How many days before I-94 is valid?

Understanding Your I-94 Document: Validity and Important Dates

The I-94 document is a crucial document issued by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to track the entry and exit of non-U.S. citizens into and out of the country. It serves as a record of an individual’s authorized stay in the United States. To fully understand your I-94 document, it’s essential to grasp the significance of the various dates it contains.

Validity of Your I-94

The validity of your I-94 document refers to the authorized duration of your stay in the United States. This period is clearly indicated on your I-94, typically under the heading “Admission Until.” It’s crucial to note that the validity period starts on the date of your entry into the country, not the date the I-94 document is issued.

Important Dates on Your I-94 Document

Your I-94 document contains three key dates that provide important information about your stay:

1. Issuance Date: This date, located in the top-right corner, indicates when the I-94 document was issued by the CBP officer.

2. Authorized Stay End Date: This is the most important date on your I-94, as it specifies the last day of your authorized stay in the United States. It’s crucial to abide by this date and depart from the country on or before its expiration.

3. Record Update Date: This date, typically located near the bottom of the document, reflects when the immigration authorities’ records were last updated. It’s not as critical as the other two dates but can provide insight into the accuracy of the I-94 information.

Implications of I-94 Expiration

Staying in the United States beyond the authorized stay end date indicated on your I-94 document can result in serious consequences, including unlawful presence and potential deportation. It’s your responsibility to monitor the validity of your I-94 and ensure timely departure from the country.

In certain circumstances, you may be eligible to extend your stay by filing an I-539 application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If approved, this will extend your authorized stay and issue you a new I-94 document with the updated validity period.

Conclusion

Understanding the various dates on your I-94 document is crucial for maintaining your legal status in the United States. By adhering to the authorized stay end date and being aware of the implications of overstaying, you can avoid unnecessary complications and maintain a positive immigration record.