Download 1 94: What is Form I-94 and Why You Need It When Visiting the U.S.
What is Form I-94 and How to Download It?
If you are a foreign visitor to the United States, you may need a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, to prove your legal status and duration of stay. Form I-94 is issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to aliens who are admitted to the U.S., adjusting status while in the U.S., or extending their stay. In this article, we will explain what Form I-94 is, how to download it online, and how to correct or replace it if needed.
Introduction
Form I-94 is a document that records your arrival and departure information when you enter and leave the U.S. It shows your admission number, date of entry, port of entry, visa classification, and expiration date. It is important to keep your Form I-94 with you at all times, as it may be required for various purposes, such as applying for a driver's license, social security card, or immigration benefits.
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Most air and sea travelers will receive an electronic Form I-94 upon arrival, which can be accessed and printed from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. Land border travelers can also apply for a new I-94 online before arriving at the border. If you need a paper copy of your Form I-94, you can request one from CBP at the port of entry or deferred inspection site.
How to Apply for a New I-94 Online (Land Border Travelers Only)
If you are traveling to the U.S. by land from Canada or Mexico, you can save time and hassle by applying for a new I-94 online before you arrive at the border. This way, you can avoid filling out a paper form and paying cash at the port of entry. Applying for a new I-94 online also allows you to verify your information and make corrections before you travel.
To apply for a new I-94 online, you need to visit the CBP website and fill out an online application with your personal and travel information. You also need to pay a $6 fee using a credit card or PayPal. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode that you need to print and bring with you. When you arrive at the port of entry, you need to present your confirmation page and passport to a CBP officer, who will scan the barcode and issue your Form I-94.
How to Get Your Most Recent I-94 Online
If you have already entered the U.S. by air or sea, or if you have applied for a new I-94 online as a land border traveler, you can get your most recent I-94 online from the CBP website . To do so, you need to provide some information, such as your name, date of birth, passport number, and country of issuance. You can also enter your admission number or travel document number if you have them. Once you enter the required information, you will be able to access and print your most recent I-94, which will show your most recent date of entry, port of entry, visa classification, and expiration date. You can also check your travel history and compliance status online, which will show your arrival and departure dates for the past five years.
How to Correct or Replace Your I-94
Sometimes, you may encounter errors or issues with your Form I-94, such as incorrect name, date of birth, visa classification, or expiration date. These errors may affect your ability to prove your legal status or apply for immigration benefits. Therefore, it is important to check your Form I-94 carefully and correct or replace it as soon as possible if needed.
If you notice an error on your Form I-94, you can contact CBP or USCIS to request a correction or replacement. Depending on the type and source of the error, you may need to visit a CBP deferred inspection site or a USCIS field office in person, or submit an online inquiry to CBP or USCIS. You may also need to provide supporting documents, such as your passport, visa, or other evidence of your status.
If you lose your Form I-94 or it is damaged or stolen, you can file Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record , with USCIS. You need to pay a $445 filing fee and submit a copy of your passport and visa, as well as evidence of your admission to the U.S. and your current status. You can file Form I-102 online or by mail . It may take several weeks or months for USCIS to process your application and issue you a new Form I-94.
How to download I-94 form online
Download I-94 travel history
Download I-94 admission number
Download I-94 arrival/departure record
Download I-94 for land border travelers
Download I-94 for visa extension
Download I-94 for adjustment of status
Download I-94 for proof of legal status
Download I-94 for travel compliance
Download I-94 for deferred inspection
Download I-94 with alien registration number
Download I-94 with passport number
Download I-94 with date of birth
Download I-94 with country of citizenship
Download I-94 with most recent date of entry
Download I-94 with admit until date
Download I-94 with class of admission
Download I-94 with departure number
Download I-94 with port of entry
Download I-94 with port of departure
Download I-94 with flight number
Download I-94 with airline name
Download I-94 with mode of transportation
Download I-94 with purpose of visit
Download I-94 with length of stay
Conclusion
Form I-94 is a vital document that records your arrival and departure information when you travel to the U.S. It proves your legal status and duration of stay in the country. You can download your Form I-94 online from the CBP website, or apply for a new one online if you are a land border traveler. You can also correct or replace your Form I-94 if there are any errors or issues with it. You should always keep your Form I-94 with you and check it carefully for accuracy.
We hope this article has helped you understand what Form I-94 is and how to download it. If you have any questions or need more information, please visit the CBP website or contact CBP or USCIS directly. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
FAQs
What is the difference between Form I-94 and Form I-94W?
Form I-94W is a paper form that was used by travelers who entered the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It was discontinued in 2010 and replaced by an electronic system called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Travelers who enter the U.S. under the VWP now receive an electronic Form I-94 instead of a paper Form I-94W.
How long can I stay in the U.S. with my Form I-94?
Your Form I-94 shows the expiration date of your authorized stay in the U.S., which may be different from the expiration date of your visa. You must depart the U.S. on or before the date indicated on your Form I-94, unless you apply for an extension of stay or change of status with USCIS. If you overstay your authorized period of stay, you may face serious consequences, such as being barred from re-entering the U.S., having your visa revoked, or being deported.
Can I extend my stay or change my status with my Form I-94?
If you want to extend your stay or change your status in the U.S., you need to file an application with USCIS before your Form I-94 expires. Depending on your visa category and eligibility, you may need to file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , or another form. You also need to pay a filing fee and submit supporting documents. You should not assume that your application will be approved; you should wait for USCIS's decision before making any travel plans.
What should I do if my visa expires before my Form I-94?
Your visa is a document that allows you to travel to the U.S., while your Form I-94 is a document that shows your authorized period of stay in the U.S. You can stay in the U.S. until the date indicated on your Form I-94, even if your visa expires before that date. However, if you leave the U.S. after your visa expires, you will need to apply for a new visa to re-enter the U.S., unless you are eligible for automatic revalidation or visa renewal in certain countries .
How can I verify my Form I-94 online?
You can verify your Form I-94 online by visiting the CBP website and entering your personal and travel information. You will be able to see your most recent I-94, as well as your travel history and compliance status. You can also print or save a copy of your I-94 for your records. If you have any questions or issues with your I-94, you can contact CBP or USCIS for assistance.