What is the I-94 and why does it matter more than your visa?
The I-94 is the CBP arrival/departure record that holds your class of admission and authorized stay. Knowing it matters more than just watching your visa expiration.
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.
The I-94 is the CBP arrival/departure record that holds your class of admission and how long you are authorized to stay. The visa decides whether you may apply to enter; the I-94 usually decides how long you may stay after that.
What the I-94 is
Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, is created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) each time a noncitizen is admitted. It records the entry class (B2, F1, H1B, L2, etc.) and the authorized period of stay.
For most nonimmigrants, the I-94 — not the visa foil — is the primary document that controls how long you may legally remain in the United States after entry.
Electronic vs paper I-94
Air and sea arrivals now generate an electronic I-94 automatically, viewable on the CBP site. Some land entries still involve paper I-94s. Either way the meaningful fields are the same.
The fields that matter
- Admission (I-94) Number — 11-digit identifier.
- Class of Admission — entry category (B2, F1, H1B, L2, etc.).
- Admit Until Date — the last day of authorized stay, or D/S.
- Date of Admission — when CBP admitted you.
Admit Until Date
Many categories require you to depart, file an extension (EOS), change status (COS), or find another lawful arrangement by this date. The consequences of crossing it depend on your category, on whether anything was timely filed, and on the specific facts.
D/S
D/S means Duration of Status. You may stay while you keep meeting the conditions of that status (e.g. full-time enrollment for F-1). The specific rules around D/S are currently in a high-volatility window — see the banner above.
Common misconceptions
- A valid visa means a valid stay. It does not.
- The entry stamp date is the Admit Until Date. It is not.
- Everyone is D/S. They are not — most categories have a fixed date.
- i-94.org can look up your I-94. It cannot — that is what i94.io is for.
Frequently asked (FAQ)
What is the I-94?
An arrival/departure record created by CBP. It records the class of admission and either an Admit Until Date or D/S.
Is a valid visa the same as a valid I-94?
No. The visa is used to apply for entry. The I-94 records how long you may stay after that entry. They are independent.
Do paper I-94s still exist?
Most air and sea entries now generate electronic I-94s automatically. Some land entries or edge cases may still involve paper I-94s.
What does D/S mean in the Admit Until field?
D/S means Duration of Status. You may stay while you keep meeting the conditions of that category. Common for F, J, I. Rules are in flux.
Ready to look up or manage your I-94?
i-94.org explains the rules and risks. Actual lookups, reminders, and status-timeline tools live on i94.io.
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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.