Following arrival in the United States, visitors (i.e. nonimmigrant visa holders, those from visa-free countries) are issued a Form I-94 which determines allocated length of stay. The Form I-94 used to be a paper form attached to the visitor’s passport. Now it is saved electronically on the Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) website. Unfortunately, many visitors overlook the Form I-94 which actually controls how long they can remain in the country.
The Form I-94 is the official record that proves a visitor entered the U.S. lawfully at a Port-of-Entry (“POE”). It also shows exactly how long the visitor is allowed to remain.
This guide explains what the Form I-94 is, why it matters, how to access it, and what to do if something is wrong.
Why is a Form I-94 Important?
The Form I-94 does more than confirm your entry into the United States. A visitor will need it for the following reasons:
It Proves Visitors Legal Status
The Form I-94 serves as evidence that a visitor arrived in the United States legally and was processed at a POE. Government agencies, employers, and schools often rely on this record to confirm the visitor’s immigration status.
It Controls the Length of Stay
The “Admit Until Date” on the Form I-94 determines how long a visitor may remain in the United States. While a visa allows a visitor to request entry at a POE, the Form I-94 controls how long the visitor may remain after entry.
It is Needed for Everyday Life
A visitor may need an Form I-94 to:
- Apply for a driver’s license;
- Request a Social Security number;
- Complete employment verification (Form I-9 or Employment Eligibility Verification);
- Apply to adjust immigration status;
- Enroll in school or confirm lawful presence.
A visitor arrives at the airport.
Electronic vs. Paper Form I-94
Nearly all Form I-94 records are issued electronically. The CBP automatically creates an arrival and departure record using electronic travel data, which eliminates the need for most paper forms.
Electronic Form Form I-94 (Most Travelers)
A visitor arriving at POE by air, sea, or land typically receives an electronic Form Form I-94. There is no form to complete during travel. Instead, CBP generates the record when the visitor is admitted at the POE.
If a visitor requires proof of lawful admission for work, school, or government purposes, the visitor must access and print the Form I-94 records by using the CBP Form I-94 website or the CBP Link mobile app.
Paper Form I-94 (Limited Situations)
A paper form Form I-94s is rare but may still be issued in limited circumstances, including:
- Certain refugee or asylee admissions;
- Specific parole or humanitarian entries;
- Situations where a paper copy is requested during inspection and issued in secondary processing.
If a visitor receives a paper Form I-94, it should be kept in their passports at all times. When departing the U.S., the visitor must surrender the paper form to the airline or CBP officer, depending on how long they were inside the country.
Departure Records
When a visitor departs the U.S, CBP records the departure electronically through carrier information.
How to Access the Electronic Form I-94 Record
A visitor can access a Form I-94 online through the official CBP website.
Step-by-step:
- Visit http://cbp.gov;
- On the home page, scroll down to “Find an Form I-94 Record”;
- Select “Get Most Recent Form I-94”;
- Enter the passport information exactly as it appears;
- Full name;
- Date of birth;
- Passport number;
- Country of issuance.
Pro tip: Download and save a copy of the Form I-94 after every entry into the United States Check the record carefully to make sure that the Form I-94 information is correct because errors are common.
Key Information on an Form I-94
TheForm I-94 contains several critical details. Review each item carefully after every entry.
- Form I-94 Admission Number: A unique 11-digit number assigned to the entry. Many immigration, employment, and government applications require this number.
- Class of Admission: The immigration status you entered under, such as:
This classification must match your purpose of staying in the United States
- “Admit Until” date (critical): The date that sets the deadline to leave the United States, extend your stay, or change status. Some foreign students on an F-1 or M-1 visa and exchange visitors on a J-1 visa use a D/S or Duration of Status, which allows them to remain in the U.S. as long as they comply with the terms of their approved program.
Common Form I-94 Problems and How to Fix Them
Form I-94 errors happen and ignoring them can carry real consequences. Acting quickly makes a difference. If an issue is not easy to resolve, speaking with a U.S. immigration attorney can help protect your status.
Incorrect Information
If the name, date, or class of admission is wrong, act quickly. Contact a CBP Deferred Inspection Site to request a correction.
Cannot Find Your Record
If the system cannot locate the Form I-94:
- Try different name formats (with or without middle name);
- Double-check passport numbers;
- Watch for letter-number mix-ups like O vs. 0 or I vs. 1.
Overstaying Your Form I-94
Staying beyond the Form I-94 date can lead to serious immigration consequences, including future visa denials or bars to reentry. Always track this date carefully.
A departing visitor waits for their plane.
Frequently Asked Questions About an Form I-94
Because the Form I-94 plays such a critical role in your immigration status, many visitors have questions about how it works in practice.
Do U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (“Green Card Holders”) need an Form I-94?
No. Form I-94 records apply only to nonimmigrant visitors. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are not issued Form I-94s when entering the United States.
Is Form I-94 the same as a visa?
No. A visa allows you to request entry into the United States at a port of entry, but it does not control how long you may remain after entry. The Form I-94 sets the lawful period of stay and determines the date by which you must depart, extend your stay or change your immigration status. A visa may still be valid while your I-94 has already expired; in that situation it is the I-94 date that legally controls.
What if my paper Form I-94 is lost?
If you lose a paper Form I-94, you can usually access a digital record at the CBP website at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. If the digital record is unavailable or you need an official replacement, you may file Form I-102 (Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document) with USCIS. If you are outside the United States and need assistance, an immigration attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure your records remain accurate.
What does “D/S” mean on a Form I-94?
D/S stands for Duration of Status. Instead of a specific date, some nonimmigrant visa holders such as F-1 students, M-1 vocational students and J-1 exchange visitors receive a Form I-94 showing D/S in the Admit Until field. This means the visitor may remain in the United States as long as they are actively maintaining the terms of their approved program status, such as being enrolled in school or participating in an approved exchange program. D/S does not mean unlimited stay; violating the conditions of the status can still result in an overstay determination.
What are the consequences of overstaying the Form I-94 date?
Overstaying the Admit Until date on a Form I-94 can result in serious immigration consequences. An unlawful presence of more than 180 days but less than one year triggers a 3-year bar to reentry to the United States. An unlawful presence of one year or more triggers a 10-year bar. Overstays may also result in visa cancellation, denial of future visa applications and in some cases deportation proceedings. Always track the Admit Until date carefully and take action well before it expires if you need to extend your stay or change status.
What should I do if my Form I-94 shows the wrong admission class or wrong date?
Act quickly. If the Class of Admission or the Admit Until date on your Form I-94 is incorrect, contact a CBP Deferred Inspection Site to request a correction. Bring supporting documentation including your passport, visa, and any relevant approval notices. Do not wait, because an incorrect I-94 can affect your ability to work, study, apply for benefits or remain lawfully in the United States. If you are uncertain about the process, consulting a U.S. immigration attorney before approaching CBP can help ensure the correction is made properly.
Quick Summary: Form I-94
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Form I-94? | The official U.S. Arrival and Departure Record that controls how long a nonimmigrant may legally stay |
| Is it the same as a visa? | No: a visa allows entry; the I-94 sets the departure deadline after entry |
| Who receives one? | All nonimmigrant visitors: tourist, student, fiance, work visa holders and visa-free travelers |
| Who does NOT receive one? | U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) |
| Is it paper or electronic? | Electronic for nearly all travelers since 2013; paper only in rare circumstances |
| Where to access it? | i94.cbp.dhs.gov or the CBP One mobile app |
| What is the most critical field? | The “Admit Until” date: the legal deadline to depart, extend or change status |
| What does “D/S” mean? | Duration of Status: applies to F-1, M-1 and J-1 holders; no fixed date |
| What happens if you overstay? | Serious consequences including future visa denials and bars to reentry |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do U.S. citizens or green card holders receive a Form I-94?
No. Form I-94 records apply only to nonimmigrant visitors. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are not issued Form I-94s when entering the United States.
Don’t Let an Form I-94 Mistake Put A Visitor’s Status at Risk
Since Form I-94 controls how long a visitor can legally remain in the United States, even a small mistake can create serious immigration problems.
With that in mind, reviewing records after every entry (and acting quickly if something looks wrong) can help protect the visitor in the future.
When dealing with an Form I-94 error, an overstay, or a situation that cannot be resolved on its own, Enterline and Partners can help. Our experienced team assists individuals and families worldwide with complex U.S. immigration issues and provides clear guidance when the stakes are high.
Contact us today to discuss your situation and understand your options before a small issue becomes a major obstacle.
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Copyright 2026. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.
