You just returned from a lovely vacation, and as required, you printed out a new copy of your I-94 from the CBP website to carry with you. To your horror, you notice that your I-94 has not been updated to reflect your recent H-1B extension approval notice, but aligns with your H-1B visa stamp, which expires in 4 months! What do you do?
You get it corrected, which isn’t as difficult as it sounds.
Check Your I-94 After Every Entry
You did this right, because you know that your I-94 dictates how long you can stay in the U.S.. It’s important to look it up on the CBP I-94 website after every entry. A shortened expiry date, wrong class of admission or a typo in your name should be addressed as soon as possible. It is important to make sure that all of your records are accurate. You do not want any confusion when you file new extensions, or your green card case.
Who fixes it?
Who fixes it depends on who made the error.
CBP Deferred Inspection sites correct mistakes made at the time of entry.
Changes after entry, like an error on an I-797 from an extension or change of status, are a USCIS matter instead.
How do I ask them to correct it?
Some sites list an email address for corrections, some do not. If the site you entered does not accept emails, you can always try to email the next nearest Deferred Inspection to where you entered, or the closest one to where you live.
Some sites require specific forms to be completed, and then submitted via email rather than just an email.
Some sights require that you go in to have the I-94 corrected.
The email should go something like this:
Dear Officer,
I am [name] and I [and…add other names here too, if you’re requesting corrections for your family as well] entered via [inspection site name] on [date]. When I entered, I presented my valid passport, visa stamp, and I-797 approval notice (make sure you list the correct documents based on your status and be sure that you attach them all!!) They are attached for your convenience.
As you can see from the attached, my I-94 was [cut short/issued with a typographic error, etc]. I ask that you kindly correct the I-94 to indicate the correct [admit until date, name, etc.] as per [relevant document].
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
What to Submit
Whether you email, or go in person, you will need to provide the documents you showed the officer when you re-entered, which will include your passport, the visa stamp, and any proof of the correct status/date (approval notice, I-20, etc.), as well as a copy of the erroneous I-94.
Important Caveat
The I-94 cannot extend beyond your current passport, so if your passport validity is shorter than your approval when you enter, and the CBP issues an I-94 based on that expiration date, they will not fix it. You will have to re-enter when you have your new passport to have it corrected, or you will have to submit an extension/renewal.
TLDR
Check your I-94 after each entry.
If CBP made the error, contact a Deferred Inspection site with your documents.
They will not correct I-94 end dates cut off due to passport expiration dates.
Connect by InHouse Core
Connect keeps your dates in one place for the whole family, so a wrong end date stands out: Inhousecore.com/connect
This post is for general information only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, please consult a licensed immigration attorney, or your school’s DSO.
