Receiving the I-94 on Arrival
Upon admission to the United States, the immigration officer at the port of entry will examine your DS-2019 and will stamp your passport. The passport stamp will indicate your date of admission, port of entry, class of admission (J-1), and the expiration date of your status. The expiration date should be marked as D/S, meaning that you are permitted to stay in the United States for the “Duration of your Status”, that is, the program period stated on your DS-2019. The officer will also create an electronic Form I-94 for you (and each dependent traveling with you, if any) which will be immediately available online, at www.cbp.gov/I94.
Printing the I-94
You must print out the I-94 as soon as you arrive at LSU. You should bring the I-94 printout with you to the International Faculty & Scholars Office (IFSO) when you come for orientation. If you are unable to print out the I-94 before orientation, you can print a copy on the IFSO computers.
Importance of the I-94
Form I-94 is needed to complete Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification). It is also required for you to apply for benefits such as social security number or driver’s license.
Form I-94 shows the following:
- That you have been legally admitted to the United States
- The class of admission (i.e., the visa used to enter the United States)
- The date you entered the United States
- The authorized period of stay (i.e., "Admitted until …" date)