Air vs land entry: why is the I-94 different?

Air entry

• Electronic I-94 generated automatically.
• Visible online within hours.
• No paper I-94; entry stamp in passport.

Sea entry (cruise, cargo)

• Generally generates an electronic I-94.
• Closed-Loop Cruises by U.S. citizens are a separate scenario.

Land entry (U.S./Canada, U.S./Mexico)

• Eligible travelers can apply for a Provisional I-94 on CBP's site up to 7 days before arriving at a land port or selected ferry port.
• A Provisional I-94 does not guarantee admission. You still must complete CBP inspection in person at the port; the I-94 is only finalized after that.
• When a fee applies, the I-94 fee is currently $30 (per CBP's current notice); the Provisional flow typically collects payment online.
• VWP travelers crossing by land typically need I-94W.
• Electronic visibility on the CBP site can lag slightly behind air arrivals — re-check after entry.

Practical guidance

1. Check your I-94 within 1–2 days of any entry.
2. Keep paper I-94s; they are a backup if the electronic record is missing.
3. If Admit Until Date isn't what you expected, contact Deferred Inspection.
4. If Class of Admission is wrong (B-1 vs B-2, for example), fix it early.

Cap-gap is a narrow F-1 to H-1B bridging rule. It does not apply to B-2, H-4, L-2, or other categories.