I94

I-94, officially the Arrival/Departure Record, is the U.S. government’s record of a non-U.S. citizen’s arrival to and departure from the United States. Issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the I-94 documents a traveler’s lawful admission, visa status, and the authorized period of stay in the country. The I-94 number and the recorded dates are used to determine immigration status for purposes such as employment, study, and eligibility for certain benefits.

Historically, travelers received a paper I-94 on entry. Since around 2013, most air and sea entries generate electronic I-94 records; travelers can retrieve and print their I-94 from the CBP website. Some land-border entries may still produce a paper record or be captured electronically depending on the point of entry. The I-94W is a sub-type used for travelers admitted under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA).

Duration of stay is shown as the leave date or as duration of status (D/S). The I-94 number serves as a key identifier for immigration transactions, including Form I-9 employment verification, extensions or changes of status, and certain immigration benefits. Travelers should verify their I-94 information after travel and retain evidence of their admission when needed. The I-94 is not itself a visa; it is the record of the admission and the basis for staying legally in the United States.