What is I-94?
The I-94 travel record, formally known as the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, is issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to track the arrival and departure of non-immigrant visitors to the United States, except for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, returning resident aliens, and most Canadian visitors.
This document serves as evidence of a visitor’s lawful admission, detailing their entry date, visa status, and authorized length of stay.
Since April 2013, the I-94 has transitioned largely to an electronic system for air and sea arrivals, with records accessible online at the CBP website. Travelers can review and print their I-94 records by entering their passport information, which is useful for various verification purposes.
For land entries, CBP still uses a paper I-94 form, which must be kept until departure. It’s essential for visitors to check their I-94 for accuracy promptly after entry and report any errors to CBP or a Deferred Inspection Site. Overstaying the period specified on the I-94 can result in severe consequences, such as being barred from re-entering the U.S. for a period or facing difficulties in obtaining future visas.
To avoid these issues, visitors should apply for an extension of stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) well before their current status expires. For assistance, travelers can contact the CBP information center or seek guidance from immigration attorneys. Regularly monitoring the I-94 status helps maintain lawful presence and compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Where can I find my I-94?
There are places where you can find your i-94. Let me help you with that.
Paper I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
The paper I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, still used for land border entries into the United States, is a small white card issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This form, stapled into the traveler’s passport upon entry, includes vital information such as the visitor’s name, arrival date, and authorized length of stay. The traveler must retain this card and surrender it upon departure. Ensuring accuracy on the paper I-94 is crucial, as any discrepancies can affect legal status. Visitors can check and correct their information at a CBP office or Deferred Inspection Site if needed.
Electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
The electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, implemented for air and sea entries into the United States, is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and replaces the need for a physical form. Upon entry, travelers’ information is automatically recorded in an electronic system, which includes their name, arrival date, and authorized length of stay. Visitors can access and print their I-94 records online via the CBP website using their passport details.
This streamlined process reduces paperwork and simplifies verification for various purposes, such as employment or government services. It is crucial for travelers to check their electronic I-94 for accuracy and report any discrepancies to CBP or a Deferred Inspection Site to ensure their legal status remains unaffected.
If a paper I-94 record is issued at entry points, it is typically stapled to the traveler’s passport or other travel documents.
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