I94 Form

The I-94 Form is an essential document for international travelers visiting the United States. It serves as a record of their arrival and departure, ensuring that they comply with the terms of their visas or admission. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need about the I-94 Form, including its purpose, how to fill it out, and common questions and answers.

1. What is the I-94 Form?

The I-94 Form is a document issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to foreign nationals upon their arrival in the United States. This form serves as proof of their lawful admission into the country and provides important information about the traveler’s immigration status, such as the date of arrival, the date by which they must depart, and the visa classification (if applicable).

2. Who Needs an I-94 Form?

All non-U.S. citizens who are admitted into the United States under a nonimmigrant visa or as part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have an I-94 Form. This includes tourists, students, temporary workers, and business visitors. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and certain other exempt individuals do not need an I-94 Form.

3. Types of I-94 Forms

There are two types of I-94 Forms: paper and electronic. The CBP transitioned to electronic I-94 Forms in 2024, so most travelers will receive an electronic I-94 Form upon arrival. However, some land border crossings still use paper I-94 Forms.

Comparison of Paper and Electronic I-94 Forms

	Paper I-94 Form	Electronic I-94 Form
Issuance	At land border crossings	At air and sea ports of entry
Format	Physical card	Online record
Retrieval	Provided by CBP officer	Accessible on the CBP website

4. How to Fill Out the I-94 Form

Filling out the I-94 Form is a straightforward process. Here are the steps for both paper and electronic forms:

Paper I-94 Form:

1. Complete the form provided by the CBP officer at the land border crossing.
2. Provide accurate and legible information, such as your name, date of birth, passport number, and country of citizenship.
3. Sign and date the form.

Electronic I-94 Form:

1. CBP will automatically create an electronic I-94 Form upon your arrival at an air or sea port of entry.
2. Your passport will be scanned, and the information will be used to generate the I-94 Form.
3. You can retrieve your I-94 Form online by visiting the CBP website and providing your personal information.

5. How to Retrieve Your Electronic I-94 Form

To access your electronic I-94 Form, follow these steps:

1. Visit the CBP I-94 website: I-94 Official Website
2. Click on “Get Most Recent I-94.”
3. Enter your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, passport number, and country of citizenship.
4. Verify the information and click “Submit.”
5. Your I-94 Form will be displayed, and you can print or save it for your records.

6. Travel Tips and Best Practices

1. Keep a copy of your I-94 Form with your passport and other important travel documents. This will help you avoid any issues during your stay in the United States or when applying for immigration benefits.
2. Check your I-94 Form for accuracy upon receiving it. Ensure that your personal information, visa classification (if applicable), and “admit until” date are correct.
3. Be mindful of the expiration date on your I-94 Form. Overstaying your authorized period of admission can have serious consequences, such as visa cancellations, bars to re-entry, or removal proceedings.
4. Follow the rules and regulations of your visa classification or admission under the VWP. Engaging in unauthorized activities can result in the termination of your immigration status and potential penalties.