Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) is one of the most important documents in U.S. immigration. It is the official record of your authorized period of admission to the United States — it tells you exactly how long you are permitted to stay. Since 2013, the I-94 is almost entirely electronic for air and sea travelers. Understanding your I-94, knowing how to check it, and knowing what to do if it’s wrong are essential for anyone in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa.
What Is Form I-94?
When you enter the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) creates an electronic I-94 record that documents:
Form I-94 2026: how to check online, what fields mean, common errors and fixes
- Your admission date
- Your visa classification (B-2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, etc.)
- Your authorized period of stay — either a specific date (e.g., “Admit Until: 05/15/2027”) or “D/S” (Duration of Status)
- Your port of entry
- Your admission number (the I-94 number itself)
The date on your I-94 — NOT your visa expiration date — determines when you must leave the United States. Many people confuse their visa expiration date with their authorized stay. Your visa is the document that lets you request entry; your I-94 is what determines how long you can remain.
How to Check Your I-94 Online
Your most recent I-94 is available at the official CBP website:
- Go to: i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94
- Click “Get Most Recent I-94”
- Enter your first name, last name, date of birth, passport number, and passport country of issuance
- Your most recent electronic I-94 will display
You should check your I-94 within a few days of every entry to the United States to confirm it was correctly recorded — especially after re-entry from international travel.
Paper I-94 vs. Electronic I-94
- Electronic I-94 (since 2013): Created automatically for air and sea arrivals. No paper form issued. Retrieved online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
- Paper I-94 (land border entries): Travelers crossing at land ports of entry may still receive a paper I-94 (white card stapled into the passport) or may have an electronic record created. Check both your passport and the CBP website after land border crossings.
- Paper I-94 stamp: CBP officers sometimes stamp passports directly for certain admissions — particularly at land borders or in special circumstances. The stamp itself serves as the I-94.
Common I-94 Errors and How to Fix Them
CBP makes data entry errors more often than you might expect. Common mistakes include:
- Wrong visa class (e.g., “B-2” instead of “F-1”)
- Wrong authorized stay date
- Name misspelling or wrong date of birth
- I-94 showing an old trip instead of the most recent entry
How to fix an I-94 error:
- At the airport, same day: Go to CBP’s secondary inspection area before leaving the airport and request a correction with your passport and visa
- After leaving the airport: Visit a local CBP Deferred Inspection Office with your passport, visa, and any supporting documentation. Find locations at cbp.gov.
- Online correction request: CBP has a limited online correction portal for certain errors — check i94.cbp.dhs.gov for available options
I-94 and “D/S” (Duration of Status)
F-1, J-1, and certain other visa holders have I-94s that read “D/S” (Duration of Status) rather than a specific date. This means you are authorized to stay as long as you maintain valid status — for F-1 students, that means being enrolled full-time and maintaining a valid SEVIS record. “D/S” does NOT mean you can stay indefinitely; it means your stay is tied to the conditions of your status.
Important 2026 note: DHS has proposed eliminating the D/S system and replacing it with fixed-period admissions for F-1 and J-1 visa holders. The rule is under OMB review as of May 2026. If finalized, I-94s for students would show specific dates instead of “D/S.” Monitor the rule’s progress with your Designated School Official.
Why Your I-94 Matters for Immigration Applications
Your I-94 is required or referenced in virtually every USCIS application:
- I-485 adjustment of status — proves lawful admission
- I-539 extension or change of status — used to calculate remaining authorized stay
- I-765 employment authorization — proves current immigration status
- H-1B, L-1, O-1 petitions — demonstrates current valid status
- Green card interviews — officers verify your admission history
Related: Unlawful Presence & 3/10-Year Bar Guide | I-539 Extension/Change of Status | F-1/J-1 Duration of Status 2026
Related: How to Check Your US Visa Status Online: CEAC, USCIS & NVC
