U.S. Entry Form I-94: Step-by-Step Guide

The I-94 form is one of the most important documents for any foreign traveler entering the United States. Understanding it thoroughly and completing it accurately not only helps you pass through U.S. Customs smoothly but also prevents unnecessary legal complications. In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about Form I-94.

What is Form I-94?

Form I-94, also known as the Arrival/Departure Record, is a document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to foreign nationals entering the United States, those adjusting their status within the U.S., or extending their period of stay.

The U.S. Entry Form I-94 Issued by DHS

Form I-94, officially known as the “Arrival/Departure Record,” is an electronic entry/exit record managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It serves as the official document confirming your lawful admission status in the United States.

Types of Form I-94:

I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)

• For travelers holding a valid visa

• Applies to all nonimmigrant visa categories

• Issued automatically upon entry at official ports of entry

I-94W (Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver)

• For travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

• Applies to citizens of countries participating in the VWP

• Maximum stay allowed: 90 days

The Importance of Form I-94

When entering the United States, CBP officers attach Form I-94 to the passport of nonimmigrant visitors. Travelers must depart the U.S. on or before the departure date stamped on their Form I-94.

Form I-94 serves as the sole proof of your lawful entry into the U.S. and the period of authorized stay. Many institutions, employers, and schools require a copy of your I-94 to verify your legal status.

With the current electronic I-94 system, travelers can access their arrival and departure records for up to five years from the date of request, making it easier to track and manage their travel history.

Process of receiving form I-94

Foreign visitors entering the United States are no longer required to complete the paper version of CBP Form I-94 or Form I-94W. The system has been fully transitioned to an electronic format, saving time and improving accuracy.

Automated process:

At U.S. airports, information is recorded automatically when the passport is scanned

1. At airports: Information is recorded automatically when the passport is scanned.

2. At land ports of entry: CBP officers manually enter the information into the system.

3. By sea: Information is updated during inspections at the port.

How to Access the Electronic I-94: Official website: i94.cbp.dhs.gov

• Enter passport information

• Select the country that issued the passport

• Enter date of birth

• Provide details of the most recent entry into the U.S

Detailed guide to filling out form I-94

Personal fnformation

Full name

• Enter exactly as it appears in your passport

• Do not use abbreviations or change the order

• Use clear capital letters

Date of birth

• Format: MM/DD/YYYY

• Example: 15/03/1990 → 03/15/1990

Country of citizenship

• Enter the citizenship as stated in your passport

• Do not write your country of birth if it differs from your citizenship

Flight and entry information

Flight Number

• Enter the exact flight code

• Example: VN11, AA1234

Address in the United States

• Enter the hotel address or the first place you will stay

• Include street number, street name, city, state, and ZIP code

• Must be a specific address; do not write “touring” or “various”

Special cases to note

• If you are only transiting through the United States to another country, you are still required to complete Form I-94 with the note “In Transit.” The permitted stay is usually 24–48 hours.

• If the entire family is going through immigration procedures together, only one representative declaration form is needed. However, the term “family” only applies to “members living in the same household who are related by blood, marriage, or legal adoption.

• Children under the age of 14 are not required to fill out a separate form; they may be included in the declaration of their parent or legal guardian.

You must complete Form I-94 with the note “In Transit.”

Common mistakes when filling out Form I-94

Information does not match the passport

Common errors:

• Misspelling of name or date of birth

• Confusing nationality

• Incorrect passport number

Consequences:

• Denial of entry

• Requirement to redo procedures

• Possible detention for inspection

Unclear residential address

Common errors:

• Writing “hotel” without specifying the name

• Incomplete address

• Listing an address in another country

How to fix:

• Prepare the full hotel address in advance

• Bring the booking confirmation

• You may provide the address of a friend or relative if available

Although Form I-94 has been digitized, it still plays a crucial role in the U.S. immigration system. Keep in mind that all information on I-94 is permanently stored in the CBP system. Accuracy and honesty from the very first submission will build your credibility with U.S. immigration authorities, opening more opportunities for future trips or immigration programs.

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