Form I-94, known as the Arrival/Departure Record, is issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to certain non-citizens when they arrive in the U.S., adjust their status while in the U.S., or extend their stay. It is not required for U.S. citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens visiting or in transit. The form is typically attached to the nonimmigrant visitor’s passport upon entry by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. The “Admit Until Date” on the form or the electronic record indicates the date by which the visitor must exit the U.S..
Foreign visitors arriving by air or sea are automatically issued an electronic I-94 upon arrival and receive a passport stamp indicating lawful entry. Visitors can access their electronic I-94 records through the CBP’s online system. For those entering by land, a paper I-94 form, a small white card, is issued and attached to the passport. It’s important to surrender the paper I-94 upon leaving the U.S. to ensure the U.S. government can track the departure and confirm that the visitor left before their visa expiration.
The I-94 record is crucial for many immigration-related purposes, as it includes the “Admit Until Date” which specifies the duration of permitted stay in the U.S. If an individual extends their stay or adjusts their status, USCIS will issue new documentation reflecting the change. The I-94 number, unique to each entry, is often required by government agencies, such as the DMV, or by employers.
There is no fee for the I-94 form, regardless of the mode of arrival. However, those arriving via land can apply for a provisional I-94 online before arrival, which costs $6 and can speed up the entry process.
For those who need to prove their legal visitor status to employers, schools, or government agencies, they can access their CBP arrival/departure record online. This system has replaced the need for paper forms for most foreign visitors.
For more detailed information and access to the electronic I-94 records, visit the official I-94 website. If you need assistance with an immigration issue call our law firm at 407-452-4918 and schedule a consultation.
