Issued by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it serves to track the arrival and departure of travelers.
What is Form I-94?
Form I-94 is an official record documenting the entry and exit of non-US citizens in the United States. It indicates:
- Date of entry: The day you entered the U.S.
- Class of admission: Your visa type or status (e.g., tourist, student, or worker).
- Admit until date: The date by which you must leave the U.S. unless your stay is extended.
Purpose of Form I-94
The form is essential for:
- Proof of legal entry: Verifies lawful admission to the US
- Employment and work authorization: Some employers require Form I-94 for eligibility verification.
- Immigration status adjustment: Necessary when applying for a green card, visa extension, or change of status.
- Social Security and benefits: Used to apply for Social Security numbers and other federal benefits.
How to Access Form I-94
Since April 2013, most I-94 records have been created electronically for travelers entering by air or sea. Paper forms may still be issued at land border crossings. To retrieve an electronic I-94:
- Visit the CBP I-94 website.
- Enter required details such as your full name, date of birth, and passport information.
- Download and print your record as needed.
Instructions for using Form I-94
- Upon arrival:
- A CBP officer will issue the I-94 electronically or attach a paper form to your passport.
- Ensure the information is accurate before leaving the inspection area.
- During your stay:
- Keep the admit-until date in mind to avoid overstaying.
- Use the form as proof of status for employers, schools, or government agencies.
- Upon departure:
- If issued a paper form, return it to the airline or CBP officer when leaving the US.
- For electronic forms, your departure is recorded automatically.
Validity of Form I-94
The validity of your I-94 aligns with the duration of your visa or the specified “admit until” date. Extensions can be requested by filing Form I-539 through USCIS. Overstaying can result in penalties, including bans on future entries.
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 US 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.
Recent changes and updates
Electronic I-94s at Land Borders
- Who it affects: All non-U.S. citizens entering the US 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.
