How to Record Departure from the United States, After the Fact

When you enter the United States, an immigration official will place a Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record in your passport.  In most cases, a specific date will be indicated on the Form I-94. This is the date by which you must leave the United States.  Please remember to return your I-94 card to the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) official upon departure from the United States. If you return home with your Form I-94 in your passport, then your departure from the United States may not have been recorded properly, and DHS may conclude you remained in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website  to learn how to correct this record.

If you do not validate a timely departure from the United States, or if you cannot reasonably prove otherwise when you next apply for admission to the United States, DHS may conclude you remained in the United States beyond your authorized stay.  If this happens, your visa may be subject to cancellation or you may be returned immediately to your foreign point of origin.