What is an I-94 card?
The I-94 Card is also known as the Arrival/Departure Document. It serves as the registration form for individuals admitted to the U.S. as non-immigrants.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) creates this document at the port of entry when the individual goes through inspection upon arrival in the U.S. The DHS official will endorse the I-94 with the date, place of arrival, status (i.e., F, J, H, L, etc.) and length of authorized stay.
The individual keeps the I-94 Card as the official record of admission and permission to remain in the U.S. unless the length of time granted for stay on the I-94 is "duration of status" (D/S).