How to Check Your U.S. Entry and Exit Dates (I-94 Travel History Record)
If you’ve ever filed a U.S. tax return or applied for a visa extension, you’ve probably come across the term “I-94 Travel History” — but what exactly is it, and how do you check yours?
Whether you’re an international student, J-1 participant, or other nonresident, knowing your exact entry and exit dates is essential for correctly filing your taxes and maintaining immigration compliance.
In this guide, J1 Summer Tax Back explains how to access, verify, and correct your U.S. entry and exit records online using the official CBP I-94 system.
When Do I Need My U.S. Travel History?
Your U.S. travel records are vital when:
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Filing your nonresident tax return (Form 1040-NR)
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Completing the Substantial Presence Test to determine your tax residency
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Applying for or renewing a U.S. visa or Green Card
If your travel dates are incorrect or incomplete, it could lead to delays or rejections in immigration applications or errors in your tax filing.
Having accurate I-94 data ensures your tax residency status is properly determined — a key factor that impacts how much tax you owe and which forms you must file.
What Is Form I-94?
Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to every foreign national entering the U.S.
It serves as your official record of arrival and departure and is automatically updated each time you enter or leave the country.
The U.S. government uses this record to confirm that you’ve departed before your visa expires — making it a crucial document for every nonresident.
How to Check Your U.S. Entry and Exit Dates
You can access your I-94 record online for free.
Here’s how:
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Go to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) I-94 website
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Click on “View Travel History”
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Accept the security disclaimer (“Consent & Continue”)
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Enter your name, date of birth, passport number, and country of citizenship
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Your full travel history will appear — you can view, download, or print it for your records
The CBP keeps I-94 travel records for the past five years.
What Information Do You Need?
To retrieve your travel history, you’ll need:
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First and last name
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Date of birth
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Passport number
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Country of citizenship
If you changed your passport recently, use your previous passport number to access older visits.
What If My I-94 Is Incorrect?
If your travel record shows wrong dates or missing entries, contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immediately to request a correction.
What If My I-94 Is Lost or Stolen?
If you lose your I-94, take these steps:
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Report it to your local police station
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Contact USCIS to apply for a replacement
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You can also download a copy of your I-94 from the CBP website at no cost
FAQs About I-94 Travel History
1. How accurate do my dates need to be?
Try to be as precise as possible — small differences won’t usually cause issues, but accurate data helps determine your Substantial Presence Test correctly.
2. My I-94 record shows no results. Why?
The system displays trips made with your current passport. Use your old passport number(s) to check previous entries.
3. Should I include short trips, like winter breaks?
Yes. Even brief trips in and out of the U.S. count toward your days of presence, which affect your residency status.
4. I visited the U.S. years ago — should I include that?
Yes. You must include all entry and exit dates since your first visit, as they’re used to determine your residency status.
Need Help Determining Your U.S. Tax Residency?
Your tax residency depends on your complete travel history — every day matters.
With J1 Summer Tax Back, you can easily:
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🧾 Determine your residency status
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✅ Prepare your 1040-NR tax return
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💸 Claim eligible refunds
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💬 Receive full support from tax experts for nonresidents
Stay compliant and confident — start your tax return today with J1 Summer Tax Back.