What Is the I-94? Your US Admission Record, Explained
By The Visit America editorial team · Last verified July 5, 2026
The I-94 is your official US arrival/departure record. The date on it — your “admit until” date — is how long you’re actually allowed to stay, and it can differ from 90 days or your visa’s validity. Check it at i94.cbp.dhs.gov after you arrive.
What the I-94 is
The Form I-94 is the record Customs and Border Protection creates each time you’re admitted to the US. For most air and sea arrivals it’s now electronic — no paper card — and you can view and print it at i94.cbp.dhs.gov using your passport details.
It records the date you were admitted, your class of admission, and the crucial “admit until” date: the last day you are permitted to remain.
Why the “admit until” date matters more than your visa
A visa only controls when you may travel to the US and request entry. How long you can actually stay is set by the officer and written on your I-94. A 10-year visa does not mean a 10-year stay, and a Visa Waiver entry is capped at 90 days.
Overstaying your I-94 date — even by accident — can void your visa, trigger bars on returning, and cause problems for future travel. If in doubt, check your I-94 online after arrival rather than assuming.
How to check and keep it
Go to i94.cbp.dhs.gov, choose “Get Most Recent I-94,” and enter your name, birth date and passport number exactly as they appear in your passport. Save or print a copy — you may need it to prove your status, start a job, or apply for a state ID.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my I-94?
At the official site i94.cbp.dhs.gov, using your passport details. Most arrivals no longer get a paper card.
Is my length of stay the same as my visa validity?
No. Your authorised stay is the “admit until” date on your I-94, which is usually shorter than a visa’s validity.
What happens if I overstay my I-94?
It can cancel your visa and create bars to re-entry. If you think you may overstay, seek qualified immigration advice before your date passes.
Once you’re cleared to enter
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This site provides general travel information, not legal or immigration advice, and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. Entry rules change and are enforced at the officer’s discretion. Always confirm current requirements on the official sources we link before you travel or apply.