A traveler to the United States may need to work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to correct his or her I-94 record if the data it contains is inaccurate. For example, a Canadian citizen may have a previously-approved L-1A petition that remains valid, but be admitted to the U.S. as a B-2 visitor after a brief vacation to Mexico. In this situation, the I-94 card will require correction to document the traveler’s current work-authorization (especially if it will later be used in a green card application).
There is no standardized way to correct an I-94 card, but it always begins with contacting a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Deferred Inspection Site.
The Deferred Inspection Site staff is also available to review and issue the necessary documents to remedy errors recorded on arrival documents issued at the time of entry to the United States relating to improper non-immigrant classification, inaccurate biographical information or incorrect period of admission, if appropriate. Any designated deferred inspection location or CBP office located within an international airport should be able to assist you, regardless of where the actual document was issued.
After the Deferred Inspection Site replies to your initial inquiry, correcting an I-94 card is usually a straightforward matter of following their instructions.
Each Deferred Inspection Site will give slightly different instructions. Lawyers representing clients requesting an I-94 correction may need to complete DHS Form 590 in addition to Form G-28. Deferred Inspection Sites may also use an Application for Correction of Arrival / Departure Form (I-94). Although this document does not appear to be an official DHS form, travelers will likely find that providing this information simplifies the process of correcting their I-94 record.
In some cases, the Deferred Inspection Site may instruct the traveler to complete an I-94 application and pay the fee online. The traveler (or his or her attorney) may then send the completed forms, copies of passports and visas, and proof of payment to the Deferred Inspection Site by fax or e-mail, and receive a reply confirming that the I-94 record has been updated.
In other cases, the traveler may need to appear in-person to request correction of his or her I-94 record. If so, the traveler should bring (1) his or her valid passport, (2) any documents confirming the correct non-immigrant category, such as an I-797 approval notice from USCIS or a previous I-94 record. If any dependents need a corrected I-94 record, they should appear with documents confirming the family relationship as well (e.g. birth certificate or marriage certificate).