Admission for Duration of Status

You have been admitted to the United States as an F-1/J-1 student for “duration of status,” noted as “D/S” on both your I- 94 arrival record and passport. “Duration of Status” means you may remain in the U.S. for the period in which you are pursuing a full course of study. If you are a full time student and properly maintain your F-1/J-1 status, it does not matter if your visa expires while you are in the United States.

I-94 Arrival/departure record

I-94 Arrival/departure record - is your Admission Number, your immigration status, your date of entry, and the length of time that your status is valid. A notation of “D/S” means that your F- 1/J-1 is valid for “duration of status” or the time it will take to complete your degree program as a full-time F-1 student, or “program of study” as a J-1 exchange visiting student, as listed on your DS-2019. It is important to keep this record all the time for obtaining any future immigration benefits including a Social Security Card, Driver’s License or State ID, travel signature, or employment authorization. Read more about I-94 record.

Obtaining I-94 (arrival/departure record)

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) creates electronic I-94 records at all airports and seaports. You must access your I-94 record after entering the United States. Once you accessed the record, review all information and ensure that it is correct. Print out your I-94 record and keep it with your other immigration documents. You will include your I-94 record as part of the mandatory online check-in. The electronic I-94 record will continue to be available to you while you remain in the United States. Once you depart the United States, your electronic I-94 record will no longer be available for you to view. Each time you re-enter the Unites States, a new electronic I-94 will be created.

If you are unable to access your I-94 record or if any of the information is incorrect, meet with an ISS advisor.