How to Request Your Travel Records from CBP (FOIA for LPRs)
CBP has records of every time you entered or left the United States. You can request those records through a FOIA or Privacy Act request. Here's exactly how to do it — and what to expect.
Why Request Records from CBP?
Since the I-94 website doesn't work for green card holders, a FOIA/Privacy Act request is the only way to get your official travel records from CBP. These records come from the Arrival and Departure Information System (ADIS) and show your entry/exit dates through US ports of entry.
How to Submit a Request
Step 1: Go to the DHS FOIA Portal
Visit the DHS FOIA request portal. You'll need to create an account if you don't have one. Select "CBP - Customs and Border Protection" as the component.
Step 2: Specify What You Want
In your request, be specific. Ask for: "All arrival and departure records (I-94/ADIS records) for [Your Full Name], A# [Your Alien Number], for the period from [Start Date] to [End Date]."
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
You'll need to provide a signed privacy waiver and proof of identity (copy of green card or passport). This is a Privacy Act request for your own records, so the identity verification is straightforward.
Step 4: Submit and Wait
After submission, you'll receive a confirmation with a tracking number. Now comes the hard part: waiting.
How Long Does It Take?
CBP FOIA requests typically take 40 to 90+ business days to process. Simple requests for just travel records tend to be on the faster end, but complex requests or periods of high volume can push timelines out significantly.
If you're planning to file your N-400, submit your FOIA request at least 3-4 months before you plan to file. Don't wait until you're filling out the application.
What You'll Receive
CBP will send you a document listing your entry and exit records. For each record, you'll typically see:
- Date of crossing
- Port of entry/exit
- Direction (arrival or departure)
- Method of travel (air, land, sea)
Limitations of FOIA Records
- Incomplete land border records: Prior to certain dates, land border crossings may not have been systematically recorded, especially exits
- No destination countries: CBP records show you left/entered the US, but don't always show where you went
- Missing exit records: The US historically did not record departures consistently, so some exits may be missing
- Processing time: The 40+ day wait may not align with your filing timeline
A Faster Alternative
While FOIA records are authoritative, they're slow and incomplete. TripTrace gives you the same travel dates in minutes by analyzing your credit card transactions and flight records. You get departure dates, return dates, destination countries, and confidence scores — everything Part 8 needs — without the multi-month wait.