I94 Form: Requirements And Instructions For US Visitors

Are you planning a trip to the United States? The I94 form is key for everyone, including foreign nationals, Canadian citizens visiting the US, and returning aliens. But what is the I-94, and why is it so important?

Key Takeaways

• The I-94 form is a critical travel document that serves as an official Lawful record of a foreign national’s admission to the United States.
• It is required for all international travelers, including those from visa waiver program countries and Canadian citizens.
• The I-94 form provides information such as the traveler’s arrival date, departure date, and the status under which they are admitted to the US.
• Properly completing and maintaining the I-94 form, including being aware of the expiration date stamped on it, is essential for maintaining legal visitor status and avoiding immigration issues.
• Understanding the purpose and requirements of the I-94 form can help ensure a smooth border entry and stay in the United States.

I-94 Form Basics

• The I-94 form is a document used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to track the arrival and departure of non-U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
• The form is usually issued by CBP at ports of entry or deferred inspection sites, but USCIS can issue an equivalent form as part of the Form I-797A approval notice.
• The form is used to keep track of the status of aliens in the United States, including their entry and departure dates.
• The form is important for border protection and is used to monitor the entry and exit of aliens from the United States.

Understanding The I-94 Form For International Travelers

The form I-94 (arrival departure record) is key for those traveling internationally to the United States. It’s an electronic document that shows when and how long someone can stay. It’s important for keeping the country’s borders safe and managing who comes in.

Purpose And Significance Of The I-94 Form

The I-94 form is mainly for tracking the legal status of visitors. It shows when someone enters, how long they can stay, and the rules they must follow. This info helps border officers and homeland security keep the country safe.

Who Needs To Complete The I-94 Form?

For international travelers, filling out the I-94 form is a must. It proves they have the right to visit and keeps a record of their time in the U.S.

• Non-immigrant visitors, including those entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.
• Returning resident aliens, such as lawful permanent residents (LPRs) or green card holders.
• Most Canadian citizens, except those traveling for business or pleasure for less than 30 days.

Applying For And Retrieving Form I-94

• International travelers can apply for or retrieve their I-94 admission number/record, which proves legal visitor status.
• The I-94 record also includes a limited travel history of U.S. arrivals and departure.
• Travelers can apply for an I-94 in advance online, saving time at the port of entry.

The CBP One™ mobile app and the CBP I-94 website allow travelers to apply for their I-94 electronically before arriving at a U.S. land border. The I-94 is the official record of a traveler’s entry into the United States, typically issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival. It records the traveler’s visa status and authorized period of stay.

For Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers—those from countries eligible to enter the U.S. for short stays without a visa—an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval is required before entry. ESTA is an online system used to determine eligibility to travel under the VWP.

Key points:

1. CBP One™ app or I-94 website: Travelers can pre-apply for an I-94 using the app or website, speeding up the process at land borders and allowing smoother entry into the U.S.
2. ESTA for VWP travelers: VWP travelers must apply for and receive ESTA authorization before arriving at the U.S. land border. ESTA is mandatory and should be obtained online before travel.

By using the I-94 website or app, travelers can save time, and for VWP travelers, ensuring that their ESTA is approved before arrival is essential for entry into the U.S.

Completing The i94 Form: Step-By-Step Guide

Entering the United States can seem overwhelming, but the I-94 form makes it easier. It’s key for those with immigrant visas, Canadian visitors, or Visa Waiver Program participants. Knowing how to fill out the I-94 form is vital for keeping your legal status.

The I94 form is your Arrival/Departure Record from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It shows your entry and exit from the country. This electronic form proves your nonimmigrant status and how long you can stay in the U.S.

1. Gather the necessary information: Before starting, have your passport, travel plans, and immigration status ready. This ensures you fill out the I-94 form correctly.
2. Choose your submission method: You can submit the I-94 form online or ask for a paper version from the CBP officer at the port of entry.
3. Provide accurate personal details: Fill in your name, birthdate, passport info, and other personal details. This creates a proper record of your arrival.
4. Specify your travel information: Enter your flight, cruise, or other travel details, along with your arrival date and location in the U.S.
5. Declare your immigration status: Show your visa type or if you’re in the Visa Waiver Program.
6. Review and submit: Double-check your information and submit the form online or to the CBP officer.

It’s important to fill out the I-94 form correctly to keep your legal status. By following these steps, you ensure your I-94 form is submitted properly. It will remain a valid record of your travel and immigration status.

Common Scenarios And Form I-94 Requirements

The I-94 form is key for many travel situations, especially for those in the Visa Waiver Program or returning to the U.S. It’s vital to know the rules for these cases to stay legal and have a smooth entry.

• A Form I94 is required for most Canadian citizens, resident aliens, and returning resident aliens.
• Aliens with immigrant visas and U.S. citizens are exempt from this requirement.
• Travelers must have a valid visa or be part of the Visa Waiver Program to be eligible for an I-94.
• The I-94 is an official record of admission and is used to determine the duration of stay.

Visa Waiver Program Travelers

People from countries in the Visa Waiver Program can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. Yet, they must fill out the I-94 form when they arrive. This form proves their entry and stay time. They need a valid passport and the I-94 form to get legal status.

Returning Resident Aliens

U.S. permanent residents, or resident aliens, must fill out the I94 form when coming back from abroad. This keeps U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) updated on their return. They should bring their green card and the I-94 form to the officer.

Traveler Type	I-94 Form Requirement	Additional Documentation
Visa Waiver Program Travelers	Complete I-94 form upon arrival	Valid passport
Returning Resident Aliens	Complete I-94 form when re-entering the U.S.	Permanent resident card (green card)

Following the I-94 form rules is crucial for legal entry and avoiding border problems. Knowing what to do and what to bring helps travelers smoothly enter the U.S.

Maintaining Legal Visitor Status With The I-94 Form

The I94 form is key to keeping your legal visitor status in the United States. It’s an official record from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It shows when you entered and exited, and how long you were allowed to stay. Managing your I-94 form well is crucial to follow immigration laws.

Duration Of Stay And Admission Number

• The I94 form includes an admission number, which is an 11-digit number that may be needed for employment authorization or other purposes.
• The form also includes an expiration date, which indicates the date by which the traveler must depart the United States.
• Students and scholars on F or J status may receive a stamp marked “D/S” (duration of status), which means they may remain in the United States as long as they maintain status.
• The I-94 form is used to track the duration of stay and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.

Entry And Exit Dates

When you arrive in the U.S., a CBP officer will write your entry and stay dates on your I94 form. Make sure these dates are correct. Always check the expiration date stamped on your I-94 form to ensure you depart the U.S. before it expires. They show how long you can legally stay in the country. Always check your I-94 form for errors when you arrive.

When leaving the U.S., give your I-94 form to the airline or cruise line. This logs your exit and keeps your travel history on record. Keeping a copy of your I-94 form is also wise for future travel or immigration needs.

Departing The US And Maintaining Compliance

• Travelers must depart the United States before their authorized stay expires, as indicated by the expiration date stamped on the I94 form.
• Failure to depart on time may result in penalties and affect future travel to the United States.
• Travelers can check their travel history and compliance with the terms of their admission online.
• CBP officers may request the I-94 form at the port of entry or during an inspection.

Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

• If you want to extend your stay or change your status (like from tourist to student), file the right application with USCIS before your stay ends.
• Not keeping your legal visitor status or staying past your I-94 form’s end can cause big problems. This includes deportation and trouble getting back into the U.S.

Understanding and managing your I-94 form correctly keeps your U.S. stay legal. This avoids any issues from overstaying or not keeping your status.

Additional Resources And Next Steps

• Travelers can access additional resources and information on the CBP website or through the CBP One app.
• The website provides information on the admission process, including requirements and instructions for completing the I-94 form.
• Travelers can also contact a CBP officer or a border protection officer for assistance with the I-94 form or other immigration-related questions.
• The I-94 form is an important document that helps maintain compliance with immigration regulations and ensures a smooth travel experience.

Conclusion

The I-94 form is key for international visitors coming to the United States. This guide has detailed the I-94 form’s purpose, importance, and what you need to know. It helps you understand the admission process and keep your legal status.

Following this guide ensures a smooth entry into the U.S. It helps you stay in line with U.S. immigration laws. This is true for Canadian visitors, returning aliens, or those under the Visa Waiver Program. The I94 form is essential for your entry and documentation.

This guide has covered everything from the I-94 form’s purpose to how to fill it out correctly. Knowing about entry and exit dates, and how to change your status, is crucial. This knowledge helps you keep your legal status and avoid problems during your visit.

FAQ

What is the purpose and significance of the I-94 form?

The I94 form is key for international visitors coming to the United States. It proves a person’s legal right to visit and stay. It’s an official record of their admission.

Who needs to complete the I-94 form?

Non-immigrant visitors and those in the Visa Waiver Program must fill out the I-94 form. Also, returning resident aliens need to do so upon arrival.

How do I fill out the I-94 form?

You can fill out the I-94 form online or on paper. You need to give your personal and travel details. This ensures a smooth entry into the country.

What are the specific requirements for Visa Waiver Program travelers and returning resident aliens?

Visa Waiver Program travelers and returning resident aliens have special needs for the I-94 form. They must follow certain rules and provide the right documents. This keeps their legal visitor status intact.

How do I maintain my legal visitor status with the I-94 form?

To keep your legal status, record your entry and exit dates correctly. Also, follow the right steps if you change your nonimmigrant status. This is important for your stay in the United States.