Did you travel internationally over Spring Break?
If you did or if you recently re-entered the U.S., be sure to check that your I-94 record is still accurately showing your current immigration status and the correct “admit until ” date. Ensuring you have the proper status guarantees that you have access to the benefits associated with that status. For example, if you are an F-1 student with expiration of “D/S” (Duration of Status) but your I-94 record doesn’t show this, then you would not be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training until the I-94 record is corrected.
To access your I-94 entry record, there are different procedures based on whether you entered the U.S. by air OR by car or ship:
- If you entered the U.S. by air, look up your electronic I-94 electronic record by visiting the U.S. Custom’s and Border Protection website. In that case, check for the following things on the paper I-94 card:
- The correct admitted until notation (D/S for “Duration of Status” for F-1/ J-1 students only)
- Your name as it appears on your passport
- Birth date
- Passport Number
- Passport Country of Issuance
- The correct most recent date of entry (A short trip to Canada, Mexico, or certain Caribbean islands may not be recorded. If you take a short trip to these areas, you may find your previous entry date still recorded on your I-94 which is normal and not a cause for concern.)
- Your correct visa status
- If you entered the U.S. by car or ship, you would have been issued a paper I-94 at the port of entry. In that case, check for the following things on the paper I-94 card:
- The correct “admit until” notation (“D/S” (for Duration of Status) for F-1/ J-1 students only)
- Your name appears as it is on your passport
- Birth date
- Country of Citizenship as listed on your passport
- Your correct visa status
If you spot an error or can’t find your I-94 record, contact ISSS for assistance.
For future reference, you will need a printed version of your electronic I-94 record for the following purposes:
- To apply for a Social Security Number and provide proof of employment eligibility to a new employer
- To apply for a Texas State ID or Driver’s License
- To obtain immigration services at ISSS