March 11, 2025

What is the form I-94?

When foreign visitors enter the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provides them with an arrival/departure record known as Form I-94. This form, commonly referred to as the I-94, serves to track non-citizens entering and exiting the United States. It verifies lawful entry and specifies the date by which the individual must depart the country.

Immigration officials rely on Form I-94 to determine the duration of your authorized stay in the United States. The “Admit Until Date” shown on your I-94 record and passport admission stamp indicates how long you are permitted to remain in the country.

In some cases, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer who stamps your passport may write “Duration of Status” or “D/S” instead of a specific date. “D/S” means you are authorized to stay in the U.S. for as long as you maintain your valid nonimmigrant status, regardless of your visa’s expiration date.

Electronic vs. Paper I-94 Records

Most visitors now receive their I-94 records electronically. These electronic records are not handed directly to travelers but can be accessed online by visiting CBP’s website and selecting the “Get Most Recent I-94” option here.

Before May 2013, paper I-94 records were the standard for most foreign visitors. While less common today, CBP continues to issue paper I-94 records at land border ports of entry. In contrast, electronic I-94 records are primarily used for entries at air and sea ports. Certain groups, including refugees, some asylum seekers, and parolees, may still receive paper I-94 records regardless of the port of entry.

Special Considerations for Mexican Nationals and students

Mexican nationals entering the United States with a border crossing card typically do not receive I-94 records. However, those planning to travel beyond the 25-mile border zone may request an I-94 record from CBP.

Students on F-1 visas are permitted to remain in the U.S. while participating in activities such as post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), even if their visa stamp has expired. However, once they leave the United States, they must renew their visa stamp to re-enter the country and continue working under their F-1 status.

How to get an I-94 form

Upon your arrival in the United States, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review your passport and nonimmigrant visa. Your information will be entered into an electronic tracking system, and your passport will be stamped. If you are entering by land, you may be issued a paper I-94 card. For those arriving by air or sea, the form will typically be provided electronically.

Air and sea travelers who receive the form electronically will usually be given printed instructions on how to access it. You can easily view your record online or download and print a copy via the CBP’s official website.

For land entries, the I-94 form is often issued as a small white paper card, which is attached to the visitor’s passport. Be sure to return this paper I-94 to a CBP officer when departing the United States, as it serves to document your departure and confirm that you did not overstay your visa.

If you or someone you know needs legal assistance, Attorney Diana Bailey offers free consultations and has over 26 years of experience in immigration law. Call her office at (503) 224-0950 to schedule a free consultation.