All statuses vs the I-94: F, J, H, L, O, TN, E, K, VWP, TPS, asylum, parole
An at-a-glance map of common nonimmigrant and humanitarian categories to their I-94 behavior — Admit Until Date vs D/S — plus extension paths and EAD relationships.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-27
Rules around D/S are in a high-volatility window. Always re-check the latest text on the Federal Register, DHS, ICE, and USCIS before acting. This page is general education only.
Almost every nonimmigrant has an I-94, but "when it expires" splits two ways. Fixed dates (B/H/L/O/TN/E/K, etc.) use Admit Until Date. D/S (F/J/I) ties to status conditions. Parole, TPS, asylum, refugee have their own I-94 or admission records with different rules.
One table to scan
| Class of Admission | Category | When it expires | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 / B-2 | Short visit | Admit Until Date (often 6 mo) | EOS via I-539 possible with strong reasons |
| F-1 / F-2 | Student | D/S (rules evolving) | Status depends on SEVIS + full-time enrollment |
| J-1 / J-2 | Exchange visitor | D/S (rules evolving) | Possible 2-year home residence requirement |
| H-1B / H-4 | Worker + dependents | Admit Until Date (per I-797) | H-4 EAD is separate |
| L-1 / L-2 | Intracompany transfer | Admit Until Date | L-2 spouse usually has automatic work authorization |
| O-1 / O-2 | Extraordinary ability | Admit Until Date | Extension re-proves criteria |
| TN | USMCA professional | Admit Until Date (often 3 yr) | Land entries; paper I-94 may persist |
| E-1 / E-2 / E-3 | Treaty trader/investor/AUS | Admit Until Date (often 2 yr) | Each entry can refresh 2 years |
| K-1 / K-3 | Fiancé / spouse | Admit Until Date | K-1 must marry within 90 days then file AOS |
| U / T | Crime / trafficking victim | I-94 or EAD validity | Renewal and AOS rules are complex |
| VWP / ESTA (I-94W) | Visa-free short stay | Hard 90 days | No in-country EOS or COS |
| TPS | Temporary Protected Status | Per USCIS notice | Must re-register each period |
| Asylee / Refugee | Asylum / refugee | Usually no I-94 cutoff | Eligible for GC after 1 year |
| Parole (OAR/PIP/AP/...) | Paroled in | Paroled Until date | Not 'admitted' — see parole article |
I-94, I-797, EAD, green card
- I-94 — CBP's "you may stay until."
- I-797 — USCIS approval; controls the underlying status.
- EAD (I-766) — work card with its own validity.
- Green card (I-551) — permanent residence; not tied to I-94 dates.
This site provides general information only.
Frequently asked (FAQ)
Does VWP / ESTA entry have an I-94?
Yes — usually I-94W, with a hard 90-day stay and no in-country EOS or COS.
Will the primary H-1B and the H-4 dependent always share the same I-94 date?
Usually, but each entry generates a separate I-94. Passport expiration or other factors can cut a dependent's date short. Verify each I-94 after every entry.
Do TPS / asylum holders have an I-94?
Yes, with a different COA depending on the program. Rules attach to USCIS processes.
Does D/S mean indefinite stay?
No. You must keep meeting the underlying status conditions. The rules are in a high-volatility window.
Multiple statuses, one timeline?
Use i94.io Status Timeline to overlay entries, Admit Until Date, I-797s, EADs, and green-card events.
Open i94.io Status TimelineRelated articles
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.