Form I-94: Guide to the Arrival/Departure Record Number
Form I-94 is an essential document for non-immigrants visiting the United States. It records key details about a traveler’s visit and is critical for ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Here’s what you need to know:
- Purpose: Form I-94 tracks your arrival and departure, confirming lawful admission, visit purpose, and authorized stay duration.
- Access: Travelers can retrieve their electronic I-94 record online.
- Details Included: Form I-94 includes your entry date, visa class, and stay expiration date.
Importance: Reviewing the record is crucial to avoid overstaying, which can result in penalties or future travel restrictions. This form is often required to be submitted to USCIS when applying for employment authorization, adjusting your status or extending your stay.
Finding Your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number
When U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) admits you into the country and issues a Form I-94, a distinct identification number is attached to your record. This number is tied to the specific entry and reason for your visit, so each time you re-enter the U.S., you are assigned a new I-94 number. You can locate it either on your paper I-94 card or in your online record, and it may sometimes be requested by your employer or by a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
I-94 Number Format
Since May 2019, I-94 numbers are structured as follows:
- 11 characters in total
- The first 9 characters are digits
- The 10th character is a letter
- The 11th character is a digit
I-94 Number Example
An example of a valid I-94 number issued after May 2019 could look like this:
123456789A1
This example follows the current structure:
- The first 9 characters are digits (123456789)
- The 10th character is a letter (A)
- The 11th character is a digit (1)
Older I-94 forms that only contain numbers are still valid until they expire. The unique I-94 number helps ensure accurate tracking of your U.S. entry and serves as an official record of your stay.
What It Means to Have a Valid I-94 but an Expired Visa
Having a valid I-94 but an expired visa means that you are legally allowed to stay in the United States for the duration of your authorized period, as indicated on your I-94 record, even though your visa has expired. Here’s a breakdown:
Visa: A visa is a document issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate that allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission into the country. It is essentially a travel document.
I-94: The I-94 is your arrival/departure record, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you enter the U.S. It determines how long you are allowed to stay in the country and under what conditions.
If your visa expires while you are in the U.S., it does not affect your legal status as long as your I-94 is valid and you comply with the terms of your stay (e.g., maintaining your student, work, or visitor status). However, if you leave the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to apply for a new visa to re-enter the country.
What to Do if Your Form I-94 Is Not Updated
If your Form I-94 is not updated, it is essential to take immediate action to correct the issue.
- Check your I-94 record online at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
- Confirm the details of your I-94 match your travel and entry information.
- If there are discrepancies, contact the nearest CBP Deferred Inspection Site for corrections.
- Bring all relevant documents, such as your passport and visa, to support your case.
- Address the issue promptly to avoid complications with your legal status.
This is why it’s crucial to ensure your immigration records, including your I-94, are always accurate and up-to-date. Mistakes or inconsistencies in your records can lead to unnecessary complications, jeopardizing your legal status or future travel plans.
Enlisting the help of an experienced immigration lawyer can provide invaluable guidance. They can assist in identifying discrepancies, navigating the correction process, and ensuring compliance with immigration laws. With professional help, you can avoid potential pitfalls and have peace of mind knowing your status is secure.
Problems With Your Form I-94? Contact Din Law Group
If you have discovered discrepancies in your Form I-94, are unable to locate the most updated version of your I-94, or have not adhered to the conditions outlined in your I-94, we strongly encourage you to seek assistance without delay.
At Din Law Group, we understand the complexities of immigration processes and are here to help. Contact us today to take the first step toward resolving your issues and ensuring your compliance with immigration laws. Your future deserves the careful attention that our team is ready to provide.
