Understanding the I-94: A Guide to U.S. Arrival and Departure...

Understanding the I-94: A Guide to U.S. Arrival and Departure Record

Posted 2025-02-27 11:21:38

The I-94 form, also known as the Arrival and Departure Record, is a critical document used by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track and manage the entry and exit of foreign nationals into the country. For anyone visiting the U.S. temporarily—whether for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes—the I-94 plays an essential role in documenting their legal entry, the date of arrival, the duration of their stay, and other crucial details. This article provides an overview of the I-94, explaining its importance, how to obtain one, and the role it plays in the immigration process.

What is the I-94?

The I-94 form is issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to travelers entering the United States on a non-immigrant basis. The form records vital information such as the traveler’s personal details, the port of entry, the date of arrival, and the length of time they are authorized to remain in the U.S. It is a key document used to monitor the visitor’s status and ensure they leave the U.S. before their authorized stay expires.

For most international visitors, an I-94 is automatically generated upon their arrival at a U.S. port of entry. In earlier times, the I-94 was a paper document that was given to the traveler. However, with the shift to electronic records in recent years, many travelers can now access their I-94 information online.

Who Needs an I-94?

An I-94 is required for most non-immigrant foreign nationals entering the U.S. This includes individuals traveling on various visas such as B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange visitor), and other temporary visa categories. Individuals who are permanent residents, U.S. citizens, or certain visa-exempt nationals (such as those from Canada and Bermuda) are generally not required to fill out the I-94.

Key Information Found on the I-94

The I-94 form contains several important details about a traveler’s visit to the U.S., which are essential for maintaining legal status during their stay. These details include:

Full Name: The traveler’s name as per their passport or travel document.
Date of Birth: The traveler’s date of birth.
Passport Number and Country of Issuance: The passport used for entry into the U.S. and the country that issued it.
Arrival and Departure Dates: The date the traveler entered the U.S. and the date they are expected to depart (this date is typically determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer based on the visa classification).
Admission Code: The visa category under which the traveler entered the U.S. (e.g., B-2 for tourism, F-1 for students).
Duration of Stay: The specific period the traveler is authorized to remain in the U.S. This is usually indicated as a “D/S” (Duration of Status) for certain visa holders, or it may be a specific date by which the traveler must depart.
Port of Entry: The U.S. airport or land crossing where the traveler entered.

For travelers who are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), the information on the I-94 is typically recorded electronically upon entry, and there is no paper form issued.

How to Access Your I-94

For most travelers who entered the U.S. after April 2013, the I-94 form is available electronically. CBP has an online system where travelers can access their I-94 record by providing basic information such as their name, date of birth, passport number, and country of issuance. This system allows visitors to print a copy of their I-94 for their records.

To retrieve an I-94 online, follow these steps:

Visit the CBP I-94 website: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
Click on the "Get Most Recent I-94" link.
Enter the required information, including your passport number and details from your arrival.
View and print your I-94 record.

It is important to note that some travelers who entered the U.S. prior to 2013 or under certain circumstances may still receive a paper I-94 form, which should be kept with other important travel documents.

What to Do if There’s an Error on Your I-94

Errors on an I-94, such as incorrect names, dates of arrival or departure, or visa classifications, can create issues with immigration records and could affect a traveler’s ability to stay legally in the U.S. If a mistake is found, it should be corrected as soon as possible. Travelers can contact CBP or visit a local Deferred Inspection Site to have their I-94 corrected.

The Role of the I-94 in U.S. Immigration and Travel

The I-94 serves as a crucial tool in managing immigration and ensuring that travelers comply with the terms of their visa or status while in the U.S. Overstaying an I-94, or failing to depart by the date noted on the form, can result in penalties, including being barred from re-entering the U.S. for several years.

The form is also essential for various other purposes, such as applying for an extension of stay, changing visa status, or adjusting to a permanent resident status. For individuals who plan to travel abroad during their stay, it is important to keep track of the departure date and ensure the I-94 is up-to-date, as leaving the U.S. without properly exiting on record could result in complications upon re-entry.

Conclusion

The I-94 is an indispensable record for non-immigrant visitors to the United States. Whether issued electronically or in paper form, the I-94 ensures that travelers are granted entry and are authorized to stay in the U.S. for the appropriate duration. For anyone traveling to the U.S. on a temporary visa, it’s important to keep track of this document, check for any errors, and maintain compliance with the terms of your stay. With the advent of the electronic I-94 system, travelers have easier access to their records, making it more convenient to verify their status and departure date. Always ensure your I-94 is in order to avoid any complications during your travels.