I-94 Lookup: Everything You Need To Know

Listing the conditions of their stay and providing essential information for immigration matters. Whether you are an international traveler, a U.S. resident, or someone helping others with the immigration process, knowing how to complete an I-94 lookup is essential. In this article, we’ll explain what is the I-94, how to check your own or other’s and how to use it.

What Is The I-94 Lookup?

The I-94 lookup form is a document that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues when foreign nationals enter the U.S. It is for recording the individual’s arrival and departure, and the conditions of their authorized stay. This form provides important information including the traveler’s entry date, visa status, and permitted duration of stay. In the past, I-94 forms were handwritten paper records, but now, I-94 forms are largely automated and available online.

Foreign nationals who enter the U.S. by air or sea must complete the I-94 lookup process, while land travelers entering the U.S. from Canada or Mexico are usually given a paper version of the I-94. The Customs and Border Protection agency says that with the advent of automation, most of the I-94 records forair and sea travelers are stored electronically, making it much easier to access and verify immigration details.

Why Is The I-94 Lookup Important?

The I-94 lookup has important uses for travelers and immigration officials alike. Here are a few reasons the I-94 is important:

When you enter the U.S., the I-94 lookup provides proof that you entered the U.S. legally, and is therefore an important document for immigration and legality purposes.

Visa Status Validation: It indicates your visa status, which includes your visa type and your stay agreement.

Length of Stay: The I-94 lookup states the date by which you must leave the U.S. That offers reassurance to assess if you comply with your visa conditions and do not overstretched the end of your lawful stay.

Travel history: Your I-94 lookup record can be helpful in checking your entry and exit history, valuable for visa renewals, green card applications, or status adjustments.

USCIS Requirement: If you are applying for any U.S. immigration benefits (work authorization, change of status, permanent residence, etc.), you might be required to submit your I-94 history.

How to Get Your I-94 Lookup

Previously, tourists had to keep a paper I-94 form when coming into the U.S. to monitor their time there. But it has become much easier to check your I-94 online since the switch to electronic records.

How to look up one’s I-94 lookup: A step by step guide

New I-94 Retrieval: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the easiest way to find your I-94 information. Go to the official site for I-94 lookup, such as https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/.

Fill in Necessary Details: As you arrive at the I-94 lookup page, you will need to provide the following information:

First Name (as it appears on your passport or other travel document)

Date of Birth

Passport Number or Alien Registration Number (if applicable)

Visa and Arrival Information This is used to verify your identity and retrieve your I-94 information.

Get Your I-94 Record  After filling out the needed information, click “Get Most Recent I-94.” Login, and you will see your last entry record: your arrival date, visa type, and authorized stay. If your record doesn’t show up, you may have to try again or check that your entry data is accurate.

Step 2: Download and Print Your I-94 lookup your record is found, you can download and print it. This printout is considered proof of your entry into the United States and can be used for immigration processes you may need later.

How To Correct I-94 Lookup Information

Mistakes in your I-94 lookup must be corrected quickly. Common errors include wrong personal information, entry dates or visa status. Steps to resolve error: (For Developers)

Contacting CBP: If the error is with your entry, you can directly contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You’re either going to contact them through their online portal or go to a CBP Deferred Inspection Site.

Formal Correction Request: In some instances, you will need to submit an official correction request. You must present proper evidence of all of this information, for example, your passport, visa, or travel records.

Maintain Records: Once the error is rectified, ensure to hold onto a copy of the updated I-94 form. The only thing that will prove is that your information is now correct.

RE: Family & Friends I-94 Look up

If you’re assisting a family member or friend in retrieving their I-94 lookup, the process is the same as retrieving your own. The only thing you will need to ensure is that you have their correct details (name, passport number, date of birth and country of citizenship). This being personal and sensitive information, you should have their consent and permission to access this information.

When You May Need Your I-94 Lookup Information

There are many situations where you might be required to look at your I-94 record. There are I-94 lookup where it is very important.

Visa Renewals: When you apply to renew your visa, the U.S. Department of State will ask you for proof of your previous entries into the U.S., which information is available via the I-94.

Green Card Applications: If applying for a green card (permanent residency), your I-94 history is an integral aspect of the application process.

Employment Authorization: If you are applying for work authorization, your I-94 is necessary to demonstrate your legal status in the United States.

Notes on Your Record: To comply with any regulations or legal needs, Your I-94 record is recommended if you want to travel outside the United States.

Top Problems with I-94 Lookup

I-94 Look Up Procedure – While the I-94 lookup process is generally very simple, there are some instances in which travelers run into problems:

Error in Information: To repeat an earlier point, humans can make typos at the port of entry or in an automated system. Be sure to fact-check your personal information.

System Errors: The CBP website goes down I-94 lookup from time to time. If you can not check your I-94 record, then do that again after a while or contact CBP support for help.

Absence of I-94 Record: Sometimes an I-94 lookup record is absent if an entry was not logged correctly or data was not successfully processed by the system. The best approach here is to reach out to CBP.

What’s Next?

I-94 lookup as a Foreign National: Important Document for Entry into USA It is a record of your legal entry, the terms of your stay and other important immigration details. Conducting an I-94 lookup is a simple way to make sure that your records are accurate and up to date. Your I-94 is essential — whether you are using it for visa applications (such as adjustment of status), a job, or travel — the I-94 ordinates your stay within the borders of the United States. Keep your I-94 information in mind always to prevent any hiccups in your immigration journey.