Form I-94 Online: Understanding Your Travel Record

Form I-94 is a crucial document for travelers entering the United States, as it records their arrival and departure information. Understanding how to access and interpret your Form I-94 online can help ensure accurate travel records and facilitate various immigration processes. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of Form I-94 online, including how to access it, what information it contains, and its significance for travelers and immigration procedures.

What Is Form I-94?

Form I-94, also known as the Arrival-Departure Record, is an essential document issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to non-immigrant visitors upon their arrival in the United States. It serves as evidence of lawful admission into the country and contains crucial information regarding the individual’s arrival and departure details.

Key aspects of Form I-94 include:

• Personal Information – The form includes the traveler’s biographical information, such as full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and visa classification.
• Admission Record – Form I-94 records the date and port of entry into the United States, along with the admission class and the duration of authorized stay.
• Unique Identifier – Each Form I-94 has a unique admission number, which is used to track the individual’s entry and exit from the United States.
• Duration of Stay – The form specifies the period for which the individual is authorized to remain in the United States. This may vary based on visa type and other factors.
• Departure Record – When the individual departs from the United States, their departure date is recorded on Form I-94, indicating the end of their authorized stay.

Form I-94 plays a crucial role in various immigration processes, including applying for extensions of stay, changing non-immigrant status, and verifying eligibility for certain benefits and privileges while in the United States. Travelers need to keep their Form I-94 secure and accessible throughout their stay in the country.

Who Requires Form I-94?

Form I-94 is required for individuals entering the United States who fall under the following categories:

• Non-immigrant Visitors – Individuals traveling to the United States for temporary purposes, such as tourism, business, study, or medical treatment, must have a Form I-94.
• Foreign Students – International students enrolled in academic programs at U.S. educational institutions require Form I-94 to document their lawful entry into the country and the duration of their authorized stay.
• Temporary Workers – Non-immigrant workers holding visas for employment purposes, such as H-1B, L-1, or E-2 visas, must possess Form I-94 to validate their authorized period of stay in the United States.
• Exchange Visitors – Participants in exchange visitor programs, including scholars, professors, researchers, and interns, are required to have Form I-94 to indicate their lawful admission and duration of stay.
• Asylees and Refugees – Individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the United States receive Form I-94 as evidence of their lawful admission and eligibility for certain benefits.
• Other Non-immigrants – Various categories of non-immigrant visa holders, including diplomats, representatives of international organizations, and certain individuals participating in cultural exchange programs, are also required to possess Form I-94.

It is essential for individuals falling under these categories to obtain and retain their Form I-94, as it serves as proof of lawful admission into the United States and may be required for various immigration-related purposes during their stay in the country.

How To Obtain a Form I-94

To obtain Form I-94, travelers have two options: obtaining a paper version upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry or accessing the electronic version online. Here’s how to get both versions:

Paper Form I-94

1. Upon Arrival – When arriving at a U.S. port of entry, such as an airport, seaport, or land border crossing, travelers will undergo immigration inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. Upon successful inspection, CBP will issue a paper Form I-94 to the traveler.
2. Verification – It’s crucial to ensure the accuracy of the information on the paper Form I-94, including name, date of birth, passport number, and admission class. Any discrepancies should be immediately brought to the attention of CBP officers for correction.

Online Form I-94

1. Visit the CBP Website – Travelers can access their electronic Form I-94 online through the CBP website. The website provides a convenient portal for retrieving and printing Form I-94.
2. Enter Required Information – To retrieve the electronic Form I-94, travelers need to provide specific information, including their passport number, country of issuance, and date of entry into the United States.
3. Retrieve and Print – Once the required information is entered correctly, travelers can retrieve their electronic Form I-94 and print a copy for their records. The electronic version serves the same purpose as the paper version and is valid proof of lawful admission into the United States.

Both paper and electronic versions of Form I-94 are essential documents that travelers should retain throughout their stay in the United States. They serve as proof of lawful admission and may be required for various immigration-related purposes, such as applying for employment authorization, extending stay, or changing immigration status.

What Are the Costs for Form I-94?

Form I-94 does not have any associated costs for travelers entering the United States. It is provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) free of charge upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry. Whether obtained as a paper form or electronically, there are no fees involved in acquiring Form I-94.

However, it’s essential to note that while there are no costs for obtaining Form I-94 itself, travelers may incur expenses related to their travel, such as visa fees, transportation costs, and any applicable fees for visa application processes. Additionally, individuals who require a replacement or correction of Form I-94 may need to pay certain fees for those services, depending on the circumstances.

What Is the I-94 Number Used For?

Your I-94 number is a unique identifier assigned to you upon entry into the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Understanding this number is essential, as it plays a crucial role in various immigration-related processes. Here’s what you need to know about your I-94 number:

• Unique Identifier – Your I-94 number is a unique combination of letters and numbers assigned to you each time you enter the United States. It serves as a specific identifier for your admission record.
• Record of Arrival and Departure – The I-94 number is linked to your arrival and departure record, documenting your lawful admission into the United States and the duration of your authorized stay.
• Verification – It’s essential to verify the accuracy of your I-94 number, along with other information on your Form I-94, such as your name, date of birth, passport number, and visa classification. Any discrepancies should be promptly addressed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
• Immigration Processes – Your I-94 number is used in various immigration processes, including applying for extensions of stay, changing non-immigrant status, or verifying eligibility for certain benefits and privileges while in the United States.
• Retention – It’s crucial to retain your Form I-94, which contains your I-94 number, throughout your stay in the United States. This document serves as proof of lawful admission and may be required for various immigration-related purposes during your time in the country.

Understanding your I-94 number and the associated Form I-94 is essential for maintaining accurate immigration records and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws and regulations. It’s advisable to keep this document secure and readily accessible throughout your stay in the United States.

All You Need To Know About Form I-94

Understanding Form I-94 is crucial for travelers entering the United States. This document serves as proof of lawful admission and contains essential information about your arrival and authorized stay in the country. By knowing how to obtain, verify, and retain your Form I-94, you can navigate various immigration processes with confidence and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

Whether obtained as a paper form or electronically, Form I-94 plays a significant role in maintaining accurate immigration records and facilitating smooth travel experiences. Stay informed and attentive to the details of your Form I-94 to make the most of your time in the United States.