The I-94 form, often called the “I-94 permit” or “permiso I-94” in Spanish, is a U.S. government-issued record that shows when a non-U.S. citizen entered the country, how long they are allowed to stay, and the conditions of their entry.
It’s not a visa, it’s a travel record used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to track legal entry and authorized stay.
Why Is I-94 Important?
- It proves you legally entered the United States.
- It shows your “admit until” date (how long you’re allowed to stay).
- It’s required for:
- Immigration applications
- Extension of stay
- Changing visa status
- Employment authorization
- Driver’s licenses in some states
- Immigration applications
If you overstay the I-94 date, you can be considered unlawfully present, which can affect future visa eligibility.
Who Receives an I-94?
You get an I-94 every time you enter the U.S. as a non-citizen (except in some cases like re-entry with a green card or certain visa types).
Examples of travelers who get an I-94:
- Tourists (B1/B2 visa)
- Students (F-1 visa)
- Workers (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.)
- Asylum seekers or parolees
- DACA recipients
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants
What Information Does the I-94 Include?
| Field | Description |
| Admission Number | Unique ID for each entry |
| Date of Entry | When you entered the U.S. |
| Class of Admission | Type of visa (e.g., B2, F1, H1B) |
| Admit Until Date | Date you must leave or renew status by |
How Do You Get Your I-94 Record?
Since 2013, the I-94 has been issued electronically at air and sea ports. You can view and print it online:
👉 You’ll need to enter:
- Your full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Passport number
- Country of issuance
Land Border Crossings (Mexico & Canada)
If you’re entering by land (especially from Mexico), you may need to ask for the I-94 permit specifically. In some cases, it is not issued automatically unless you plan to travel more than 25–50 miles inland or stay longer than 30 days.
- You may be issued a paper I-94 card
- It may come with a small fee (around $6 USD)
What Happens If I Lose My I-94?
If your I-94 is lost or incorrect:
- You can print a new copy online if it was issued electronically.
- If it’s a paper version, you must file Form I-102 (Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document) with USCIS.
Can I Extend My Stay?
Yes, but before your “Admit Until Date” expires:
- File Form I-539 (for most visitor or student visas)
- Your I-94 must be valid at the time of filing
- If approved, USCIS will issue a new I-94 with an updated date
Overstaying the I-94 Date
- Staying past your I-94 date = unlawful presence
- Could lead to visa cancellation, deportation, or multi-year bans
- Some exceptions apply (like asylum cases or change of status pending)
Sample I-94 Use Cases
| Scenario | What the I-94 Does |
| You’re applying for a green card | Proves legal entry |
| You’re renewing a work visa | Confirms current legal status |
| You’re getting a driver’s license | Shows authorized stay |
| You’re applying for DACA | Verifies continuous presence |
In Spanish: ¿Qué es el permiso I-94?
El permiso I-94 es un registro oficial de entrada que el gobierno de EE.UU. da a personas extranjeras cuando ingresan al país legalmente. Indica cuándo entraste, qué tipo de visa tienes y cuánto tiempo puedes quedarte. Si te pasas del tiempo permitido, puedes tener consecuencias graves para tu estatus migratorio.
Final Thoughts
The I-94 permit is one of the most important documents for anyone who is not a U.S. citizen and plans to stay in the U.S. temporarily. It shows:
- That you entered the country legally
- How long you are allowed to stay
- What type of visa or status you were admitted under
If you’re ever unsure about your I-94 or what it means for your visa or stay in the U.S., always check online and consider speaking with an immigration attorney.
