What an I-94 is and why you need it

An I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is the document the U.S. government issues when you enter the country. It shows your name, passport number, the date you arrived, your admission class (tourist, student, work visa holder, and so on), and the date you are authorized to stay until. If you entered by air or sea, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) creates this record electronically — you do not get a paper copy unless you request one. If you entered by land, you may have received a paper I-94 card at the border.

You need an I-94 record to prove your legal entry status, to show an employer or school when your authorized stay ends, to explore for a work permit or green card, or to demonstrate you did not overstay if you left on time. If you cannot find your record or never received a paper copy, you can retrieve it online or request a printed version from CBP.

Key Takeaways

  • Most air and sea arrivals have an electronic I-94 on file with CBP; you can retrieve it free at cbp.gov/i94 using your passport number and date of birth.
  • Land border arrivals may have received a paper I-94 card; check your documents first before ordering a replacement.
  • If you need a printed copy, you can order one from CBP by mail or through their online system, and it typically arrives within two to three weeks.
  • Your I-94 shows the date your authorized stay ends; overstaying past that date can affect future visa applications and your ability to work legally.

Retrieving your I-94 online

The fastest way to find your I-94 is through the CBP website. Go to cbp.gov/i94 and select "Retrieve your I-94." You will need your passport number, date of birth, and the date you arrived in the United States. The system will display your record on screen, and you can print it or save it as a PDF.

This online record is legally valid for most purposes — employers, schools, and immigration attorneys accept it. You do not need to order a paper copy unless a specific organization requires an official CBP-issued document or you have lost the printed version you received at the border.

If the system does not find your record, double-check that you entered your information correctly, especially your passport number and date of birth. If you still cannot locate it, contact CBP directly before ordering a replacement.

Ordering a printed I-94 from CBP

If you need an official printed copy, you can request one through CBP's mail-in process or their online ordering system. The online method is faster: visit cbp.gov/i94, select "Order a Replacement I-94," and follow the prompts. You will pay a fee (currently around $20, though this may vary) and provide your mailing address.

By mail, you can send a written request to the CBP office that processed your arrival. Include your full name, date of birth, passport number, date of arrival, and the address where you want the document sent. Mail requests typically take four to six weeks; online orders are usually faster.

Keep in mind that CBP may take longer to process requests during peak travel seasons or if your record requires manual review. If you need the document urgently, call the CBP National Customer Service Center at 1-877-CBP-5511 to ask whether expedited processing is available.

What to do if you entered by land and lost your paper I-94

If you crossed a land border and received a paper I-94 card but no longer have it, you can retrieve your record online using the method described above. The online version is sufficient for most purposes and can be printed whenever you need it.

If you absolutely need a replacement physical card, you can order one through CBP using the same process as air and sea arrivals. However, most employers, schools, and immigration offices will accept the printed online version, so ordering a replacement is usually unnecessary unless you are required to present the original card.

Understanding your I-94 expiration date

Your I-94 shows the date your authorized stay in the United States ends. This date depends on your visa type: tourists typically receive six months, students receive the duration of their program plus a grace period, and work visa holders receive the length of their employment authorization. It is your responsibility to know this date and leave before it passes.

If you want to stay longer, you must file to extend your status or change your visa category before your I-94 expires. Overstaying past the expiration date can result in deportation, a ban on future entry, and problems with future visa applications. If you are unsure whether you can stay longer, contact an immigration attorney or your school or employer's immigration office.

Using your I-94 for work authorization and green card applications

Your I-94 record is one of the documents you will need if you explore for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD) or a green card. Immigration forms and petitions often require you to provide your I-94 number and the dates shown on your record. Having a copy on hand — whether printed from the online system or from a paper card — speeds up the process.

If you are explore for permanent residence or a change of status, your immigration attorney or the immigration office handling your case will ask for your I-94 information. Retrieving it early and keeping a copy in your records prevents delays later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to print my I-94 or can I just show it on my phone?

Most employers and schools will accept a digital copy on your phone, but some government offices and certain organizations require a printed version. It is safest to print a copy and keep it with your important documents. The online version is free to print as many times as you need.

What if CBP says they have no record of my arrival?

This is rare but can happen if there was a data entry error at the border or if your record was filed under a different name or passport number. Contact the CBP office at the port where you entered and provide your arrival details. They can search manually and may be able to locate or recreate your record.

Can I extend my stay if my I-94 is about to expire?

Whether you can extend depends on your visa type and immigration status. Some visa holders can file to extend; others must leave and reapply. Contact your school or employer's immigration office, or consult an immigration attorney, before your I-94 expires to understand your options.

How long does it take to receive a printed I-94 by mail?

Mail-in requests typically take four to six weeks. Online orders through CBP's system are usually faster, though exact timing varies. If you need it urgently, call CBP at 1-877-CBP-5511 to ask about expedited options.

Is the online I-94 legally valid, or do I need the paper version?

The online version is legally valid for most purposes, including employment, school enrollment, and immigration applications. Only request a printed copy if a specific organization requires an official CBP-issued document or if you prefer to have a physical copy on file.