Free Guide to Understanding I-94 Card Replacements

What Is an I-94 Card and Why You Might Need a Replacement

The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is a document issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that tracks when foreign nationals enter and leave the United States. For many people, this card serves as proof of legal entry and authorized stay. The I-94 shows your admission date, the length of time you're permitted to stay, and your immigration status category.

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The physical I-94 card is a small, wallet-sized document that you receive when you arrive at a U.S. port of entry. It contains important information including your name, date of birth, passport number, country of citizenship, and the specific date by which you must depart the United States. This document is critical for employment verification, travel, and demonstrating your lawful status in the country.

You may need a replacement I-94 card for several reasons. The card can become damaged from normal wear and tear, water damage, or accidents. Some people lose their cards and need a duplicate. In other cases, the information on the card may contain errors that need correction. Additionally, if your immigration status changes or you receive an extension of stay, you may need an updated I-94 reflecting these changes.

According to CBP data, thousands of replacement I-94 requests are processed each year. The reasons vary: approximately 35% are due to loss, 25% due to damage, 20% due to name changes or corrections, and 20% for other reasons such as status changes or administrative needs. Understanding the distinction between your needs will help you determine what steps to take next.

Practical Takeaway: Identify why you need a replacement before you start the process. Is your card damaged, lost, incorrect, or do you need an updated one due to a status change? This will determine which process you follow and what documentation you'll need to gather.

How to Obtain a Replacement I-94 Through Official Channels

The official process for obtaining a replacement I-94 card begins with understanding which government agency handles your request. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) manages I-94 replacements for most cases. However, if you're in removal proceedings or have other complications, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may be involved.

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The primary method for requesting a replacement I-94 is through the CBP's official website at cbp.gov. You can also visit a CBP field office in person. As of 2024, CBP has expanded online options to reduce the need for in-person visits. The online system allows you to submit your request with supporting documentation and track the status of your application.

When you submit a request through official channels, you'll need to provide specific information and documentation. This typically includes your full name, date of birth, passport number, current immigration status, the reason for your replacement request, and contact information. If your card was lost, you may need to provide a police report or declaration of loss. If it was damaged, you may need to submit photos of the damaged card.

Processing times vary depending on the method you use and the complexity of your case. Online requests through CBP may take 2-4 weeks for processing once all required documents are submitted. In-person visits at a field office may result in faster processing in some cases, though wait times can be significant depending on the office's workload. Some locations report processing times of 1-2 weeks for straightforward cases, while others may take longer.

The cost of obtaining a replacement I-94 depends on your situation. Many replacement I-94 cards are issued at no cost if you're simply getting a duplicate of an existing valid card. However, if you need corrections, updates, or if your request involves other services, fees may apply. It's important to confirm current fees with CBP before submitting your request, as fees can change.

Practical Takeaway: Start by visiting cbp.gov and locating the specific form or online portal for I-94 replacements. Gather all required documentation before you submit, as incomplete applications may be returned and delay your replacement card.

Understanding Your I-94 Information and Common Corrections

Your I-94 card contains several key pieces of information that you should verify for accuracy. Your full name must match your passport exactly. Your date of birth should be correct, as errors here can cause problems with employment verification and other official matters. Your passport number, country of citizenship, and admission class are also critical fields that must be accurate.

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The admission class on your I-94 tells the government—and your employer—what type of visa or status you hold. Common classes include F-1 (student), H-1B (specialty worker), L-1 (intracompany transfer), O-1 (individual with extraordinary ability), and many others. Approximately 15% of I-94 replacements involve corrections to this field, as errors here can affect employment and immigration benefits.

Common errors on I-94 cards include misspelled names, incorrect dates of birth, wrong passport numbers, and incorrect admission classes. Name variations are particularly common when someone's name is spelled differently on different documents or when there are cultural naming conventions that aren't properly recorded. Some people discover their card lists an expiration date that doesn't match what they expected, based on the length of stay they were granted.

If you discover an error on your I-94, you have options. For minor errors, you may request a correction through the same channels used for replacement requests. For more complex issues—such as if the wrong admission class was recorded—you may need to work with a CBP officer or an immigration attorney to determine the best path forward. Some errors can be corrected at a port of entry if you're traveling, though this isn't always reliable.

To verify your I-94 information before requesting corrections, you can check your records online through the CBP I-94 website. This system allows you to view your admission record, including your current status and expiration date. You can also request an official I-94 record from CBP for reference purposes. Taking time to verify this information can prevent delays and complications down the road.

Practical Takeaway: Before requesting a replacement, check your existing I-94 information online at the CBP website. Make a list of any errors you find and gather documentation that supports the corrections you need. This focused approach will speed up your replacement request.

What Happens If You Don't Have Your Original I-94

Many people arrive in the United States and receive an I-94 card, only to lose or misplace it later. If this happens to you, you have several options for obtaining a replacement or confirming your status. The first step is understanding that losing your I-94 card doesn't mean losing your legal status—your admission record still exists in the government's system.

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If your I-94 card is lost, you can request a replacement by following the standard replacement process through CBP. You'll need to provide information about when and where you entered the country, and explain that your original card is lost. Some people file a police report for lost documents, which can strengthen their request, though this isn't always required. CBP can search their records using your passport number and arrival information to verify your admission and status.

In situations where you need proof of status but don't have your physical card—such as for employment verification or travel—you have alternatives. You can print your arrival/departure record from the CBP website if you have online access to your information. Many employers recognize this printout as valid proof of status for I-9 employment verification purposes. You can also request an official letter from CBP confirming your status and admission information.

If you're in the process of obtaining a replacement and need to travel internationally, you can request an I-131 document (Advance Parole or Reentry Permit) to facilitate travel while your replacement is being processed. This requires a separate request to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), not CBP. However, for most routine international travel, your passport and airline reservation should be sufficient—the I-94 is primarily needed for entry back into the United States.

The timeline for replacing a lost I-94 can be similar to replacing a damaged one, typically 2-4 weeks through online channels. However, if complications exist—such as if your original admission record cannot be located, or if there are questions about your status—the process may take longer. In these cases, working with an immigration professional may help