How to correct a wrong I-94 (COA, Admit Until Date, name, AP/F-1 mix-ups)

What actually counts as an "I-94 error"

Not every result you disagree with is a correctable error. Real errors include:

• Wrong Class of Admission — e.g. entered on F-1 but stamped B-2; entered on H-1B but stamped B-1.
• Wrong Admit Until Date — F-1 given a fixed date instead of D/S; H-1B given a date shorter than the I-797 validity.
• Wrong passport number or name spelling — mismatches with the passport bio page break SSN, license, banking, I-9.
• AP vs F-1 mix-up — holding both an F-1 visa and Advance Parole and being admitted on the wrong one.
• Wrong entry date — rare; usually a land-border handwritten I-94 keyed in wrong.

Not errors (do not use the correction process): visa still valid but I-94 expired (normal); COA matches your visa category as expected; Admit Until Date shorter than you'd like (that's a case for EOS/COS via I-539 or I-129, not correction).

The three official correction channels

1. CBP Deferred Inspection Site (preferred, free)

Deferred Inspection Sites are CBP post-entry review offices in major cities that handle record errors from a recent admission. Steps:

1. Find the nearest site on CBP's port directory (usually at major international airports).
2. Call to schedule or walk in. Bring: passport, visa, current (wrong) I-94 printout, and every document supporting your claim — I-20, I-797, AP EAD, etc.
3. Explain the error and request correction. Once fixed, pull the new I-94 from i94.cbp.dhs.gov and save/print.

2. The port's Admissibility Review Office

In areas without a Deferred Inspection Site, contact the Admissibility Review Office (ARO) at the port of entry. Usually by phone appointment; speed depends on the local queue.

3. USCIS Form I-102 (for older errors or when a replacement is needed)

I-102 — Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document. Use it when:

• The I-94 card was lost or damaged and you need a replacement.
• Significant time has passed since entry and CBP directs you to USCIS.
• You need a written USCIS determination as evidence for another filing.

I-102 processing typically runs 6–12 months with a fee. Time-critical needs (SSN, onboarding, driver's license) usually go through CBP.

Deep-dive: F-1 + Advance Parole confusion

One of the highest-stakes error patterns. Typical setup:

• Valid F-1 visa and a pending I-485 with approved AP.
• CBP admits you on AP; the I-94 COA becomes "PIP" or "AP" instead of "F-1".
• Consequences: F-1 status may be treated as abandoned; OPT / STEM OPT validity challenged; SEVIS complications.

Conversely, if you meant to use AP to protect your I-485 and CBP admits you on F-1, that can raise "abandoned adjustment" concerns.

What to do: talk to your immigration attorney immediately, then usually go to Deferred Inspection within a day or two with F-1 I-20, AP EAD, I-485 receipt, and visa in hand, and ask CBP to correct the record to match the document you actually presented and intended to enter on.

Deep-dive: D/S vs a specific date

F-1, J-1, M-1 are normally issued D/S (Duration of Status). If instead you got a specific date:

• Date longer than your I-20/DS-2019 end date → generally harmless but non-standard.
• Date shorter than your program end date → serious. You risk being out of status past that date. Correct on discovery.

Three things to do after the correction

1. Pull the new I-94 from i94.cbp.dhs.gov, verify every field, then print and archive.
2. Keep the old (wrong) I-94 printout with a dated note explaining the correction — future USCIS filings or attorneys may ask.
3. If you already used the wrong I-94 for SSN, driver's license, or I-9, notify those agencies to update the record.

Common misconceptions

• "It'll fix itself next entry." It won't. The wrong record sits in CBP systems until you request correction.
• "Overstay caused by CBP error doesn't count." USCIS's UP determination does not turn on fault — it can still accrue.
• "USCIS phone support can fix it." They can't touch CBP records.

This site provides general information only. If the error touches I-485, status maintenance, or UP accrual, talk to an immigration attorney before you file anything.