CBP I-94 Correction Guide
Did a border agent make a mistake on your I-94 visa category or expiration date? Learn how to contact CBP Deferred Inspection to get it corrected.
Quick References
The Danger of I-94 Typos
Every time a foreign national enters the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues an electronic Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record). This document registers the exact visa class you entered under (e.g. H-1B, F-1, L-2) and the 'Admit Until Date' (the final day you are legally allowed to stay in the U.S.).
Under U.S. immigration law, the Admit Until Date on your I-94 overrides the expiration date printed on your visa stamp or your Form I-797 approval notice. If the border agent makes a typo and enters a shortened date, you will begin accruing unlawful presence the day after that date passes, even if your visa is valid.
Common Typos: Entering an H-1B holder as a B-2 tourist, typing the wrong year, or failing to match the date to the Form I-797 petition date.
How to Contact CBP Deferred Inspection
USCIS does not have jurisdiction to correct errors made by CBP agents at the border. You must submit your correction request directly to a CBP Deferred Inspection Office:
CBP operates Deferred Inspection sites at over 70 major airports and ports of entry across the U.S. to handle traveler record corrections.
Go to the official CBP website and find the contact info for the nearest Deferred Inspection Site. Some offices accept email submissions, while others require you to schedule an in-person appointment.
If your local office accepts email, draft a clear email stating: passport name, Date of Birth, SEVIS number or I-797 Receipt Number, date of entry, and the exact error (e.g., admitting until 2025 instead of 2028). Attach scanned PDFs of your supporting documents.
If the office does not handle email, you must visit the site in person during business hours. Bring your original passport, physical I-797 Approval Notice or Form I-20, and proof of your flight itinerary.
Required Document Checklist
When submitting a correction request, whether via email or in person, you must provide these documents:
| Document | Purpose & Details |
|---|---|
| Erroneous I-94 Printout | A PDF printout of your current incorrect electronic I-94 record showing the typo. |
| Passport Biographical Page | Scanned copy of your passport photo and personal detail page (must be valid for at least 6 months). |
| U.S. Visa Stamp & Entry Stamp | The physical visa stamp used for entry, and the circular ink stamp showing the port of entry details. |
| USCIS Approval Form (I-797/I-20/DS-2019) | For work visas, the Form I-797; for students, Form I-20; for J-1 scholars, Form DS-2019. This serves as the legal proof of what your expiration date should have been. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the I-94 override my visa stamp date?
Yes, absolutely. The Admit Until Date printed on your physical or electronic Form I-94 is the absolute legal boundary of your stay, even if your visa stamp is valid for another 5 years.
Can I extend my shortened I-94 at a land border without flying out?
Yes. Many expats carry out a 'land border run' (flagpoling) to present their new passport and approved I-797. Read our [I-94 Land Border Run Guide](/usa/guides/immigration/i94-land-border-run-extension) for exact steps.
I-94 Warning
Your Form I-94 controls your legal length of stay in the U.S. Even if your visa stamp is valid for years, an incorrect, shortened date on your I-94 can place you in unlawful status. Check your I-94 after every entry.