A I-94 form is an important document provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to monitor the arrival and departure of non-U. S. citizens are coming into the United States. It serves an important function in establishing the legal status and granted period of residence of foreign visitors. So, when traveling to the United States for business, tourism or study, knowing the I-94 form and the importance of it will help you follow the U.S. immigration laws. In this guide, learn all about the I-94 form and its purpose, how to access this form, and some important considerations for travelers.
What Is The I-94 Form?
The i-94 form is your official record of a non-immigrant’s entry and departure to the United States. Traditionally, it was a physical document provided to travelers at entry ports. But in 2013, CBP switched to an electronic system that allowed travelers to retrieve their arrival and departure records online.
Who Needs An I-94 Form?
Most non-U. For U. S. citizens who come to the United States on a visa category, live on an I-94. That includes people coming from:
B1/B2 visitors visa (business and tourism)
F-1 student visas
H-1B work visas
J-1 exchange visitor visas
Other types of temporary visas
Travelers using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and entering the U.S. via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) are given an I-94W form in its place.
How To Access The I-94 Form
Following the transition to digital documentation, travelers can access their I-94 records online as follows:
Check your details on the official CBP
Select “Get Most Recent I-94.”
Complete the necessary information regarding passport number, name and date of birth.
Log in, get and download your electronic I-94 record – for your own personal use or for travel documentation.
What The I-94 Form Information Means
Here are a few key pieces of information in the I-94 form:
Admission Number: Identifies traveler upon entry
Class of Admission (COA): The visa category the traveler are admitted.
Date of Entry: The date the person entered the United States
Admit Until Date: The date the traveler is no longer authorized to stay in the U.S.
Importance Of The I-94 Form
The form has at least 3 purposes:
Evidence of Legal Status: Establishes the individual’s lawful admission and lawful presence.
Understanding exemptions: Employers that review I-94 form during the employment verification process may be able to apply for one of two exemptions.
Visa Extension and Change of Status Applications: An I-94 is used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for visa extensions or changes.
Travel and Re-entering the U.S.: Certain visa categories require the I-94 form be presented during travel and re-entering procedures;
What To Do In Case Of An Error On The I-94 Form?
Errors on the I-94 form — such as having the wrong date or not being classified under the correct visa category — can result in legal complications. Travelers must address discrepancies immediately:
Going to your nearest CBP Deferred Inspection Site
The best thing you can start with is to reach out to CBP by their online inquiry system.
Consult an immigration lawyer if required.
You are only allowed to stay for up to six months at a time, but you can apply to extend your status or to change your status once you have entered the country.
However, if a traveler wants to stay in the U.S. after the expiration date listed on his or her I-94 form, that traveler must apply for an extension or change of status prior to the expiration date. This procedure requires filing Form I-539 with USCIS as well as supplementary evidence.
Leaving The United States And The I-94 Form
When someone departs the U.S., their departure is recorded electronically, closing their I-94 form record. In scenarios where the exits are not registered, travelers can be asked to provide evidence of departure, like Boarding passes, or exit stamps, to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to avoid future complications.
The Bottom Lines
The I-94 form is a key part of the U.S. immigration system, allowing foreign visitors to keep legal status while in the country. Knowing how to locate, confirm and leverage the I-94 properly can help you avoid legal problems and provide seamless travel. Regardless of whether you are in the country for leisure, work, or study, it is important to monitor your I-94 record for your compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Awareness is key, enabling travelers to proceed with their visit confidently and avoid unwanted complications.
