For non-U. S. citizens entering the country from abroad. It is used as an official record of arrival and departure and is issued through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). For both visitors, students, and temporary workers alike, understanding the I94 form and its significance is important for maintaining legal status and ensuring a seamless immigration experience.
What Is The I94 Form?
The I94 form: The I-94 form is a document that is given to foreign nationals when they enter the United States. It tracks the travelers entry and type of entry, as well as the length of stay authorized. Once a physical card that was issued to foreign visitors when they entered the U.S. at a port of entry, i94 is now mostly electronic and can be found through the CBP website.
Who Needs An I94 Form?
An I94 is required for many visitors who are not immigrants when they enter the United States on land, by air or at sea. ESTA is one of the programs under VWP, and travelers coming under do not get, the entry is recorded electronically in another manner.
Purpose of the I-94 Form
Admission to the U.S. – The I94 serves as a record of the traveler’s admission to the U.S.
Determines Authorized Stay — The form indicates how long a traveler is allowed to stay.
Employment and Immigration Applications – This is typically needed when applying for work permit, visa renewals or changes in immigration status.
Re-entry into the U.S. — The I94 record may be verified when leaving and returning to the country.
How To Obtain An I94 Form
Upon Arrival
Air and Sea Travelers: The is created electronically during the inspection process. Guide-To-CBP-Form-I94-Information Online.
Land Travelers: Individuals entering by land travel are still issued a paper I-94 card. They might apply for an I-94 at the port of entry and pay a nominal fee.
Checking I-94 Status
Travelers can access and print their records online by inputting their passport information on the CBP I94 website. This is important for proof of authorized stay and to apply for certain immigration and immigration-related applications.
Corrections and Errors
If discrepancies are found in the I-94 record, travelers can reach out to the CBP at a Deferred Inspection Site or can go to a CBP office located in an international airport to request for corrections.
I-94 Departure Record
When the visitor exits the country, their departure information is updated in electronic records. For land entries, travelers may have to surrender their paper I-94 when they leave. Not doing so could complicate matters when re-entering the U.S.
Common Problems And How To Solve Them I94
Overstay the Allowed Period
Overstaying the I94 and subjecting to visa overstay penalties or future entry bans.
Travelers can extend their stay by submitting Form I-539 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to the expiration of the I94.
Lost or Misplaced I-94
Lost paper I-94 must be applied for a replacement by the traveler through Form I-102 along the fee.
Issue does not affect most travelers as electronic I-94 records can be retrieved online.
My Visa Expires Earlier Than My I-94
The visa expiry date and I-94 expiry date can be different. If you have a visa for a year, but at the same time, your I-94 says only six months, travelers in lawfully presence in the U.S. under the I-94, not the visa date.
Different Visa Categories & Importance Of The I94 Form
Tourists (B1/B2 Visa): Follow expiration to prevent overstays
Students (F-1 Visa): D/S, or Duration of Status, as shown on the I-94, meaning they can remain for as long as they continue to be students.
Workers (H-1B, L-1 Visas): Must match their employment authorization period on his or her I-94.
What’s Next?
The I94 is one key document that all foreign travelers entering the U.S. should know. It dictates how long a visitor can remain, and acts as proof of legal entry. It is suggested that travelers can avoid unnecessary legal complications by regularly checking their I94 status and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Whether you’re here for tourism, work, or study, understanding how to access and update your I-94 record is crucial for a smooth experience in the United States.
