Chapter 06 · Topic 06.1 · Visitor
I-94: why to verify your exit date
The I-94 is the electronic CBP record that sets your mandatory exit date. For a Canadian-citizen: auto at air entry, on request at land POE. It — not the stamp — controls. Verify at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
Direct answer · 60-second summary
The 60-second version
The I-94 is the electronic arrival/departure record kept by CBP for every nonimmigrant admitted to the US. For a Canadian-citizen without a visa, the I-94 is created automatically at air entry (free) or on request at land entry ($6 USD). It's the I-94 — not the passport stamp — that controls the mandatory exit date ("Admit Until Date"). Checking the I-94 after each entry is a practical obligation to avoid overstay.
- Verify online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov free.
- Stamp ≠ I-94: the stamp date may differ.
- Overstaying I-94 = unlawful presence, possible 3/10-year ban.
- Air auto, land on request at POE.
Acronyms used in this guide
- I-94 — Arrival/Departure record kept by CBP for nonimmigrants
- CBP — U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- POE — Port of Entry
- INA — Immigration and Nationality Act
- USCIS — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- SPT — Substantial Presence Test (IRC §7701(b))
- TN — Treaty NAFTA / USMCA Professional
- B-1 — Business visitor
- B-2 — Pleasure / tourism visitor
How to check your I-94 online
- Go to i94.cbp.dhs.gov
- Click "Get Most Recent I-94."
- Enter first name, last name, date of birth, passport number, country of issuance.
- Check the result: I-94 number, arrival date, class of admission ("WB" business, "WT" tourism for Canadian, "TN," "B-1," "B-2"), "Admit Until Date."
- Print or save as PDF.
Also available: 5-year travel history via "Get Travel History." Useful for calculating days of presence (SPT 183 days).
Air vs land: differences
Air entry (plane)
The I-94 is auto-created by CBP. No paper handed over; everything is electronic. You see your admission at passport scan time.
Land entry (car, bus, train)
The I-94 is not auto-created. If the CBP officer waves you through without issuing one, you're admitted as a "day visitor" (until sunset or same-day return). For a longer stay, explicitly request: "I would like an I-94 issued, please. I plan to stay X weeks." Fee $6 USD (card or cash by POE).
For a snowbird returning to Florida by car, requesting an I-94 is essential — otherwise, you risk having to leave after a few days.
Passport stamp vs I-94: which prevails?
Many CBP officers apply a passport stamp with a hand-written date (often up to 6 months). The stamp is not the official authority. The electronic I-94 prevails.
If a discrepancy exists (stamp says 6 months but I-94 says 3 months, for example), the I-94 applies. In that case:
- Print the electronic I-94 as evidence.
- Contact a CBP Deferred Inspection Office to correct.
- Avoid planning beyond the I-94 date.
Consequences of overstay
Staying in the US beyond the I-94 "Admit Until" date = unlawful presence. Cumulative consequences by duration:
| Overstay duration | Consequence |
|---|---|
| < 180 days | No automatic ban, but I-94 is voided. Future re-entry scrutinized. |
| 180 days – 1 year | 3-year ban on future entry (INA §212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I)). |
| ≥ 1 year | 10-year ban (INA §212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II)). |
For a snowbird who overstays a few days inadvertently: the CBP officer at next entry may refuse, demand explanations, or even ban. Always leave before the I-94 date.
Practical cases
Case 1: snowbird returning 1 week later than planned
If I-94 says March 31 and he returns April 7: 7 days overstay. No automatic ban (< 180 days), but flagged in the system. At next trip, bring documentation explaining the delay (weather, medical, etc.).
Case 2: Canadian with no I-94 issued at land crossing
No I-94 = day visitor. Legal for quick shopping, illegal if you sleep overnight. If stopped, can be considered "out of status." Always request an I-94 for any stay > 24 h.
Case 3: I-94 and stamp discrepancy
I-94 says May 1, stamp says June 1. The May 1 date applies. Before that date: leave, or contact a Deferred Inspection Office to correct.
Formulaires officiels mentionnés (liens directs)
Liens vers la dernière version connue de chaque formulaire à la date de dernière révision. Vérifier que vous utilisez la version courante avant tout dépôt — c'est votre responsabilité. CanadaFlorida.com n'est pas responsable de l'usage que vous faites de ces liens.
- CBP — I-94 Lookup (vérifier I-94 + Travel History). https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
- CBP — Deferred Inspection Sites. https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/deferred-inspection-sites
- INA §212(a)(9)(B) — Unlawful presence (Cornell). https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1182
- CBP — Travel for Canadian Citizens. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/canadian-and-mexican-citizens
Every figure, rate, threshold, and deadline in this guide is drawn from a verifiable primary source listed at the bottom of the page. The article is updated whenever the underlying rules change, with a fresh review date stamped at the top.
Sources and references
Public sources verified as of the last review date.
- CBP — Form I-94 Information. cbp.gov/i-94
- CBP — I-94 Lookup. i94.cbp.dhs.gov
- INA §212(a)(9)(B) — Unlawful Presence Bars. cornell.edu/§1182
- USCIS Policy Manual — Unlawful Presence. uscis.gov/policy/unlawful-presence
- CBP — Travel for Canadian and Mexican Citizens. cbp.gov/canadian-citizens
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purpose only. Figures, rates, thresholds, timelines and rules are drawn from public sources at the date shown and may change.
For any concrete decision, consult a licensed US immigration attorney and a cross-border tax attorney.