According to the US Embassy in Kenya, a visa only allows someone to travel to the US and request entry. The final decision on how long a visitor will remain in the country is made at the port of entry by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
If you hold a United States Visa, it’s important to know that the length of your stay is not set by the visa itself but by a separate document called the I-94.
The I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) is an official document issued by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you enter the United States.
This document contains the traveller’s date of entry, visa type, and the date by which they must leave the country, known as the “Admit Until Date.”
In some cases, particularly for students or exchange visitors, the I-94 may show “D/S” (Duration of Status), meaning the visitor is allowed to stay as long as their program or visa conditions remain valid.
Who Needs an I-94 Form?
Almost everyone entering the United States will receive an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, but there are some exceptions.
You do not need an I-94 if you are:
- A U.S. citizen.
- A returning lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
- A non-U.S. citizen with an immigrant visa.
- A Canadian citizen visiting or transiting through the U.S.
How to Apply for or Access Your Form I-94
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) generally issues Form I-94 electronically to track your legal entry and stay in the United States.
Note that you are required to view and print your most recent I-94, which serves as your official record of legal admission. The form can be accessed via official I-94 website.
Air or Sea Travel:
- If you arrive by air or sea, a CBP officer will issue an electronic I-94 at the point of entry during your admission.
Land Travel:
- If you enter by land, you can apply for an I-94 in person at the border.
- Alternatively, you can apply up to seven days before entering through the official I-94 website or the CBP One Mobile App.
- A $6 fee is required for this provisional I-94.
Notifications:
- CBP sends email reminders to visitors about their remaining authorized stay.
- Travelers who may have exceeded their admission period also receive notifications to alert them of potential issues.
Also Read: US Visa: How Kenyans Can Request an Emergency Interview Appointment
Steps to Complete Your Provisional Visa I-94 Application
To finalize your provisional I-94 after applying online, you must appear at a US Port of Entry within seven days of your application.
If you fail to appear or are not issued an I-94, your provisional I-94 will expire, and you will need to start the process again. Please note that no refunds are provided.
You may be required to submit biometrics, such as fingerprints or a facial scan, and a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may conduct an interview as part of the process.
You should also be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested, including proof of your residence, employment, or travel plans.
If your application is approved, you will receive an electronic Form I-94, which you can print from the CBP I-94 website or access digitally through the CBP One Mobile App.
It is important to keep and present your Form I-94 when necessary. The form indicates your class of admission and your “admit until” date, showing how long you are allowed to stay in the United States.
You may need to present it to government officials, law enforcement, employers, or other institutions and organizations that request proof of lawful admission.
Also Read: US Visa Interview Rules to Change in September – What You Should Know
How to Pay for Your Provisional I-94 Application
When applying for a provisional I-94 online (via the I-94/I-95 website or the CBP One Mobile App), you must pay $6 approximately Ksh700 per application.
Payment process:
- After starting your application, you’ll be automatically redirected to Pay.gov to make the payment.
- You can pay using PayPal or a credit/debit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover).
- Once payment is completed, you’ll receive a receipt and confirmation from Pay.gov.
Extension of Stay in the United States
If you are in the US on a non-immigrant visa and wish to extend your stay, you must apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your authorized stay expires.
Your authorized stay is indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94. It is recommended that you apply well in advance of this expiration date.
You should carefully check your authorized dates and follow all procedures. Failing to do so can result in being out of status.
Overstaying can make you ineligible for future US visas and may affect your ability to return to the country.
If you overstay the period granted by the CBP officer at the port of entry or by USCIS, your visa may be automatically voided or cancelled.
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