I-94 Wrong? Fix It Fast, Protect Your Status

Understand how deferred inspection and I-94 admission corrections work so you can fix government errors fast, avoid unlawful presence, and protect your status.

Conversational overview: why admission errors are so dangerous

You arrive tired, clear inspection, go home, and only days later you check your I-94 online and see the nightmare: wrong status, wrong class of admission, or a shortened expiration date that cuts months off your stay. It feels like your entire plan in the U.S. is at risk. The good news: when the problem is a CBP error, there is a structured way to fix it—often through deferred inspection sites and related channels—before it turns into unlawful presence, loss of work authorization, or a future visa denial.

What is deferred inspection and when is it used?

Deferred inspection at entry: pending decision, not a denial

Deferred inspection is a procedure used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when the officer at the port of entry cannot complete the admissibility decision on the spot. Instead of refusing admission immediately, CBP may parole the traveler into the U.S. temporarily and refer them to a Deferred Inspection Site to present additional documents and finalize the decision later. 0

During this period, the traveler is not yet fully admitted in the requested status, but also is not simply “illegal.” The case is still pending, and the person must appear at the deferred inspection appointment with the requested evidence.

Deferred inspection for correcting admission records

Beyond pending cases, many Deferred Inspection Sites now serve a second crucial function: correcting clear CBP errors on the Form I-94, including:

• Wrong class of admission (e.g., F-1 recorded as B-2).
• Incorrect admit-until date that does not match the underlying approval notice or “D/S”.
• Mismatched or missing name, passport number, or date of birth.
• No I-94 created at all after a lawful entry.

These offices are meant to fix government mistakes, not to grant extra time or change status by discretion. Requests to extend, change, or adjust status go to USCIS, not to deferred inspection officers. 1

Correcting admission errors: practical and legal framework

Step 1: Check your I-94 immediately

After each entry, retrieve your I-94 from the official CBP website and confirm:

• Name matches your passport.
• Class of admission matches visa/approval (H-1B, L-1, F-1, O-1, etc.).
• Admit-until date matches your approval notice or “D/S” when applicable.
• Passport number and country are correct.

Many high-risk problems (unintended overstays, unauthorized work) start with a small typo that nobody corrects in time.

Step 2: Identify if it is a CBP error or a real legal limit

Immigration strategy depends on whether the issue is:

• Government error: e.g., CBP shortened your stay below your petition validity, mis-typed class, or skipped “D/S”. This is what deferred inspection can fix.
• Substantive decision: CBP intentionally admitted you for a shorter period or in a different status based on facts at the border. This usually cannot be “corrected” by arguing typo; it may require a new filing or travel.

Step 3: Use remote channels before in-person deferred inspection

In many cases, you can start by using CBP’s electronic channels (such as the Traveler Communications Center / “Ask CBP” webform) to request an I-94 correction. If that does not resolve the issue, contacting a Deferred Inspection Site—some accept email; others require in-person visits—is the next step. 2

Prepare clear, organized evidence:

• Copy of incorrect I-94.
• Passport biographic page.
• Visa stamp and I-797/I-129S or other approval notices, if applicable.
• Entry stamp (if any) and travel itinerary/boarding passes.
• Short written explanation highlighting the error and requested correction.

Step 4: Understand what deferred inspection cannot do

Deferred inspection officers generally cannot:

• Extend a correctly issued I-94 just because you prefer more time.
• Override USCIS decisions or approve change/extension of status.
• “Backdate” unlawful presence away if the problem was your delay in acting.

Requests to extend or change status must follow normal USCIS procedures; deferred inspection is for fixing admission record inaccuracies, not for strategic time extensions. 3

Real-life styled examples and models

Example 1: H-1B admitted with B-2 by mistake

An employee enters with a valid H-1B approval through October 2027. Online I-94 shows B-2 visitor, 6-month stay. This is a classic CBP error. The employer’s counsel gathers the I-797, visa, passport, and I-94 and contacts CBP via TCC. When unresolved, they schedule with Deferred Inspection. CBP corrects the I-94 to H-1B through 2027. Result: work authorization preserved, no unlawful presence.

Example 2: F-1 student missing “D/S”

A student’s I-94 is issued with a fixed date instead of D/S. University DSO flags the risk: if not fixed, the student could appear out of status after that date. With passport, I-20, and entry records, the student requests correction. Deferred inspection updates to “D/S,” aligning with regulations and avoiding technical violations.

Example 3: No I-94 after lawful entry

A traveler in L-1 status cannot find their new I-94 online. Payroll and I-9 verification stall. Using CBP contact plus deferred inspection, they confirm the admission and generate the missing electronic I-94, restoring documentary proof of lawful status.

Common pitfalls when trying to correct admission errors

• Waiting months to check the I-94 and discovering the error after the “expiration”.
• Assuming the visa expiration date controls stay, instead of the I-94.
• Trying to “extend” a correct I-94 via deferred inspection instead of filing with USCIS.
• Traveling or changing employers without first fixing a clear I-94 mistake.
• Sending incomplete documentation, vague explanations, or contradictory dates.
• Ignoring professional advice when the record suggests possible unlawful presence.

Conclusion: treat I-94 corrections as urgent risk management

Errors in your admission record are not just technical details; they control whether you are lawfully present, permitted to work, and eligible for future immigration benefits. The deferred inspection mechanism and CBP correction channels exist precisely to fix genuine mistakes—but they work best when you act quickly, bring strong documentation, and understand their limits.

If your situation involves more than a clear typo—or if time has already passed—consider involving a qualified immigration attorney to design a strategy that combines corrections, USCIS filings, and, when necessary, new travel to realign your record.

These explanations are general information and do not replace individual legal advice from a qualified immigration professional who can analyze your specific case, timelines, and risk exposure.