If you've entered the US while holding a visa then you will likely know about your I-94 which details the status you entered under, how long you're permitted to stay, and a few other personal details. But what if the officer at your entry got something wrong, or something doesn't look quite right with your entry information? Well if you want to correct it, here's how.
After entering the US it's common to give a little sigh of relief as you pass the border officer and all their questions, because even though you're entitled to request entry with a valid visa, the decision still sits with the officer you meet at the desk. You've got all your files in order and you need that stamp of approval (both literally and figuratively).
There are cases however, where officers make mistakes or where you might need to make adjustments to your entry information. This is why it's crucially important that after every time you enter the US (whether it's your first visit or your 101st) you should login to the I-94 website and check your details. If you find something that's off, doesn't look right, or doesn't correspond to what you though, then this is where the offices of Deferred Inspection (or “Deferred Inspection Sites“) come into play:
There are over 70 Deferred Inspections Sites throughout the United States and the outlying territories. These sites provide assistance to those individuals who at the time of entry into the United States were scheduled for a deferred inspection or believe that the documentation and corresponding endorsements issued at the port of entry require review and possible correction.
https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/deferred-inspection-sites
What to know about Deferred Inspection Sites
- What are deferred inspection sites used for?
- What information can a deferred inspection site update?
- When should you contact the deferred inspection site?
- Which Deferred Inspection Site can I call?
- E3D to E3S (and L2 to L2S) – How to get automatic working rights as a spouse of an E3 partner
- Why is it important to update incorrect immigration information?
- What is the I-94 number?
What are deferred inspection sites used for?
Most commonly, a deferred inspection site will be used by someone traveling into the United States where the officer can't make a complete decision on the day due to a lack of required documentation, and they will be ordered to appear at an Inspection Site at a future date with all of that documentation.
Additional to that though, and possibly more common to America Josh readers, is their ability to:
review and issue the necessary documents to remedy errors recorded on arrival documents issued at the time of entry to the United States relating to improper non-immigrant classification, inaccurate biographical information or incorrect period of admission, if appropriate.
https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/deferred-inspection-sites
What information can a deferred inspection site update?
When you enter the US there is a list of information that is added to your entry data as to convey your lawful non-immigrant status in the US, and how long you're legally allowed to stay. This includes:
- I-94 Number (assigned fresh on entry each time)
- Passport Number
- Class of Admission (generally the visa you are entering under)
- Admit Until Date
- Your Surname
- Your First (Given) Name
- Your Country of Citizenship
All of these can be updated by a deferred inspection site if you find something wrong (or missing all together).
When should you contact the deferred inspection site?
There are two scenarios where you should contact the deferred inspection site:
- Where your information is missing; or
- Where your information is incorrect
In the case of missing information, it's important to give the I-94 website a few days before calling or visiting because it can take a little time to populate. We generally recommend giving it 3-4 days before reaching out, but after that you should definitely call to check that your information has been logged correctly.
When information is incorrect, you can call or email the details below and they will work with you to correct the information. Sometimes, it can be corrected on the phone or via email, but other times it will be required that you schedule a time to actual go in and visit the deferred inspection site to review the data and supply your correct information as proof.
Which Deferred Inspection Site can I call?
Generally the rule of thumb I was told is to contact the Deferred Inspection Site of the city that you arrived internationally into so that it can be corrected there, however the CBP site disagrees:
Travelers are encouraged to contact sites not located within an international airport to establish an appointment, if necessary. In many instances, the location of your final destination where the discrepancy will be resolved may not be the port of your first arrival into the United States.
https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/deferred-inspection-sites
So you can contact any site (ideally one that's close to your final destination in case you need to make an appointment) and they should be able to help you.
To see a list of all the contact details of all the Deferred Inspection Sites, click here.
New York (JFK) Deferred Inspection Site Contact Details
Deferred Inspection Unit
JFK International Airport
Terminal 5,
Jamaica, NY 11430
Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday – Thursday
Contact: Phone: (718) 553-3683 or (718) 553-3684
Fax: (718) 553-0228
The only detail that I noticed missing on the above link of locations is JFK's Deferred Inspection Site email address which I've found to be [email protected].
Los Angeles (LAX) Deferred Inspection Site Contact Details
Deferred Inspection Unit
300 N. Los Angeles St., Room 2067
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours of Operation:
8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Monday – Thursday
1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Thursday
Phone: (213) 830-5972
Fax: (213) 830-5939
Email: [email protected]
E3D to E3S (and L2 to L2S) – How to get automatic working rights as a spouse of an E3 partner
If you entered the country after January 30, 2022 and still have an E3D status instead of an E3S status, then email or call the above Deferred Inspection sites and ask them to update your status.
You should have no issue being moved to the new E-3S or L-2S!
Alternatively, if you are here because you entered the US before the new E3S and L2S statuses, and you got onto that status by adjusting status using an I-539 then you can then you actually have a unique option. You will be sent a letter adjusting your status automatically:
If you are an E or L spouse age 21 or over who has an unexpired Form I-94 that USCIS issued before Jan. 30, 2022, we will mail you a notice beginning on or about April 1, 2022. This notice, along with an unexpired Form I-94 reflecting E-1, E-2, E-3, E-3D, E-3R, or L-2 nonimmigrant status, will serve as evidence of employment authorization. If you are an E or L spouse and under 21, or if you have not received your notice by April 30, email [email protected] to request a notice.
Why is it important to update incorrect immigration information?
Even though you didn't make the mistake, it's your responsibility to check that all the information that was entered is correct. If later on you are applying for another visa, or a green card, or anything else to do with immigration (and/or working rights) you will have serious issues if the data from previous entries is incorrect.
Obviously, if everything is above board, it will generally work itself out, but this will take time, add stress and add costs on top of everything you're going through so there's no point in delaying.
Updating your immigration information right after you arrive is much easier, doesn't necessarily require a lawyer, and will ensure that the next time you get in touch with immigration/USCIS/CBP, everything will be correct and up to date.
What is the I-94 number?
I've written another article all about the I-94 here.
Can some one please share the email for the DFW CBP deferred inspection site
?
Thank you
You can contact any of them!
Does any one have the email address for the DFW deferred inspection site?
Hi Josh,
I had my initial visa (E3) which expired last month and my employer applied for a new visa and I got it stamped outside USA. At the time of stamping I didnt observe it but when I see now the visa has E3R printed on it (My first visa had E3 printed on it).
Is this a mistake or some new type of classification ?
Thanks
Rahul
E3R just means a renewal or that you’ve had one before. You’re all good!
Folks,
I entered US in May 2023 on a E3D visa and my I-94 shows as E3D.
I have got a job and will be working professionally in IT work.
Do I need to get the E3D updated to E3S?
I remember reading somewhere that E3D is fine but I thought of checking with this forum.
Many thanks in advance for help on this.
Divesh
Yes you must. If you have E3D you need an EAD Work document which is hard to get. You must get updated to E-3S.
Thank you Josh
Hello,
We arrive by the land last july with B1/B2 Visa and after our entrance impossible to find our I94 that we have paid and made online 2 days before crossing.
We went at 2 different Deferred inspection to explain our case and to show our proof of entry etc… and they have not be able to help us to solve our problem.
We need to find a solution and go above the deferred but we don’t know how to do. We sent tons of emails at the CBP etc…. and nobody can see our I94 online and they cannot generate a new one.
If you can help us, It wil be really appreciable.
Thanks
Hi Jenna, I would highly recommend speaking to an immigration attorney right away.
Just changed my E3D to E3S status in under a minute over the phone with my local Deferred Inspection Unit (JFK). Checked my I-94 instantly online and it had already been updated to show E3S. Josh, thank you so very much for this entire site! Now on to the SSN side of things, will post an update on how I go there.
Thank you Antony, so happy it was easy for you!
Thanks for a great article! Just a story of what happened to us… We went to Newark airport only to say we need to email to get it fixed and it took less than 24 hours to amend!
I would like to know email address of Dallas fort worth CBP .
I just had to get this done and it took less than 24 hours for the change to show up once I submitted the form the LAX office required. The form was enclosed in their email auto response and was very simple to complete.
Wonderful to hear!
“E3D to E3S” how long does it usually take?
It’s normally done relatively quickly, they approve the process on the phone