Form I-94

Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) documents a lawful admission to the U.S. in a specific status and any defined expiration of that status in the U.S. When a nonimmigrant is admitted to the U.S. he or she is issued a small white card (Form I-94) which is normally stappled in or placed inside his or her passport. The "I-94 card" (as it is commonly referred) is a very important document. When departing the U.S. an immigration official will often wish to confirm that an individual has maintained status, and will do so by referencing the I-94 card.

For many types of nonimmigrant visa classifications the I-94 card will be issued with a defined expiration. Individuals holding these types of I-94 cards must depart the U.S. or extend or change their status before the expiration on the I-94 card.

For other types of nonimmigrant visa classifications the I-94 card will indicate "D/S" which stands for "Duration of Status". These I-94 cards do not have a defined expiration date, and remain valid provided that all conditions of lawful status in the U.S. are met.

When an application to change or extend nonimmigrant status is approved, the USCIS will issue Form I-797 containing an I-94 coupon (in the lower-right of the form) which should be torn off and stapled into the applicant's passport as would an I-94 card received when admitted to the U.S.