What is Form I-94?
After entering the United States, travelers should check their Form I-94. This arrival and departure record shows important details about their admission, including their immigration category and how long they are authorized to remain.
For most air and sea arrivals, the record is electronic. You can retrieve it through the official CBP website.
Do not confuse your visa expiry with your stay
Your visa's expiry date and your authorized period of stay are two different things. A visa allows you to travel to a US port of entry and request admission. The I-94 generally records the period granted after you are admitted.
For example, your visitor visa may remain valid for several years, while your I-94 may allow a much shorter stay. The date or status shown on your I-94 is the important record to check.
What should you do if something looks wrong?
Use the CBP website's “Get Most Recent I-94” option and check your details after arrival. If the record is missing or contains an error, contact a CBP Deferred Inspection Site for help.
If USCIS has approved an extension or change of status, remember that an online CBP compliance display may not show every USCIS update immediately. Check your approval notice as well. Keep a copy of your record and pay attention to the authorized stay period.
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Never guess how long you can stay. One quick I-94 check today could protect your immigration future tomorrow!
