Form I-94, Explained: How the Arrival/Departure Record Tracks U.S. Entry and Exit—and Why It Matters

Form I-94, Explained: How the Arrival/Departure Record Tracks U.S. Entry and Exit—and Why It Matters
By TRW Law Firm – Your Global Immigration Authority

🛂 Introduction: What Is Form I-94?

Form I-94, officially known as the “Arrival/Departure Record,” is a critical document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track the entry and exit of noncitizens to and from the United States. Whether you’re entering the U.S. as a tourist, student, temporary worker, or business visitor, this record:

• Proves your legal entry into the country
• Shows your admission classification
• Indicates how long you can legally remain
• Helps track your immigration status and history

While often overlooked, errors or omissions on your I-94 can lead to visa complications, overstays, and even bans. Understanding this document is vital for maintaining legal immigration status.

📘 Who Needs a Form I-94?

You’ll receive or need an I-94 if you are:

🟩 A non-U.S. citizen entering the U.S. on a temporary visa
🟩 A student (F-1, M-1, or J-1)
🟩 A temporary worker on visas like H-1B, L-1, or O-1
🟩 A business visitor entering on a B-1 visa
🟩 A tourist (B-2 visa)
🟩 Changing your status within the U.S.
🟩 Extending your stay or adjusting to permanent residency
🟩 Re-entering the U.S. after a temporary absence

❌ You Don’t Need an I-94 If:

• You’re a U.S. citizen or green card holder
• You enter with an immigrant visa
• You are a Canadian citizen visiting for under 6 months
• You’re using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)—you’ll receive Form I-94W instead

✈️ How Form I-94 Is Issued

🛫 By Air or Sea

• You receive an electronic I-94 automatically upon arrival
• CBP stamps your passport with the entry date and classification
• The stamp includes your “Admit Until Date” or “D/S” (Duration of Status)
• You can access the record via the CBP I-94 website or CBP One™ app

🚗 By Land

• You can pre-apply for your I-94 using the CBP One™ app or website
• Once you arrive at the land port of entry, you’ll receive an electronic I-94
• Paper I-94s are no longer automatically issued unless requested
• Canadians crossing by land may be exempt unless staying more than six months

🌐 Using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

• VWP travelers use Form I-94W instead
• You must have a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding

📍 Where to Find Your “Admit Until Date”

This date is critical and determines how long you may remain in the U.S. legally:

• It appears on your passport stamp and electronic I-94
• Students and exchange visitors may see “D/S” (Duration of Status)—meaning they can stay as long as they maintain valid student or exchange status
• Others will receive a specific departure date

📌 It’s your responsibility to depart before or on your I-94 expiration date or file a timely extension.

🧾 How to Access and Print Your I-94 Record

You can access your I-94 online or through the CBP app.

📱 CBP One™ Mobile App

1. Download the app
2. Navigate to the I-94 section
3. Enter your details as they appear on your passport
4. View or print your record

🌐 CBP I-94 Website

1. Visit: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
2. Click on “Get Most Recent I-94”
3. Enter:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Passport number and country of issuance

🔢 Understanding the I-94 Number

Each I-94 form is assigned a unique 11-character identifier:

• First 9 characters: Numbers
• 10th character: A letter
• 11th character: A number

This number is used by:

• Employers (for Form I-9 verification)
• DMV (for issuing driver’s licenses)
• USCIS (for visa extensions or changes of status)

📝 Your I-94 number changes with every new entry into the United States.

💰 How Much Does It Cost?

• Arriving by air/sea: Free (electronic issuance)
• Arriving by land: \$6 (when pre-applying online or via CBP One™)
• Form I-102 (replacement): \$560 filing fee

📝 Applying for a New I-94

If you’re entering via land, you can pre-register online:

• Go to CBP One™ or the I-94 website
• Pay the \$6 fee
• Arrive at the border within 7 days of your online application
• Bring:
• Passport
• Visa (if applicable)
• Proof of residence and work
• Travel documentation (hotel, itinerary, or invitation letter)

🔁 Leaving the U.S.: How Departure Is Tracked

✅ Examples of Proof of Exit:

• Passport entry stamp (e.g., Canada, Mexico)
• Transportation tickets
• Hotel receipts
• Pay stubs from outside the U.S.

Proper documentation ensures that DHS knows you left the country on time, maintaining a clean immigration record.

📂 Replacing a Lost I-94

🔄 If You Arrived Before April 2013

• You must file Form I-102 with USCIS
• Include a \$560 filing fee
• Provide supporting documents (passport copy, visa, entry stamp)

🔄 If You Arrived After April 2013

• Visit the CBP I-94 website
• Retrieve your electronic record for free
• Contact CBP at 1-877-CBP-5511 for assistance

🕵️ Requesting I-94 Records via FOIA

If the online system fails to retrieve your I-94 or travel history, you may file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request:

3 Ways to Submit a FOIA Request:

1. Online through DHS: Fastest
2. Paper Form G-639: Slower, more formal
3. Written Letter: Must include:

• Full name, address, and contact info
• Specific description of requested records
• Notarized signature
• Willingness to pay copy fees

⚠️ FOIA requests may take up to a year to process.

🧾 Alternative Documentation If I-94 Is Unavailable

If your I-94 is lost or never issued and other retrieval efforts fail:

You must submit:

1. Notarized affidavit explaining:

• Date/place of entry
• Type of visa
• Questions asked by the CBP officer

1. Secondary evidence, such as:

• Boarding pass
• Travel receipt
• Copy of your parent’s passport (if you were a minor)

1. Affidavits from at least 2 others who witnessed your entry

📈 Recent Changes to Form I-94 and Related Policies (2024–2025)

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ How can I check my I-94 travel record?

• Visit the CBP I-94 portal or CBP One™ app
• Use your passport details to log in

❓ What if my I-94 has incorrect information?

• If issued by CBP: Visit a Deferred Inspection Site
• If issued by USCIS: File Form I-102

❓ Can I use a paper I-94 and electronic record together?

Yes, but inconsistencies may arise. Always ensure your departure is recorded if leaving via a land border.

❓ What’s the difference between I-94 and I-94W?

• I-94: For most nonimmigrant visa holders
• I-94W: For Visa Waiver Program travelers with ESTA

❓ How do I prove I left the U.S.?

• Entry stamp in Canada or Mexico
• Flight tickets
• Receipts or pay stubs abroad

❓ What is the “View Compliance” feature?

• Tells you how many days remain in the U.S.
• Flags overstays
• Provides steps for compliance

🤝 How TRW Law Firm Can Help

TRW Law Firm helps individuals and companies understand and maintain lawful status in the U.S., including:

✅ I-94 corrections and retrieval
✅ FOIA record requests
✅ Overstay advisories
✅ Change of status guidance
✅ Visa extensions and re-entry strategy
✅ Adjustment of status representation

From visa petitions to compliance auditing, we ensure you don’t miss a critical document like the I-94 that can impact your immigration future.

📞 Contact TRW Law Firm

Phone:
+8801708000660
+8801847220062
+8801708080817

Emails:
info@trfirm.com
info@trwbd.com
info@tahmidur.com

Offices:
Dhaka: House 410, Road 29, Mohakhali DOHS
Dubai: Rolex Building, L-12 Sheikh Zayed Road
London: 330 High Holborn, City of London

🧾 Summary Table

For any issues involving your Form I-94, reach out to TRW Law Firm — where your legal status, peace of mind, and future immigration goals are our top priority.