What is Form i-94

One such essential document during the visa application process is Form I-94, an official record of a foreign national’s arrival and departure. Air, land, or sea, this is an important document in establishing how long users can stay, and how they can remain in lawful status in the United States.

In this informative guide you are gonna learn about Form what is form i-94, how to obtain it, why it matters, how to extend or fix it, along with common questions in order for travelers to stay compliant with U.S. immigration policy.

What is Form I-94?

CBP issues a Form what is form i-94, an electronic or paper document, to foreign nationals upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry. It is also proof of lawful admission and includes information regarding the traveler’s immigration status, date of arrival and authorized period of stay.

Previously, Form I-94 was a physical card adhered to a passport when entering the country. But in 2013, CBP moved to an electronic system for air and sea arrivals that help speed things along considerably. Travelers entering by land are still issued a paper I-94.

Where to Find Form What is form i-94

For most travelers, it’s recorded electronically — and they can find their record online, at the CBP’s what is form i-94 website (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov). Travelers can access their I-94, and print it for documentation purposes, by entering their passport information.

Those arriving overland are issued a paper form, which must be kept safe, because it must be returned on departure.

Importance of Form I-94

While there are several reasons for this, Form what is form i-94 is perhaps the most important.

Proof of Legal Entry: Shows that a traveler legally entered the U.S. and what their status is (i.e., tourist, student, worker).

Determines Length of Stay — The “Admit Until Date” on the I-94 establishes the final day that a traveler can legally stay in the country.

Needed in Application for Various Applications: Required in receiving a Social Security Number (SSN), driver’s license, employee verification, or visa extensions.

Travel Essential: Overstay Consequences: If not able to depart before said expiration date, the ability to apply for a case in order to depart legally could render you ineligible for future travel cases.

How to Extend or Correct Your What is form i-94

On occasion a traveler may need to extend their stay or to correct a mistake on their I-94. Here’s how to deal with those:

Extending Stay

To stay longer than the date authorized in the visitor’s what is form i-94, the traveler must file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to the expiration of their current status. Extensions are provided, per USCIS’ discretion, depending on the applicant’s eligibility and visa category.

Correcting Errors

What mistakes can happen on Form what is form i-94? The process of correction varies by mistake:

CBP Mistakes: If CBP was in error, travelers should visit a local Deferred Inspection Site or file a request through CBP’s online help portal.

Mistakes of the traveler: If the traveler gave inaccurate information, they may have to file a correction with USCIS or hire an immigration attorney.

Leaving the U.S. and Returning What is form i-94

Exiting the U.S.

When travelers leave the U.S. by air or sea, their records are automatically updated by the CBP. For those who received a paper I-94, however, they must return it either to CBP or the airline in order for their exit to be recorded correctly.

Re-Entry Considerations

Travelers who wish to come back to the U.S. should verify that their visa is still valid, and that they will be provided a new I-94 when they arrive. Frequent travelers can check their trip history on the CBP website.

Common Issues and FAQs What is form i-94

What if I overstay my I-94?

If the individual had overstayed after the I-94 date, then they may have been considered “out of status,” which can be grounds for a revocation of the visa, a bar on entry to the U.S. in the future or qualifying for obtaining a U.S. visa in the future. So, leave on time or source an extension.

My what is form i-94 little card they give you on arrival–has expired.

Though a person can still travel within domestic zones, it means that an expired I-94 holds an individual technically out of status and may encounter legal consequences if caught by authorities.

How do I retrieve a lost paper What is form i-94?

If the paper what is form i-94 were to be lost it can be replaced by submitting Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document with the USCIS.

Can I transfer my I-94 into a new passport?

The holder of an what is form i-94 has indicated that if they obtain a new passport before the I-94 has expired, they must carry both the new and the old passport to show proof of their authorized stay.

Are all travelers issued an I-94?

Not all travelers need an I-94. Those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) get an admission stamp instead, but they can check their travel records online.

What’s Next?

Form what is form i-94 is a critical document for all non-immigrants in the United States, as it specifies their legal entry into the country, their date of stay and their immigration status. A proper understanding of how to access, correct or extend an I-94 can help you in complying with U.S. immigration laws and avoids undue complications.

Travelers must periodically check their I-94 records and resolve any discrepancies immediately. Keeping up to date will help them have a smooth and law-abiding stay in the United States.