Date and Place of Last Arrival on Form I-765: How to Answer It Correctly
When completing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, many applicants get stuck on Part 2, Items 22 and 23. These questions ask for your date of last arrival and place of last arrival in the United States. The wording seems simple, but real travel histories often make it confusing.
This guide explains exactly what U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) wants, how to find the correct answers, and how to avoid mistakes that can delay your employment authorization.
Key Takeaways
- Place of last arrival means the U.S. port of entry where you were last inspected by CBP, not your final destination.
- Date of last arrival is the most recent date you entered the U.S., even if the trip was brief.
- Your answers should match your I-94 record, which USCIS relies on electronically.
- Layovers, advance parole travel, and preclearance locations can affect your answers, so always verify before submitting Form I-765.
Use Your Form I-94 to Answer These Questions Correctly
For most applicants, the easiest and most accurate way to answer both the date and place of last arrival on Form I-765 is to use your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record →
Form I-94 is the official record that shows when and where you were last admitted to the United States. It is the same information relied on by USCIS when reviewing your application.
Using your I-94 helps ensure consistency across USCIS systems and reduces the risk of delays caused by mismatched travel information.
What Does “Place of Last Arrival” Mean on Form I-765?
The place of last arrival is the U.S. port of entry where you were last inspected and admitted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
This is usually:
- The airport where you first landed in the United States on your most recent trip;
- The land border crossing where CBP inspected you; or
- The seaport where you entered by ship.
It is not your final destination inside the United States if you had a domestic connection. For example, if you flew Paris → New York (JFK) → Dallas, your place of last arrival is likely New York, not Dallas. That is where CBP inspected you.
What to Enter for Place of Last Arrival (Common Scenarios)
Entering the U.S. by Air
Use the airport or city of your first U.S. landing where you cleared immigration. This is often shown on your I-94 record.
Entering by Land
List the land port of entry, such as a border crossing or inspection station. Filers who did not have a lawful entry may generally list the city or region where they crossed the border.
Entering by Sea
Use the U.S. seaport where you were inspected.
Exception: CBP Preclearance Locations
Sometimes Customs and Border Protection does the inspection at a preclearance location outside the United States (such as certain Canadian or Irish airports). If you were inspected at a preclearance location, use that city and airport. USCIS still treats it as your place of arrival.
When in doubt, always follow what appears on your I-94.
What Is the “Date of Last Arrival” on Form I-765?
The date of last arrival is the most recent date you entered the United States, regardless of how long you stayed abroad.
It is not:
- Your first arrival ever
- The date your visa was issued
- The date your current status began
If you left the U.S. and returned, even briefly, that return date is your last arrival.
If you want extra confidence when preparing Form I-765, CitizenPath provides clear instructions written for everyday people. The affordable service checks for mistakes and builds a tailored checklist so you know exactly what to submit. You pay only when you’re satisfied and ready to download your I-765 package.
How to Find Your Correct Date of Last Arrival
You can usually find the correct date in one of these places:
- Your I-94 travel record
- The admission stamp in your passport
- USCIS approval notices (in limited cases)
If your passport stamp and I-94 show different dates, use the I-94 date, since that is what USCIS relies on electronically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants make avoidable errors that cause confusion or delays:
- Entering a final destination city instead of the port of entry
- Using the first U.S. arrival date instead of the most recent
- Guessing instead of checking the I-94 record
- Entering information that does not match other USCIS forms
Taking a few minutes to verify your travel history can prevent requests for evidence later.
FAQs About Place and Date of Last Arrival on Form I-765
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