The I-94 used to be issued as a paper card and inserted in the passport as proof of legal status in the United States. It was then surrendered at the time of departure from the U.S. so that the departure was recorded. I-94 automation means that you will not receive a paper I-94 card. Instead you will have an electronic record which will be available online at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/ after your arrival to the U.S.
This electronic copy will be printable and still necessary when proving immigration status or applying for benefits such as a driver’s license or Social Security Number.
Please check your I-94 record after each trip into the U.S. to confirm that your "Admit Until Date" is as expected.
- For those in F and J status, the "Admit Until Date" should list “D/S” or “Duration of Status”
- Please also confirm that your Class of Admission is correct for your status (i.e., J-1, H-1B, F-1, etc.).
What if my I-94 is “not found” online?
First try these steps:
- Try entering your name exactly as it appears on your passport between the “<< >>”
- Try entering your name exactly as it appears on your visa stamp
- Try entering the date the day before you actually entered the U.S.
- Try entering the date the day after you actually entered the U.S.
If you still unable to locate your I-94 or need to make corrections to the record, you will need to take your passport, visa, and I-20 / DS-2019/I-797 approval notice to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Deferred Inspection Site to get your I-94 corrected.
In Chicago, the CBP Deferred Inspection Site is located at:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
536 South Clark Street, Suite 1035
Chicago, Illinois 60605
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
For a list of locations outside of Chicago, visit the CBP website. There is a link on the webpage to download the list of sites.