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I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)

Form I-94 is the Arrival/Departure Record that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) creates when a noncitizen enters the United States. It shows your class of admission and the date by which you must leave or extend your stay.

Written by the NorthAmericans Editorial TeamLast verified: Expert review in progress
On this page
  1. Why it matters
  2. Frequently asked questions
  3. Official sources

Why it matters

The date on your I-94, not the expiration date on your visa, controls how long you can stay. Staying past it is an overstay and can lead to unlawful presence. Students admitted for "D/S" (duration of status) have no fixed date.

Most I-94 records are electronic. You can download yours from the CBP I-94 website after arrival. Check it right away: mistakes in the name, class, or date should be fixed quickly by CBP or USCIS.

When USCIS approves an extension or change of status, a new I-94 is often attached to the approval notice. See extending your stay.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my I-94?

Download it from the official CBP I-94 website using your passport details.

My visa expired but my I-94 is valid. Am I legal?

Yes. Your permission to stay depends on the I-94 date. You need a valid visa only to enter again.

Do Canadians get an I-94?

Canadian visitors often do not receive one at a land crossing unless they request it or enter in a work or study category.

Official sources

  1. CBP: I-94 websitei94.cbp.dhs.gov

General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.