J-1 Visa I-94 Record: Admission Dates, Online Access and Corrections
Table of Contents
What Is Your J-1 Visa I-94 Record?
Your I-94 is the US arrival/departure record showing your admission class and how long you are admitted to stay.
Key Takeaways
- CBP normally creates your I-94 electronically when you enter the US.
- It shows your admission class and your Admit Until Date.
- You can retrieve and print it on the official CBP I-94 website.
- Issued at entry by
- US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Admission class
- J-1 Visa, if admitted as a J-1 exchange visitor
- Online access
- i94.cbp.dhs.gov
- CBP entry errors
- Deferred Inspection Site
What Your Record Shows
Your I-94 shows your admission number, most recent entry date, class of admission and Admit Until Date, along with your personal and passport details. For a J-1 Visa admission, the class is J-1 Visa.
Under 8 CFR § 214.2(j)(1)(ii), admission is for the program duration stated on your DS-2019, up to four years. You may enter up to 30 days before the program starts. The 30 days after the program end date or four-year admission limit, whichever comes first, are reflected on your I-94. These additional days do not count toward the four-year limit. See Grace Period.
Source: CBP - I-94 Automation Fact Sheet · 8 CFR § 214.2(j): Exchange visitors
Retrieve and Print It
At i94.cbp.dhs.gov, use "Get Most Recent I-94" to retrieve and print your record. CBP normally records admission electronically rather than handing you a paper I-94.
You may need the record to prove your status to an employer, school, university or government agency. CBP also identifies driver's license and Social Security card applications as reasons to print it.
Source: CBP: Arrival/Departure Forms: I-94 · CBP - I-94 Automation Fact Sheet
If CBP Recorded Something Incorrectly
CBP Deferred Inspection Sites can review and correct errors made at entry, including the wrong admission class, personal details or admission period. A designated Deferred Inspection Site or a CBP office at an international airport can help, regardless of where the document was issued.
Correcting an entry error is not an extension of stay. CBP directs requests to extend a stay or change immigration status to USCIS.
Source: CBP - Deferred Inspection Sites
FAQs
What if I cannot find my electronic I-94 online?
CBP says you can request assistance through its help portal or visit a local Deferred Inspection Site if your electronic record cannot be found.
Source: CBP - I-94 Automation Fact Sheet
The Bottom Line
Your I-94 records your admission. Retrieve it from CBP, use it as evidence of status and have CBP review any entry errors.
Related Terms
- Arrival & ReportingEntering the US on a J-1 Visa and what you report to your sponsor afterwards, first your arrival, then any change of address, phone, email or site of activity.more
- DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.more
- Lawful StatusKeeping J-1 status means following your exchange program's rules and staying within your authorized period of admission.more
- Grace PeriodThe 30 days after your J-1 program ends to prepare your departure from the US.more
- DocumentsWhat you, your host company and your sponsor need for a J-1 internship or traineeship.more
- Program ExtensionMaking a running J-1 program longer, possible only up to the maximum duration of your category.more
Sources
- CBP - I-94 Automation Fact Sheet
- 8 CFR § 214.2(j): Exchange visitors
- CBP: Arrival/Departure Forms: I-94
- CBP - Deferred Inspection Sites