Form I-94 is the Arrival and Departure Record used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to track non U.S. citizens when they enter and leave the United States.
This record documents lawful admission and the authorized length of stay, and travelers can view and print their I-94 electronically.
1. What Is Form I-94 and Why It Matters
Form I-94, also called the Arrival Departure Record, shows a non U.S. citizen's date of entry, class of admission, and Admit Until Date.
This record is evidence of lawful admission and is essential for proving lawful status while in the United States.
What Information Is Shown on an I-94?
- Admission date and Admit Until Date.
- Class of admission such as B1 B2, F1, H1B, or other visa classifications.
- Passport number and country of issuance in the electronic record.
- CBP admission stamp details for air and sea arrivals.
2. Who Needs Form I-94
All non U.S. citizens entering the United States generally need an I-94 record to document their admission and authorized stay.
Exceptions include U.S. citizens, returning resident aliens, individuals entering on immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens visiting or transiting through the U.S.
3. How Form I-94 Is Issued
CBP has automated the I-94 process for most travelers arriving by air or sea.
Upon arrival a CBP officer creates an electronic I-94 and places an admission stamp in the passport with the date of entry class of admission and Admit Until Date.
In some limited land border cases a paper I-94 may still be issued and that paper form must be retained and surrendered properly upon departure.
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4. How To Access and Print Your I-94
Travelers can retrieve their electronic I-94 by visiting the CBP I-94 website or using the CBP One mobile app.
These platforms let users view and print their most recent I-94 check the remaining duration of authorized stay and review up to ten years of U.S. entry and exit history.
5. Departures and Recording Exits
Departures by air and sea are typically recorded automatically using information provided by the carrier.
Land departures to Canada or Mexico may not always be recorded automatically so travelers should keep proof of departure such as entry stamps from the destination country transportation tickets or receipts.
6. Special Considerations and Errors on I-94
Visa Waiver Program travelers must have an approved ESTA and CBP no longer uses Form I-94W for those arrivals.
If you receive a paper I-94 keep it safe because it must be surrendered to the carrier or CBP upon departure.
If you find an error in your I-94 record contact CBP through the I-94 website CBP One or at the port of entry to request correction.
7. Land Border Pre Application Fees and Timing
Travelers entering by land can apply for an I-94 online up to seven days before arrival using CBP One or the official I-94 website.
As of September 30, 2025 the application fee for land border I-94 pre applications is $30 and pre application approval does not guarantee admission.
| Travel Method | How I-94 Is Created | Departure Recorded |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Electronic I-94 created by CBP officer and passport stamp | Carrier reports departure |
| Sea | Electronic I-94 created by CBP officer and passport stamp | Carrier reports departure |
| Land | Apply up to seven days before arrival via CBP One or I-94 site; paper I-94 possible | May not be automatically recorded; keep proof of exit |
8. How To Prepare for Arrival and Departure
- Bring a valid passport and any required visa or ESTA approval at entry.
- Check your Admit Until Date immediately after arrival and print your I-94 for your records.
- If departing by land retain evidence of exit such as foreign entry stamps transportation receipts or tickets.
- Store a printed copy of your I-94 with important immigration documents while in the U.S.
9. Troubleshooting and Best Practices
- Review your electronic I-94 as soon as possible after entry to spot mistakes early.
- If details are incorrect contact CBP via the I-94 website CBP One or visit a port of entry or deferred inspection location to request correction.
- Keep proof of lawful departure if the system does not show your exit especially after land travel.
- Use official channels only and save confirmation receipts from CBP One or the I-94 website.
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Additional Resources for Form I-94
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 Information
- CBP One Mobile Application and Arrival Departures Overview
- USCIS Form I-94 Information for Completing USCIS Forms
- CBP Form I-94 Sample
- CBP Newsroom Announcements on I-94 Automation
Form I-94 Arrival and Departure Record: Conclusion
Form I-94 is the official record that shows lawful admission and the authorized period of stay for most non U.S. citizens in the United States.
Check your I-94 soon after arrival keep documentation of departures when needed and use the official CBP I-94 website or CBP One app for access corrections and travel history.
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