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

Air and sea arrivals usually generate an electronic I-94 instantly. Land entries may still involve paper I-94, I-94W, on-site fees, and delayed electronic visibility.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-27

规则状态:Electronic I-94 at land ports · 高波动窗口更新于 2026-06-27

Land-port electronic I-94 deployment is uneven across ports and categories. CBP keeps rolling things forward.

Direct answer

Air and sea entries usually generate an electronic I-94 immediately. Land entries may still involve a paper I-94 copy, a separate I-94W form, an on-site fee, or a delay before the record appears online.

Overview comparing air, sea, and land entry flows
/public/figures/air-vs-land/01-overview.png
Overview comparing air, sea, and land entry flows
Three entry modes at a glance.

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)

  • Historically heavy on paper I-94 cards.
  • Many ports now offer electronic I-94 — especially for B-1/B-2.
  • An on-site fee may still apply.
  • VWP travelers crossing by land typically need I-94W.
  • Electronic visibility can lag.
Land-port window flow: paperwork, fee, paper or electronic I-94
/public/figures/air-vs-land/02-land-port.png
Land-port window flow: paperwork, fee, paper or electronic I-94
Land ports often involve an extra in-person step.

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.

Frequently asked (FAQ)

Does land entry now give electronic I-94?

Many land ports do, especially for B-1/B-2, but you may still receive a paper I-94 or pay an on-site fee. It varies by port and category.

How soon does a land entry show up online?

Usually within hours to a couple of days. If it doesn't appear, contact Deferred Inspection.

What about cruise (sea) entries?

Generally similar to air. Closed-Loop Cruises by U.S. citizens are a separate case and not the same as nonimmigrant admission.

Risks with frequent short land entries?

Frequent short cross-border trips can prompt CBP to suspect you are actually living, working, or studying in the U.S. under a visitor status. Each entry is a separate CBP decision.

Just landed?

Re-check your I-94 within a day of entry to confirm Admit Until Date and Class of Admission match what you expected.

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This site provides general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Consult a qualified U.S. immigration attorney about your case. i-94.org is independent and is not affiliated with DHS, CBP, USCIS, ICE, or any government agency. Actual I-94 lookup and reminder tools are provided by i94.io.