If you’re in the U.S. on a student visa (F-1), work visa (H-1B, O-1, L-1), your I-94 record plays a critical role in determining how long you’re legally allowed to stay. Yet many people don’t realize that it’s the I-94, not the visa stamp, that actually controls their stay in the U.S.
This guide breaks down what the I-94 expiration date means, how to check it, and what to do if it's expiring.
1. What Is an I-94 Record?
The I-94 is an official arrival/departure record issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when a noncitizen enters the United States. It shows how long you’re legally allowed to stay in the country.
When you enter the U.S., CBP issues the I-94 electronically. It includes:
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Your name and passport details
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Your visa status (e.g., F-1, H-1B, O-1)
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Your official “admit until” date (the expiration of your legal stay)
Sometimes, the visa expiration date might get easily confused with the I-94 expiration date, but they serve significantly different roles for your U.S. status.
I-94 vs. Visa: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Visa Stamp | I-94 Record |
| Purpose | Permission to request entry | Grants duration of stay after entry |
| Where it's found | In your passport | Online or paper copy on arrival |
| Controls stay? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Affects reentry? | ✅ Yes (needed for boarding) | ❌ No (reissued on reentry) |
2. Why the I-94 Expiration Date Matters
Your I-94 shows the last day you're allowed to stay in the U.S. If you stay past that date without taking action, you could be considered here illegally even if your visa stamp is still valid!
If you stay beyond the I-94 expiration date:
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You might be banned from coming back to the U.S.
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It could affect future applications for visas or green cards
3. Common I-94 Expiration Rules by Visa Type
For Students
Most F-1 students see “D/S” on their I-94, which means you can stay as long as you follow the rules of your program. But if your school reports that you dropped out, worked without approval, or failed to maintain your status, your right to stay ends immediately, even if you still have time left on paper.
For Employees
If you’re working in the U.S. under a work visa, the end date on your I-94 is usually tied to your job approval. If your I-94 expires before your paperwork is renewed or extended, you must stop working, and may need to leave the country.
As an example: for H-1B visa holders, the I-94 expiration date usually matches the end of the 3-year period. However, if you successfully extend your H-1B for additional years, your I-94 should be updated to reflect the new approval.
Special case for Green Card Applicants:
Once you file I-485, adjustment of status: your I-94 no longer controls your stay. Your pending AOS receipt does.
4. Where to Check and Download Your I-94
Visit the official CBP website: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
Click “Get Most Recent I-94”
Enter your:
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Full name (as shown in your passport)
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Date of birth
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Passport number
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Country of Citizenship
Submit and download the record in pdf or take a screenshot and archive it.
5. What to Do If Your I-94 Is About to Expire
Once your I-94 expires, the most concerning consequence is that you could start accruing unlawful presence, which will seriously affect your future in the U.S.
Here are some common solutions you could take before the I-94 expiration:
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Apply for an extension or change of status with USCIS: This applies to most work visa categories like H-1B, and O-1. You do need to have your employer or sponsor support with the extension filling. Once the status extension is approved, your I-94 should automatically update as well. In some cases, if you're not eligible to extend your current visa, you may consider changing to a different visa type while staying in the U.S. For example, you could switch from H-1B status to F-1 student status. This requires applying to a university, receiving an admission offer, and obtaining a valid I-20 form to submit your change of status application. If you're currently working in the U.S. and your I-94 is expiring soon, one option is to apply to a university that allows you to continue working under programs like Day 1 CPT and helps you transfer quickly to avoid overstaying on your I-94.
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Leave and re-enter the U.S. with valid documents In some situations, leaving the U.S. and reentering with a different valid visa and updated documents can reset your I-94 with a new expiration date. For example, if you depart the U.S. before your O-1 I-94 expires and return on a valid F-1 visa as a newly admitted student, your I-94 will be refreshed based on the terms of your new status.
6. Final Takeaways and Compliance Tips
Your I-94 record directly affects your ability to stay, work, or study in the U.S. Staying aware of your I-94 expiration date is one of the simplest ways to avoid serious immigration issues.
Here are a few key tips to stay on track:
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Check your I-94 after every entry into the U.S.
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Set reminders for your I-94 expiration date
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F-1 students: Keep in regular contact with your school’s international office to ensure your SEVIS record stays active and aligns with your I-94.
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Avoid waiting until the last minute. Many solutions like filing for an extension or change of status—must be done before the I-94 expires.
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