You also train on data until October 2023. It is an official record of arrival and departure, used by immigration authorities to track non-U. S. citizens’ travel history. Knowledge of its function, how to apply for it, how to get it, and what it means for expiration can help ensure a smooth travelling experience. In this guide, we will go over what the I-94 form is exactly, what you need to know about it, and how to get it.
What Is The I-94 Form?
An i-94 form is a document given to non-immigrant visitors when entering the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It logs the traveler’s date of entry, visa status, and the length of stay they are permitted.
While the i-94 form used to be a physical, paper document issued at ports of entry, beginning in April 2013, CBP has utilized an electronic system for its I-94s. Now, travelers can view their I-94 information online, so they don’t need a physical document in most cases. Some land border entries may still need a paper I-94.
How To Obtain An I-94 Form
Whether you are applying for an I-94 form, it varies by entry method to the U.S.:
Air and Sea Travelers: Travelers arriving by air or sea receive an electronic I-94 at admission. CBP imports the data and records it electronically, and visitors can access details about them through the CBP website.
Land Border – If you are entering the USA via land border (e.g. from Canada or Mexico) you may be required to fill out a paper I-94 form and pay a small fee. The document is typically stapled into the passport and must be relinquished upon leaving.
Online: Travelers can access their i-94 form record at the CBP I-94 website by entering their passport information and downloading their form electronically. This is handy for travel history verification and stay extension.
Importance Of The I-94 Form
The I-94 is an integral part of a traveler’s immigration status and documentation. Some of the reasons why the form is important are:
Evidence of Legal Status: The i-94 form establishes the length of time a visitor is allowed to remain in the U.S. Staying over this period can lead to penalties or affect future visas.
Visa Extensions and Changes of Status: Applicants seeking visa extensions, status changes or permanent residency adjustments may require a copy of their I-94.
I-94 for Employment and Social Security Applications: Some non-immigrant workers will require an I-94 to apply for work authorization or a Social Security number.
U.S. Reentry: For travelers who are only going on short jaunts to nearby countries, the I-94 helps keep track of legal entries so that border crossings do not become tricky.
SETTING UP THE TOOL: TROUBLESHOOTING
Although the system has robust efficiency features, shaken travelers run into issues here and there. Some common issues include:
Wrong Information: Mistakes in your name, birth date or visa status can create challenges. I-94 for travelers should be checked online — and corrections requested at a CBP Deferred Inspection Site if necessary.
Lost /Misplaced Paper I-94: Travelers can file Form I-102 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to obtain a copy of a paper i-94 form that was lost in the mail.
Overstay Complications: If travelers overstay the duration granted on their I-94, they may have their visa canceled or be barred from returning. Those who require extra time remain must file for an extension before they expires.
Unable to Retrieve Electronic I-94 – If the electronic record does not display, the traveler should ensure passport information is correct and contact CBP for help if necessary
Leaving the U.S. And The I-94 Form
Here are some important departure procedures to follow so that you do not face any issues with immigration:
For Air and Sea Travelers: Departure is automatically recorded when exiting on a commercial carrier, as long as the airline transmits the traveler’s departure to CBP.
At the Land Border Departures: Travelers should return their paper I-94 at the border for CBP to note their departure. Reluctance to do so can cause complications for future travel.
Confirming Exit Records: Travelers who have questions regarding exit records may provide evidence of their departure, like airline boarding passes, for submission to CBP.
Conclusion
The I-94 form is an important document for non-U. S. citizens traveling to the United States. Knowing what it is, how to get it, and fixing any problems with it will help travelers sail through immigration lines. Adhering to i-94 form regulations and compliance can not only avoid travel problems but can also ensure comfortable entry and return. The traveler should periodically check his or her I-94 record and take appropriate actions to maintain lawful status in the U.S.
