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DocumentsArcadiaUpdated: January 12, 20269 min read

I-94 Arrival/Departure Record in Arcadia: Complete Guide for Arab Immigrants

Understanding and correcting your I-94 record with Arabic-speaking assistance

SoCal Immigration Services
Reviewed by: Maria Santos, DOJ Accredited Representative

Quick Answer

For Arab immigrants in Arcadia and the San Gabriel Valley, understanding your I-94 arrival/departure record is crucial for maintaining legal immigration status. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance to help you navigate this important document.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

For Arab immigrants in Arcadia and the San Gabriel Valley, understanding your I-94 arrival/departure record is crucial for maintaining legal immigration status. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance to help you navigate this important document.

What is the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record?

The I-94 is your official record of arrival into the United States. It documents your legal entry and shows how long you're authorized to stay. For immigrants in Arcadia, this record is essential for:

• Proving lawful entry into the United States
• Determining your authorized period of stay
• Applying for immigration benefits (green card, work permit)
• Extending your visa status
• Verifying employment eligibility

Electronic vs. Paper I-94

Most travelers now receive electronic I-94 records instead of paper forms:
TypeWhen IssuedHow to Access
Electronic I-94Air/sea arrivals (most common)CBP website: i94.cbp.dhs.gov
Paper I-94Land border crossingsStamped card at entry
Paper I-94Issues with electronic systemGiven by CBP officer

How to Retrieve Your I-94 Online

To get your I-94 record online from Arcadia:
  • Visit i94.cbp.dhs.gov
  • Click 'Get Most Recent I-94'
  • Enter your first name (as on passport)
  • Enter your last name (as on passport)
  • Enter your birth date
  • Enter your passport number
  • Select your country of citizenship
  • Click 'Get Most Recent I-94'

Understanding Your I-94 Information

Your I-94 contains critical information:
  • Admission Number: 11-digit unique identifier
  • Most Recent Date of Entry: When you last entered the US
  • Class of Admission: Your visa type (B-2, F-1, H-1B, etc.)
  • Admit Until Date: Your authorized stay deadline (or 'D/S' for duration of status)
  • Port of Entry: Airport or border crossing where you entered

Common I-94 Problems

Arab immigrants in Arcadia frequently encounter these I-94 issues:
  • Wrong admit until date (shorter than it should be)
  • Incorrect class of admission
  • Name misspelling
  • Missing I-94 record
  • Wrong passport number
  • Duplicate entries causing confusion

How to Correct I-94 Errors

If your I-94 has errors, take these steps:

1. At the Airport (within 24-48 hours):
• Return to the CBP office at your arrival airport
• Bring your passport and visa documents
• Explain the error and request correction

2. After Leaving the Airport:
• Visit a local CBP Deferred Inspection office
• Nearest to Arcadia: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Bring all supporting documents

3. By Mail:
• Submit CBP INFO Center request
• Include copies of passport, visa, and boarding pass

D/S Duration of Status Explained

If your I-94 shows 'D/S' instead of a date, it means Duration of Status. This applies to:

• F-1 students: Stay as long as you maintain student status
• J-1 exchange visitors: Stay for program duration plus grace period
• Diplomats: Stay as long as diplomatic assignment continues

Important: D/S doesn't mean unlimited stay. You must maintain valid status with your sponsoring institution.

I-94 for Different Visa Types

How I-94 works for common visa categories:
Visa TypeTypical I-94 PeriodExtension Possible
B-1/B-2 TouristUp to 6 monthsYes, apply before expiration
F-1 StudentD/S (Duration of Status)Maintain student status
H-1B WorkerUp to 3 yearsYes, with employer petition
L-1 TransferUp to 3-7 yearsYes, with employer petition
K-1 Fiancé90 daysNo, must marry within 90 days

I-94 History for Immigration Applications

Many immigration applications require your travel history. You can access your complete I-94 history online:

1. Go to i94.cbp.dhs.gov
2. Click 'View Travel History'
3. Enter your information
4. Review all entries and departures
5. Print for your records

This history is essential for green card applications, citizenship, and proving continuous presence.

Arcadia I-94 Services

SoCal Immigration Services helps Arcadia residents with:
  • Retrieving and printing I-94 records
  • Identifying errors and problems
  • Preparing correction requests
  • Translating documents (Arabic to English)
  • Explaining I-94 dates and status
  • Coordinating with CBP for corrections
  • Extension applications before I-94 expires

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Where can I get help with my I-94 in Arcadia?

A: SoCal Immigration Services in Garden Grove serves Arcadia residents with Arabic-speaking staff. We help retrieve, explain, and correct I-94 records for the Arab community.

Q:My I-94 date has passed. What should I do?

A: If you stayed beyond your I-94 date, you may have accumulated unlawful presence. Contact us immediately for guidance on your options, which may include applying for an extension or change of status.

Q:Can I travel domestically without my I-94?

A: Yes, for domestic travel within the US, you don't need your I-94. However, always carry your passport and visa for identification purposes.

Q:How long are I-94 records kept?

A: CBP maintains I-94 records for 5 years. You can retrieve your travel history going back 5 years from the current date on the CBP website.

Q:What if my name is spelled wrong on my I-94?

A: Name misspellings should be corrected. Visit a CBP Deferred Inspection office with your passport showing the correct spelling, or submit a correction request by mail.

Q:Do I get a new I-94 each time I enter the US?

A: Yes, each entry into the US generates a new I-94 record. Your most recent I-94 is the one that determines your current authorized stay period.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Arcadia and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
Published: January 12, 2026Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Need Help with Your I-94 in Arcadia?

Our Arabic-speaking team can help you understand, retrieve, and correct your I-94 arrival/departure record. Don't let I-94 issues affect your immigration status.

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