WRONG STATUS RECORDED AT ENTRY
An electronic I-94 can contain an incorrect nonimmigrant classification because of an error made during admission processing. CBP Deferred Inspection Sites specifically have authority to review and correct improper nonimmigrant classification recorded at entry when appropriate.
The Form I-94 is the CBP arrival and departure record used to document the traveler’s admission, including the visa or immigration classification and authorized period of stay.
Air and sea I-94 processing is generally electronic. Travelers can retrieve the current I-94 from CBP’s I-94 system and should verify the class of admission after entry.
A valid visa in the passport does not correct a wrong class entered into the admission record.
Current CBP guidance expressly states that Deferred Inspection staff can remedy errors made at entry involving improper nonimmigrant classification when appropriate.
Deferred Inspection corrects a CBP error made when the traveler entered. It does not allow a traveler who was correctly admitted in one status to voluntarily change to another status after entry.
If the I-94 accurately reflects the class CBP intentionally granted, a desired change of status is generally a USCIS issue rather than a CBP correction.
Current CBP guidance states that a designated Deferred Inspection location or qualifying CBP office at an international airport should generally be able to assist with admission-document corrections regardless of where the original document was issued.
Travelers should check the specific site’s procedures and appointment requirements.
If the classification was entered incorrectly at admission, CBP Deferred Inspection can review and correct the entry error when appropriate.
Not merely because the traveler prefers a different status. Deferred Inspection addresses errors made at entry, while a voluntary change of status is generally handled by USCIS if available.
CBP states that designated Deferred Inspection locations can generally assist regardless of where the original admission document was issued.
These government materials provide the principal I-94, admission-period and Deferred Inspection rules discussed on this page.
An incorrect I-94 classification can affect work authorization, status documentation and later immigration filings even when the traveler presented the correct visa at entry.