I-94 Arrival Record Issues in Brea: Fixing Entry Date and Status Problems
Resolving common I-94 problems that can affect your immigration status
Quick Answer
Your I-94 arrival/departure record is one of the most important immigration documents. Errors or problems with your I-94 can affect your legal status and future immigration benefits. SoCal Immigration Services helps Brea and Orange County residents resolve I-94 issues.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Your I-94 arrival/departure record is one of the most important immigration documents. Errors or problems with your I-94 can affect your legal status and future immigration benefits. SoCal Immigration Services helps Brea and Orange County residents resolve I-94 issues.
What is the I-94 Record?
What It Shows:
• Your date of entry to the United States
• Your immigration status upon entry
• The date your authorized stay expires
• Your class of admission (visa type)
Why It Matters:
• Proves legal entry and status
• Determines when you must depart
• Required for employment authorization
• Needed for status changes and extensions
• Used in naturalization applications
How to Access Your I-94
| Method | Website | Information Needed |
|---|---|---|
| CBP Website | i94.cbp.dhs.gov | Passport number, country, DOB |
| Physical Card | Given at entry (rare now) | Keep paper copy safe |
| Travel History | i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/history | Same as above |
| FOIA Request | CBP FOIA office | For older records |
Common I-94 Problems
- •Wrong admission class (visa type listed incorrectly)
- •Incorrect entry date recorded
- •Wrong authorized stay date (should be 'D/S' for some visas)
- •Missing I-94 record (no electronic record created)
- •Multiple entries showing incorrectly
- •Name spelling errors
- •Wrong passport number recorded
D/S vs. Specific Date
D/S (Duration of Status):
• Given to F-1 students, J-1 visitors, some other categories
• Stay is valid as long as you maintain your status
• No specific departure date
Specific Date:
• Given to B-1/B-2 visitors, H-1B workers, others
• Shows exact date you must depart by
• Can be extended by filing with USCIS before expiration
Common Error: CBP sometimes stamps a specific date when D/S should apply
How to Correct I-94 Errors
| Issue Type | Where to Correct | Process |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong admission class | Deferred Inspection at port of entry | Bring proof of correct visa status |
| Wrong date | CBP Deferred Inspection | Show passport stamps, tickets |
| Missing record | CBP or USCIS | Provide entry documents |
| Name error | CBP Deferred Inspection | Bring passport, visa |
| Status correction | USCIS (may need filing) | File I-102 or other form |
Deferred Inspection Process
1. Locate nearest Deferred Inspection site
• Port of entry airports (LAX, John Wayne, Ontario)
• CBP offices with deferred inspection services
2. Gather documents:
• Passport with visa
• Previous I-94s if available
• Flight records or boarding passes
• Any other entry documentation
3. Schedule or walk-in:
• Some locations accept walk-ins
• Others require appointments
• Call ahead to confirm
4. Meet with CBP officer:
• Explain the error
• Provide documentation
• Receive corrected I-94 or annotation
I-94 and Overstay Issues
Overstay Consequences:
• Any overstay can affect future visas
• 180+ days overstay = 3-year bar from returning
• 365+ days overstay = 10-year bar from returning
• Overstay triggers unlawful presence
Important:
• An incorrect I-94 date doesn't mean you overstayed
• You can prove lawful status with other documents
• Correct errors before they cause problems
Travel History Verification
Why Review Travel History:
• Verify all entries and exits recorded
• Identify missing trips
• Prepare for naturalization
• Support visa applications
How to Get Full History:
• I94.cbp.dhs.gov shows last 10 years (when available)
• FOIA request for complete records
• Keep your own records of all travel
Brea I-94 Services
- •I-94 record review and verification
- •Identifying errors and issues
- •Deferred inspection preparation
- •Document gathering for corrections
- •I-102 replacement card filing
- •Arabic and English speaking support
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Where can I find my I-94 record?
A: Visit i94.cbp.dhs.gov and enter your passport information. You can view your most recent I-94 and travel history. If it's not showing, you may need to contact CBP directly.
Q:My I-94 shows the wrong visa class. How do I fix it?
A: You'll need to visit a CBP Deferred Inspection office with your passport showing the correct visa. They can correct the record. Don't wait - fix it before applying for any benefits.
Q:What if there's no I-94 record for my entry?
A: This sometimes happens. Gather your evidence of entry (passport stamps, boarding passes, flight records) and visit CBP Deferred Inspection to have a record created or corrected.
Q:My I-94 shows a date but I'm on an F-1 visa. Is that a problem?
A: F-1 students should have 'D/S' (Duration of Status), not a date. If yours shows a specific date, get it corrected at CBP Deferred Inspection to avoid problems with status.
Q:How long does it take to correct an I-94?
A: At Deferred Inspection, corrections can often be made same day if you have proper documentation. Some complex cases may take longer or require additional review.
Q:Can an I-94 error cause me to be out of status?
A: An error on the I-94 doesn't automatically mean you're out of status, but it can cause problems. You should correct errors and keep documentation proving your actual lawful status.
I-94 Problems in Brea?
Don't let I-94 errors affect your immigration status. We'll help you identify issues and get them corrected properly.
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