I-94 Process

Admission to the US—Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Entry to the US is granted by CBP, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. A CBP officer will inspect your travel documents at or soon before reaching a US Port of Entry (POE).  S/he will determine which immigration status and for how long you should be admitted to the US. This information will then be noted on an I-94 Arrival-Departure Record.

The I-94 record:

  • Serves as the only evidence of your proper, lawful admission to the U.S.

  • Lists your immigration category, port of entry, date of entry, expiration of stay, and a unique 11-digit identifying number on top.

 

Automated I-94 Process

In April 2013, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) transitioned to an automated I-94 process for those who enter the US by air or sea ports. The intent is to streamline the inspection process and reduce wait times at passenger processing. An Entry Stamp will be placed in your passport in leiu of the paper I-94 (which is still used if entering US by land).

At the point of entry, you will receive information on accessing your electronic I-94. Please allow up to 48 hours from your arrival to see your record online. Once the record is posted, you can review and print out a physical copy of your form I-94. Please read below for further information about the form.