Understanding Your I-94: What Your Arrival & Departure Record Means for Immigration Status

Executive Summary:

If you’ve come to the United States, you’ve likely received an I-94, but many people don’t fully understand its importance. This blog will explain how to find your I-94 online, what your arrival/departure record means for your immigration status, and how to request an extension if you need more time in the United States. Whether you live in Dallas or Houston, staying informed about your I-94 helps protect your legal status and avoid serious immigration problems.

What Is an I-94 and Why Does It Matter?

The I-94 is an official record created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when a non-citizen enters the United States. It’s commonly referred to as the Arrival/Departure Record, and it plays a major role in defining your legal stay in the country.

Your arrival/departure record includes information such as:

• Your full name and passport information
• The date you entered the United States
• Your visa classification (like B-2 for tourists, F-1 for students, etc.)
• How long you’re allowed to stay (called the “Admit Until” date)

Many people mistakenly believe the expiration date on their visa controls their stay, but it’s actually the I-94 that determines how long you can remain in the U.S. legally.

How to Find Your Arrival/Departure Record Online

Most travelers don’t receive a paper I-94 anymore. Instead, it’s available online. You can easily access your record by visiting the CBP website.

You’ll need to enter:

• Your full name
• Your passport number
• Your country of citizenship

Once you arrive, we recommend checking your record immediately to make sure all the details are accurate. If something is incorrect, it’s important to fix it right away with the help of a Texas immigration lawyer.

Your Arrival Record: What It Tells Immigration Officials

Your arrival record shows exactly when you entered the United States, where you entered, and under which visa classification. This record confirms that you entered the U.S. legally and gives you a specific period of time to remain here.

The key detail to look for is the “Admit Until” date. This is the day by which you must either leave the country, apply to extend your stay, or change your immigration status. Overstaying this date, even by a few days, can have serious consequences for your immigration status.

Whether you’re living in Dallas or Houston, knowing your arrival record details can help you avoid legal trouble and ensure you’re following U.S. immigration rules.

Why Departure Records Are Just as Important

Your departure record is the other half of your I-94. It shows when and where you exited the U.S., and confirms that you left on time.

If there’s no departure record in the system, immigration authorities may assume you overstayed, even if you didn’t. This could hurt your chances of renewing your visa, applying for a green card, or returning to the U.S. in the future.

If your departure record is missing or inaccurate, it’s best to speak with an experienced  immigration attorney in Dallas or Houston as soon as possible.

How the I-94 Impacts Your Immigration Status in Texas

Your arrival/departure record controls how long you’re allowed to stay in the United States, which directly affects your immigration status. If you stay past the date listed on your departure record, you could face:

• Visa overstays
• Denied immigration benefits
• Travel bans from re-entering the U.S.
• Trouble adjusting your status or applying for permanent residency

Whether you’re visiting family in Houston, studying in Dallas, or working in another part of Texas, this record plays an important role in your legal presence. Keeping it updated and accurate is key to avoiding problems.

Tips to Protect Your Immigration Status

To avoid problems with your immigration status, follow these helpful tips:

• Check your travel record every time you enter the U.S.
• Keep digital and printed copies of your most recent arrival and departure records.
• Mark your departure date on a calendar to ensure you leave or apply to stay legally.
• Consult an attorney early if you think there’s an issue or need to extend your stay.
• Never assume your visa is all you need. Your I-94 is the real key to legal status.

Can You Extend Your I-94?

If you are staying in the United States longer than planned due to work, school, family needs, or other reasons, you may be eligible to extend your arrival/departure record. However, not everyone qualifies. Your eligibility depends on your visa type, your current status, and whether you’ve maintained legal status throughout your stay.

To apply for an extension, you must file Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is best to apply at least 45 days before your current departure record expires.

Key Things to Know About I-94 Extensions:

• Extensions are not automatic: You must apply and receive approval from USCIS.
• Filing alone does not guarantee legal status: You are only protected from being out of status if you file before your current travel record expires.
• You must follow all visa rules while waiting: Staying in compliance is important while your extension is pending.
• Do not leave the U.S. while your extension is pending: Doing so may cancel your application automatically.

If you’re living in Dallas or Houston and your travel record is about to expire, it’s important to talk to an immigration lawyer right away. At Davis & Associates, we can help you understand your options, complete the paperwork correctly, and avoid any mistakes that could affect your immigration status.

Need Help with Your I-94? Contact Our Texas Immigration Attorneys Today

Understanding your arrival/departure record is key to maintaining your legal status in the U.S. Even a small mistake on your record can lead to serious immigration consequences. Don’t wait until it’s too late—stay informed, stay compliant, and take action when needed.

At Davis & Associates, our experienced immigration attorneys in Dallas and Houston are ready to help you review your records, correct errors, apply for extensions, and protect your future.

Schedule your consultation today and get the legal support you need to move forward with confidence.