my experience to correct my i-94 information

by microknife

When I entered the US, although my H1B is valid until Oct, 2009, my passport
will expire in July, 2008. The officer at the airport told me that he could
not stamp my i-94 period of admission as valid through Oct, 2009 but just
as Jan, 2008 (6 months before my passport expires) and I should renew my
passport first then go to a local US Customs and Border Protection office
and Deferred Inspection branch to CORRECT my i-94 record. The following is
the procedure I have done to correct my information:

1. go to Washington DC Chinese embassy to get a new passport.

2. look at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/deferred_inspection/overview_deferred_inspection.xml
, you can find the pdf link at the right upper corner which includes the address and phone number for every Deferred Inspection office in the U.S. Generally, you should call the office in advance to make an appointment then talk to the officer face-to-face. There’s NO mail service to correct your i-94 information, so you MUST go to their office.

3. go to the office and talk to the officer, explain your reason why you
need the correction. The corrections they can help include: improper non-
immigrant classification, inaccurate biographical information or incorrect
period of admission (some stupid guys at the airport may use your VISA
expiration date as your period of admission which is absolutedly WRONG!).

4. when the officer issues your new i-94, make sure he still uses the OLD
i-94 number.

5. other information: The Deferred Inspection Sites will only correct
errors made at the time of entry. You must contact U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS) if you wish to: replace a lost, stolen, or
mutilated Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record or Form I-95, Crewman's
Landing Permit; apply to extend your stay in the United States; or, change
your immigration status. Specific information can be found on the USCIS Web
site.