For foreign visitors entering the United States, the process of documenting arrival and departure has become significantly more streamlined. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has transitioned from paper-based Form I-94 to an electronic system, making it easier than ever to access your arrival/departure record online. This digital transformation eliminates the need for paper forms and simplifies the process for travelers needing to verify their legal visitor status.
What is Form I-94?
Form I-94, officially known as the Arrival/Departure Record, is a document issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to foreign visitors entering the United States. This form is crucial for documenting your legal entry and authorized period of stay in the country. It serves as proof of your lawful visitor status and is often required for various purposes, such as employment verification, enrollment in educational institutions, and interactions with government agencies.
Going Digital: Say Goodbye to Paper I-94s
CBP has automated the I-94 process to enhance efficiency and security. Travelers arriving by air or sea have been receiving electronic I-94s for some time. Now, this automation extends to land borders as well. Upon arrival at a land border, travelers are issued I-94s electronically, removing the need for paper stubs. This shift to electronic records simplifies the entry process and reduces administrative burdens.
How to Access Your I-94 Form Online
Accessing your I-94 information online is straightforward and can be done through two primary methods: the CBP I-94 website and the CBP GO mobile app.
Through the CBP I-94 Website
The CBP I-94 website is a dedicated portal for travelers to retrieve their arrival/departure records. Here’s how to access your I-94 Form Online:
- Visit the official CBP I-94 website.
- Click on the “Get Most Recent I-94” button.
- You will be directed to a page requesting your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and passport details.
- Enter the required information accurately and submit the form.
- Once your information is verified, you will be able to view and print your electronic I-94 form.
Using the CBP GO Mobile App
For added convenience, CBP offers the CBP GO mobile app, which allows travelers to apply for and access their I-94 on their smartphones or tablets.
- Download the CBP GO mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and navigate to the I-94 section.
- Follow the prompts to apply for a new I-94 or retrieve an existing one.
- You will be required to enter your personal and travel document information.
- Upon successful verification, your I-94 information will be accessible within the app.
Getting a Paper I-94 (If Needed)
While the electronic I-94 is now standard, travelers can still obtain a paper Form I-94 if necessary. You can print your own paper form from the I-94 website by using the “Get Most Recent I-94” option, or through the CBP GO mobile app. Alternatively, you can request a paper form during the inspection process at a port of entry. However, it’s important to note that requests for paper forms at the border will be accommodated in a secondary inspection setting, which may take additional time.
Important Information about Departure Records
When departing the United States, the process for recording your departure depends on how you initially entered and your mode of exit. If you received a paper Form I-94 upon arrival, you should surrender it to the commercial carrier, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), or CBP upon departure.
For those who received an electronic I-94 upon arrival by air, sea, or land, and depart via land, your departure may not always be recorded automatically. If you plan to re-enter the U.S. before your authorized stay expires, your departure will be recorded upon your re-entry. However, if you do not re-enter and are not a resident of Canada or Mexico, it is advisable to carry evidence of your departure from the U.S. This evidence can include entry stamps to Canada or Mexico, transportation tickets, or receipts, which may be helpful in case there are any discrepancies in your departure record. You can request an entry stamp from CBSA when entering Canada or from the Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM) when entering Mexico.
For departures via air or sea, CBP electronically records departures through passenger manifests provided by carriers, ensuring accurate departure records.
Benefits of the Electronic I-94 System
The automation of the I-94 process offers numerous advantages:
- Streamlined Entry Process: Reduces processing time and paperwork at ports of entry.
- Enhanced Security: Facilitates better tracking of entries and exits for security purposes.
- Cost Savings: Significantly reduces federal costs associated with processing paper forms, estimated at $15.5 million annually.
- Convenience for Travelers: Provides easy online access to arrival/departure records anytime, anywhere.
Alphanumeric I-94 Numbers: What’s New?
It’s important to be aware that beginning in May 2019, CBP transitioned to alphanumeric I-94 numbers. Previously, I-94 numbers were 11 digits long and contained only numbers. The new format maintains 11 characters but follows a structure of 9 digits, followed by a letter, and then a final digit. This change was implemented to address the depletion of numeric-only I-94 numbers and create a more sustainable system for generating new numbers. Rest assured, unexpired I-94s issued in the numeric-only format remain valid until their indicated expiration date.
For further details and answers to frequently asked questions, you can refer to the I-94 Fact Sheet on the CBP website. Embrace the ease and efficiency of the i-94 form online system for your future travels to the United States.
