year.
There are three ways to submit a FOIA request:
- Complete an online form. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides an online submission form that it will forward to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) once completed. Alternatively, you can make the same request to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), but CBP generally processes such requests much faster.
- Complete a paper form. USCIS also provides a paper form (G-639) for this procedure, but it is generally not required and takes much longer than an online request through CBP. If you choose this option, you must follow the specific instructions on the form.
- Write to USCIS. If you prefer, you can also write your request and mail or fax it to the National Records Center of USCIS.
If you choose the third option, you must submit your request with the following:
- Your full name, address, and phone number
- A detailed description of the records you seek (be as specific as possible)
- A statement of your willingness to pay any fees associated with the request
- Your signature witnessed by a notary public
Alternative Documents for Form I-94
If you cannot produce your travel records through one of the above options, DHS will presume that you entered the United States unlawfully (officially termed “without inspection”). In such cases, you must instead submit both of the following:
- A notarized personal affidavit (written statement) in which you fully explain why the documents are not available
- Any other evidence that supports your claim that you entered the United States lawfully (for example, an airline receipt of your plane ticket, your boarding pass from the day you traveled to the United States, or a copy of one of your parents’ passports showing an admission stamp and visa if you arrived with them)
If other evidence is also not available, you must submit at least two additional notarized personal affidavits (written statements) from other people who have personal knowledge of your lawful entry to the United States.
All affidavits, including those from you and other people, should explain the following in detail:
- When and where you entered the United States
- What travel documents you had, if any
- Whether you showed your travel documents to the U.S. immigration officer who inspected you
- Any questions the immigration officer asked you
- Any other details you can provide about your entry to the United States
Recent Changes and Updates
Electronic I-94s at Land Borders
- Who it affects: All non-U.S. citizens entering the U.S. via land borders.
- What changed: CBP no longer issues paper I-94 forms at land borders. All I-94s are now electronic.
- Impact: Travelers must access their I-94 online or through the CBP One™ app.
- When: This change was fully implemented in 2024.
Form I-515A Submission for Students
- What changed: F, M, and J visa holders now submit Form I-515A electronically instead of by mail.
- How: Students now email their Form I-515A documentation here
- When: This change took effect on June 26, 2024.
- Who it affects: International students and exchange visitors who receive Form I-515A upon entry.
Ukrainian Parolees Guidance
- What changed: The Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act extended the period of stay for Ukrainian parolees.
- New deadline: September 30, 2024 (previously September 30, 2023).
- Who it affects: Ukrainian nationals admitted to the U.S. under humanitarian parole.
Form I-9 Expiration Date Extension
- What changed: The expiration date for Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) was extended.
- New expiration date: May 31, 2027.
- Impact: Employers can continue using the current version of Form I-9 until the new expiration date.
- Who it affects: All employers and employees in the U.S. involved in the I-9 process.
CBP One™ App Enhancements
- What changed: The CBP One™ app now offers more features to manage the I-94 process, including:
- Ability to apply for a provisional I-94 before travel
- Option to view and print recent I-94 records
- Travel history access
- Who it affects: All travelers eligible to receive an I-94.
I-94 Website Updates
- What changed: The I-94 website now provides more self-service options, including:
- Improved travel history display
- Enhanced compliance checking tools
- Who it affects: All non-immigrant travelers to the U.S.
Visa Waiver Program Updates
- What changed: Some countries’ status in the Visa Waiver Program may have changed.
- Action needed: Before planning their trip, travelers should check the list of countries in the current Visa Waiver Program.
- Who it affects: Citizens of countries participating in or newly added to the Visa Waiver Program.
Form I-94 FAQs
It’s easy to access your I-94 form using CBP’s online portal. You’ll need to make sure you enter your information — such as your name and passport details — correctly in order to log on.
If you can’t find your I-94 travel record using the online system, check here for official guidance on how to make sure you’re entering your information correctly, and to get further assistance if necessary.
If there’s an error in your I-94 travel record, you’ll need to contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to make the correction. You can schedule an in-person interview at a local USCIS office, or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 for more information.
Note that if the error was made when you first entered the United States, you’ll need to visit a local CBP deferred inspection site or port of entry to have it changed.
It’s worth keeping a hard copy of your I-94 travel record in a safe place. To download or print out a copy of your I-94 card, simply log onto the CBP’s I-94 website and follow the on-screen instructions.
Electronic travel records are convenient in most cases, but things can get complicated if you receive an electronic record after arriving in the United States by sea or by air, but then leave the country at a land border crossing. At land borders, departures are still primarily tracked using paper I-94 travel records, so if you have an electronic record your departure may not be automatically recorded.
In such cases, you’ll want to make sure you have another way to prove that you left the country before your visa expired. One option is to request an entrance stamp in your passport from the Canadian or Mexican authorities. You can also keep transport tickets, receipts, or pay stubs to show that you left the United States before your visa expired.