Updated October 19, 2025
Everything Canadians Need to Know About Form I-94
If you are a Canadian citizen planning to travel to the United States, you may have heard about Form I-94. This document plays a crucial role in tracking the entry and exit of foreign visitors, including the more than one million Canadian snowbirds who spend their winters south of the border. Understanding how Form I-94 works, when it is required, and how to manage it can help ensure a smooth border-crossing experience.
What is Form I-94?
Form I-94, also known as the Arrival/Departure Record, is an official document issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to foreign nationals when they enter the United States. It records the date and location of arrival, the type of visa status (if applicable), and the length of stay permitted. The I-94 helps both travelers and immigration officials keep track of legal entry and stay durations.
For most visitors, the I-94 is now electronically issued and stored in the CBP system. However, some travelers—especially those arriving via land border crossings—may receive a paper version or, in some cases, no I-94 at all.
I-94 Automation
As part of an effort to streamline the entry process, the U.S. government has automated the I-94 process for most travelers. According to a fact sheet from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), CBP has largely transitioned to electronic I-94 records for air and sea travelers, eliminating the need for a paper document in most cases. Travelers can access and print their I-94 records online, making it easier to verify their status for employment, visa applications, and other official purposes.
For land border crossings, automation is not yet fully implemented, and some travelers may still receive a paper I-94. However, CBP now allows land travelers to apply for their I-94 online before arrival, reducing processing time at the border.
To complicate matters further, Canadians entering the U.S. at a land border crossing may not even receive an I-94 (electronic or otherwise) given that it is not technically a requirement for short-term stays by Canadian citizens. The only way to know for sure whether you were issued one or not is to check your I-94 record online.
Do Canadians Need an I-94?
Canadian citizens generally do not require a visa to enter the U.S. for up to six months provided that they are entering for tourism, business visits, or other short-term purposes. That being said, a recent executive order signed by President Trump on January 20th, 2025 now makes it necessary for Canadians to have an I-94 or other evidence of registration for stays in the U.S. of longer than 30 days.
This new regulation is mostly applicable for Canadian visitors who enter the U.S. at a land border crossing, since arrivals by air and sea are now issued an electronic I-94 record automatically. If you entered the U.S. by land and are unsure whether or not you were issued an I-94, you can verify your status via the CBP website (more information below).
Form I-94 is also required for stays of any length that fit into the following categories:
- Work or Study in the U.S.: If you are entering under a work permit (such as a TN visa under NAFTA/USMCA) or as a student (F-1 visa), you will be issued an I-94 to document your authorized period of stay.
- Entry Under Special Statuses: Those entering the U.S. as a fiancé(e) (K-1 visa), for humanitarian reasons, or under specific business categories may also receive an I-94.
How to Obtain Form I-94
For most air travelers, the I-94 is issued electronically upon entry. Canadians entering the U.S. by land may or may not receive an electronic I-94. If you are crossing into the U.S. by land and want to insure that you are issued a valid I-94, you can apply for one at a CBP port of entry, or up to seven days prior to your entry via CBP’s online application system. The process typically involves:
- Presenting valid identification (such as a passport or Enhanced Driver’s License)
- Stating the purpose of your visit
- Submitting biometric information at the port of entry (if required)
- Answering questions from CBP officers regarding the length and nature of your stay
The fee to request an I-94 either in person or via the online application system is currently $30 USD. No refunds are available if you fill out the application form but fail to show up at the border within seven days of your request.
How to Check and Retrieve Your I-94
If you need to check your I-94 status, retrieve past records, or confirm your departure history, you can do so online. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website provides a portal where travelers can enter their passport details to access their I-94 record. This is particularly useful for:
- Verifying your authorized length of stay
- Providing proof of legal entry for work or study purposes
- Ensuring you do not overstay your permitted duration in the U.S.
Read the CBP website’s FAQ section for more information about how to access, verify, and print your electronic I-94 record.
What Happens if You Aren’t Issued Form I-94?
If you find that you do not have I-94 status on record, and you plan on staying in the U.S. for longer than 30 days, you will need to complete your registration to be in compliance with the new executive order. You can do so by filling out Form G-325R, which is an alternative way of registering your presence in the United States.
Form G-325R submissions are handled entirely online. You can register this form by creating a myUSCIS account at my.uscis.gov and following the instructions.
Departing the U.S. and I-94 Compliance
One of the most critical aspects of the I-94 is ensuring compliance with departure rules. Failure to properly check out of the U.S. can result in an official record that suggests you overstayed, which may affect future entries.
For air travelers, departure is usually recorded automatically when you leave the U.S. If you received a paper I-94, you should surrender it to a CBP officer when leaving, or to airline personnel if departing by plane. If you forget to turn in your paper I-94, you should mail it to the appropriate CBP office along with documentation proving your exit.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Form I-94 is essential for Canadians traveling to the U.S. in certain circumstances. Whether you need an I-94 for work, study, or extended stays, being informed about the process can help prevent unnecessary delays or legal complications. Before your next trip, consider reviewing your travel plans to determine if an I-94 is required and, if so, prepare accordingly to make your journey hassle-free.
FAQs About Form I-94
Do all Canadians need an I-94 to enter the U.S.?
No. Canadians entering for short visits of up to 30 days do not require an I-94. However, an I-94 is required for work, study, or extended stays. As well, President Trump’s January 2025 executive order now makes it mandatory for Canadians staying for longer than 30 days to have an I-94 or other registered status, such as Form G-325R.
Where can I check my I-94 status?
You can check and retrieve your I-94 record on the CBP website by entering your passport details.
How much does it cost to obtain an I-94?
An electronically issued I-94 can be accessed free of charge via the CBP website. The fee for a paper I-94 issued at a land border, or requested in advance via the online application form, is currently $30 USD.
How long does an I-94 allow me to stay in the U.S.?
The authorized stay depends on your visa status. Tourists are typically allowed up to six months, while work and study visas have varying durations.
Do I need to print my electronic I-94?
It is not mandatory, but printing a copy can be helpful for employment verification and travel documentation.
What happens if I overstay my I-94?
Overstaying can lead to difficulties re-entering the U.S., visa denials, and possible immigration penalties.
Can I apply for an I-94 online?
Yes. CBP allows travelers entering by land to apply for an I-94 online before arrival to expedite processing.
What should I do if I lost my paper I-94?
You can retrieve your electronic I-94 online via the CBP website. The electronic I-94 fulfills the same proof of registration requirements as the paper version.
Does automation apply to land border crossings?
Not fully. Paper I-94s are still issued at some land border crossings, but pre-applying online can speed up the process.