I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: Essential Information for International Travelers

Last Updated Apr 17, 2025

The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record requires essential traveler information including full name, date of birth, passport number, and country of citizenship. It also includes details about the port of entry, date of arrival, and visa classification. Accurate data on the I-94 ensures compliance with U.S. immigration regulations and facilitates smooth entry and departure processes.

Introduction to the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is a critical document for travelers entering and exiting the United States. It verifies the arrival date, port of entry, and authorized period of stay.

This record contains information such as the traveler's name, passport number, and visa details. Understanding the required data helps ensure a smooth entry and departure process during your travels.

Who Needs the I-94 Form?

Who needs the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record when traveling to the United States?

The I-94 form is required for most foreign visitors entering the United States by air or sea, excluding certain travellers such as Canadian citizens. It serves as an official record of arrival and departure, documenting the duration of an individual's legal stay in the U.S.

How to Obtain Your I-94 Record

The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record contains essential travel details for foreign visitors entering the United States. Obtaining your I-94 record online is a straightforward process that verifies your arrival and departure information.

  1. Visit the Official CBP Website - Use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's I-94 portal to access your travel records securely.
  2. Provide Required Information - Enter details such as your passport number, date of birth, and country of citizenship to retrieve your I-94.
  3. Download and Print Your Record - After verification, you can download and print your I-94 for travel, legal, or immigration purposes.

Understanding the Information on Your I-94

The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is an important document for travelers entering the United States. Understanding the information on your I-94 helps ensure accurate tracking of your stay and compliance with immigration regulations.

  • Admission Number - A unique 11-digit identifier assigned to your arrival record for tracking purposes.
  • Arrival Date - The exact date you entered the United States, used to calculate your authorized period of stay.
  • Admit Until Date - The deadline by which you must leave the country or apply for an extension or change of status.

Review your I-94 details carefully to avoid overstaying and to maintain legal status during your travel in the U.S.

Common Scenarios: Land, Air, and Sea Arrivals

The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record requires personal information such as full name, date of birth, passport number, and country of citizenship to verify identity and travel status. For land arrivals, travelers must provide port of entry, travel date, and vehicle or border crossing details when applicable. Air and sea arrivals require flight or vessel information along with the arrival date to ensure accurate record keeping by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Checking and Correcting Your I-94 Information

Checking your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is essential to ensure all personal and travel information is accurate for your stay in the United States. The I-94 form includes details such as your name, date of birth, passport number, and entry and exit dates.

If you find any errors on your I-94 record, you should correct them promptly to avoid issues with immigration status or future travel. To correct your I-94, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website or contact a local CBP deferred inspection site. Accurate I-94 information helps verify your lawful entry and stay in the U.S., which is crucial for visa applications and extensions.

How the I-94 Affects Your Legal Stay

The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is essential for documenting your entry and exit dates in the United States, directly impacting your authorized legal stay. It contains critical information such as your name, date of birth, passport number, entry date, and visa status, which immigration officers use to verify your compliance. Maintaining an accurate I-94 record ensures you do not overstay your permitted duration, helping to avoid potential legal issues or future travel restrictions.

FAQ: Lost or Missing I-94 Record

FAQ Topic Details
What is an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record? The I-94 is a document issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that records the arrival and departure of foreign visitors to the United States.
What Information is Required on an I-94? Essential details include your full name, passport number, date of birth, country of citizenship, travel document number, date of arrival, and port of entry.
Why is the I-94 Important? The I-94 establishes your lawful status in the U.S. and helps track the length of your authorized stay.
What Should You Do if Your I-94 Record is Lost or Missing? You must retrieve your I-94 record by accessing the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) I-94 website. If the online system does not reflect your arrival, filing a Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document, with CBP is necessary. Retaining your travel documents, such as your passport and visa, supports this process.
How to Access or Print Your I-94 Record? Visit the CBP I-94 website to enter required personal and travel information. This allows you to retrieve, view, and print your most recent I-94.

Updating and Printing Your I-94 Record Online

The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record contains essential information such as your full name, date of birth, passport number, and arrival date in the United States. Accurate data on this record is crucial for verifying your legal status during your stay.

You can update your I-94 record online by visiting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and entering your travel and identification details. Printing the updated I-94 ensures you have a valid record for immigration, employment verification, or travel purposes.

What Information Is Required on an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record? Infographic

I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: Essential Information for International Travelers


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Disclaimer.
The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about What Information Is Required on an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record? are subject to change from time to time.

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