You arrive in the U.S. on a valid visa, ready to begin a new chapter of work, study, or family life. Everything seems in order until it comes time to apply for a driver’s license or work authorization.
That’s when the surprise hits: it’s not the visa stamp that controls your stay. It’s the expiration date on your Form I-94. If that date has already passed, they may innocently be out of status.
The I-94, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), serves as your arrival/departure record. It lists your visa class, the day you entered, and most importantly, the day you’re supposed to leave. Once that date passes, you’re no longer in valid status, even if your visa hasn’t expired.
This mix-up causes confusion for countless visitors and immigrants. That’s why understanding your Form I-94 expiration date is so important. In this guide, we’ll explain how to find your expiration date, what happens if you overstay, and how to protect yourself from costly mistakes.
Understanding the I-94 Expiration Date
The I-94 expiration is the controlling date for your legal stay. It’s printed as the “Admit Until” date on your record. Once that day comes, your authorized stay ends.
And no, it’s not the same as your visa validity:
- Visa validity: Basically, permission to show up at a U.S. border and request entry. It can last for years.
- I-94 expiration date: The actual time limit for how long you can remain in the country once admitted.
Here’s how it works: say you got a tourist visa valid until 2027. You arrive in January 2025, and CBP gives you six months. That means your lawful stay ends in July 2025, not 2027. If you remain beyond July, you’re out of status.
That one detail controls more than just your stay. It affects whether you can extend, apply for new benefits, or come back in the future. Relying only on your visa stamp is where people get tripped up.
How to Find the I-94 Expiration Date
Checking your I-94 isn’t hard. CBP runs an online system where you can pull your latest record:
- Visit the CBP I-94 website: Go to the Department of Homeland Security website. Always use the official government site.
- Select “Get Most Recent I-94”: This option displays your current I-94 record.
- Enter your passport info: You’ll need your passport number, country of issuance, name, and date of birth.
- Review your record: Look for the “Admit Until Date.” That’s your expiration date.
By checking your I-94 status online, you can confirm whether you’re still in valid status or approaching the end of your authorized stay.
Always save both digital and printed copies after checking your record. Having a personal archive can save you time later when applying for work authorization, driver’s licenses, or other immigration benefits.
Consequences of Overstaying I-94
If you remain in the U.S. beyond your I-94 form expiration date, you enter what’s called an “overstay.” An I-94 expired overstay is not a minor issue; it can trigger serious immigration consequences.
The most immediate effect is that unlawful presence begins the day after the expiration date passes, and you’re considered out of status. Staying too long can result in strict penalties:
- Over 180 days: You could face a 3-year reentry bar.
- Over 365 days: The penalty increases to a 10-year bar.
But the problems don’t stop there. An I-94 overstay in the U.S. can complicate future visa applications, create issues when trying to adjust status, and even harm your long-term immigration history. Consular officers often view overstays as a sign of unreliability.
What Happens if I Overstay My I-94?
If you overstay your I-94, things get complicated quickly. Even a short overstay places you at risk of unlawful presence, which can impact your immigration future.
One of the first consequences is that your visa is considered invalid for reentry, especially if you have accrued unlawful presence. That means if you leave the U.S., you’ll likely need to apply for a new visa before returning. Longer overstays can lead to multi-year reentry bars.
If your Form I-94 expiration date is approaching and you still need more time in the U.S., the only safe route is to file for an extension or change of status before your I-94 expires. Filing on time can preserve your legal stay, even if USCIS hasn’t yet made a decision.
If you’ve already overstayed, your options are limited. At that point, it’s best to speak with an immigration attorney immediately. An experienced attorney can help determine whether you have possible remedies or should depart the U.S. to avoid harsher penalties.
Staying Ahead of Your I-94 Expiration
Your visa gets you in, but your I-94 keeps you here. That’s the rule of thumb.
Intentional or accidental overstays have harsh consequences, from visa cancellations to multi-year reentry bars. The best way to avoid these problems is prevention: keep an eye on your I-94 dates, file extensions, or changes of status early if needed, and seek help if something doesn’t look right.
If you’re unsure about your record or worried about an upcoming expiration or any other immigration-related question, visit ImmigrationQuestion.com. You can ask your questions for free and get guidance from licensed attorneys who understand the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you overstay your I-94 by a few days?
Even short overstays can cause issues. While a few days may not trigger a reentry bar, they can still complicate future visa applications.
Can I apply for an extension after my I-94 has already expired?
Generally no. USCIS requires requests before the expiration date. Late filings are rarely approved unless truly exceptional circumstances apply.
Can I reset my I-94 expiration by leaving and re-entering the U.S.?
Sometimes, but not guaranteed. CBP decides admissions at the port of entry, and a history of overstays can reduce your chances.
How do I check my I-94 status if the website doesn’t work?
Double-check your passport details. If it still doesn’t show, contact the CBP Deferred Inspection Office.
Does an I-94 overstay affect green card applications?
Yes. Overstays can block adjustment of status and make future immigration benefits harder to get.
