Mahaprasad Nanda

Comprehensive Guide to Form I-94: Arrival/Departure Record

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, to certain foreign nationals at the time of entry. The purpose of Form I-94 is to communicate the terms of a foreign national's visit to the United States, indicating information such as admission category and expected departure date.

Key Points:

1. Form I-94 is not issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, returning resident aliens, or most Canadian citizens visiting or in transit.

2. USCIS may issue Form I-94 when granting an extension of stay or change of status.

3. Foreign nationals visiting through the Visa Waiver Program receive Form I-94W instead.

4. Most travelers can retrieve their I-94 record online from the CBP website: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/

5. Since May 2013, CBP has automatically issued electronic I-94 records for travelers entering at air and sea ports.

6. Paper I-94 forms are still issued at land border ports of entry and for certain classes of aliens.

Important Information on the I-94:

- Admission (I-94) Record Number
- Most Recent Date of Entry
- Class of Admission
- Admit Until Date

Troubleshooting tips are provided if you have difficulty finding your electronic I-94 record.

Correcting an Incorrect I-94:

- For CBP-issued I-94s, visit the nearest CBP Deferred Inspection Office.
- For USCIS-issued I-94s, file Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed I-94:

- Electronic I-94s can be easily reprinted from the CBP website.
- Paper I-94s require filing Form I-102 with USCIS, along with a filing fee.

Remember, the I-94 is different from a visa. The visa is an entry document, while the I-94 is a status document that defines the length of permitted stay.

For the most up-to-date information and to access your I-94 record, visit the official CBP I-94 website: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.