The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is a document issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It confirms the date of entry into the United States and the authorized period of stay. Today, the form is usually issued electronically, which allows travelers to download it online.
In the past, I-94 forms were often completed on paper and attached to the traveler’s passport. The transition to an electronic system has significantly simplified the control process and reduced the risk of errors. Nowadays, every traveler can check their record in the official CBP system, which increases transparency and security.
Purpose of the document
The main purpose of the I-94 form is to track the movement of foreign nationals entering and leaving the United States. It serves as proof of entry conditions and the length of authorized stay. The record plays a crucial role in the immigration system, as it determines how long a visitor may remain legally in the U.S.
With the I-94, immigration authorities can easily verify whether a person is staying in the U.S. legally. It is a tool not only for government agencies but also for travelers themselves, who can monitor their own status. Lack of knowledge or loss of access to I-94 information may lead to difficulties when applying for visas or immigration benefits.
Contents of the form
The I-94 form includes essential information required to confirm immigration status:
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personal details of the traveler (name, surname, document number),
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visa category under which entry was granted,
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date of arrival in the United States,
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departure deadline, by which the traveler must leave the country or file a request for status change.
Each of these elements plays an important role in immigration-related procedures. The data included in the form is the basis for decisions made by immigration authorities in many processes. For this reason, it is extremely important for travelers to verify the accuracy of all information in their I-94 record.
Applications
The I-94 is a key document during immigration checks and in administrative procedures. It is required when applying for:
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extension of stay,
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change of immigration status,
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work authorization,
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new visa applications within the U.S.
Without a properly issued I-94 form, many immigration processes cannot be initiated or approved. This document serves as a point of reference for all formalities related to staying in the United States. Even minor discrepancies in the data may delay or complicate administrative procedures.
Summary
The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is one of the most important documents in the U.S. immigration system. It confirms the entry date and the authorized period of stay, and its data is crucial for many visa and immigration procedures. Every non-U.S. traveler should know their I-94 information and check it regularly to avoid issues with lawful status.
Regularly monitoring I-94 data helps avoid overstaying the authorized period. Thanks to easy online access, travelers can print their document at any time. This practical tool provides greater certainty and security during a stay in the United States.
👉 If you are preparing a U.S. visa application or planning a longer stay in the United States, use our online form at uspassportapplicationonline.com to ensure your documents are properly prepared and meet all immigration requirements.
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* The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content has been prepared based on publicly available information, including the U.S. Department of State website and other thematic sources, and is intended to clarify selected issues and assist individuals interested in the process of applying for documents, including passports and visas.