PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection will now remind travelers of their last possible departure date from the United States, according to the terms of their admission, via email and a new feature on the I-94 website. Beginning today, eligible Visa Waiver Program travelers will be able to check how much longer they can remain in the United States without overstaying the terms of their admission. Further updates to the I-94 website will incorporate additional nonimmigrant travelers.

“Terms of admission can vary widely for travelers based on their purpose of travel, visa, and classification. This new feature makes it easier for travelers to find their specific admitted until date in order to comply with U.S. immigration laws,” said Acting Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. “CBP remains committed to facilitating lawful travel and improving the international travel experience for both U.S. citizens and visitors to the United States.”

To check their admitted until date, travelers will enter their name, birthdate, passport number and passport country of issuance. If a traveler has overstayed the terms of their admission, the I-94 website will provide travelers with information regarding next steps to take. An “overstay” is defined as someone who was lawfully admitted to the United States for an authorized period, but remained in the United States beyond his or her lawful period of admission.

Periods of admission vary based on the traveler’s class of admission. For example, a lawful admission period can be a fixed period, or based on the completion of a certain activity, such as a student seeking a college degree.

In September 2016, CBP launched an online I-94 application and payment option for travelers arriving at a land port of entry. Travelers can provide their biographic and travel information, and pay the $6 fee for their I-94 application online up to seven days prior to their entry.

Form I-94 provides non-immigrant visitors evidence they have been lawfully admitted to the U.S., which is necessary to verify alien registration, immigration status, and employment authorization. In May 2013, CBP automated the I-94 in the air and sea environment. The automated system allows CBP Officers to create an I-94 Arrival Record within primary and secondary inspection processing systems at the time of inspection with passenger manifest information—eliminating the need for paper forms and manual data entry.

CBP encourages travelers to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and efficient processing experience. Visit CBP.gov for travel tips.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.