For foreign visitors entering the United States, the process has become significantly more streamlined. You no longer need to fill out paper Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. This digital transformation simplifies entry and allows you to easily access your arrival and departure information online, which may be needed for various purposes, such as proving your legal visitor status to employers or educational institutions. While you might be looking for your Us Travel Visa Number, understanding how to access your I-94 record is crucial as it serves as official confirmation of your entry and authorized stay in the U.S.
Understanding Form I-94: Your Electronic Arrival Record
The Form I-94, officially known as the Arrival/Departure Record, is a crucial document for non-immigrant visitors to the United States. It records your entry into the U.S., your authorized length of stay, and your departure. Previously, this was a paper form stapled into your passport. Now, for those arriving by air or sea, this process is entirely electronic. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) automatically gathers your arrival and departure information from your electronic travel records.
This shift to electronic I-94s means less paperwork and a more efficient process at ports of entry. It also provides a convenient way for you to access your official entry record whenever you need it. While it’s not directly your US travel visa number, your I-94 number is a unique identifier associated with your entry, and accessing your I-94 record online is often required for various administrative processes within the U.S.
Accessing Your Electronic I-94 Number and Record Online
If you need to prove your legal visitor status, or if you require your I-94 information for employment, school, or government agencies, accessing your record online is straightforward. You can easily retrieve your US travel visa number related entry information by visiting the official CBP I-94 website.
The CBP I-94 website provides a user-friendly interface where you can “Get Most Recent I-94” record. By entering your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, and passport information, you can access your electronic I-94. This online system is the primary way to obtain your I-94 number and view your arrival record details.
I-94 at Land Borders: Electronic Issuance and CBP One™ App
The electronic I-94 system extends to land borders as well. If you are entering the U.S. via a land border, you will also be issued an I-94 electronically. You will no longer receive a paper stub. To further streamline the process, CBP encourages travelers needing an I-94 to utilize the CBP One™ mobile app or the CBP I-94 website to apply for their I-94 in advance of arrival.
For travelers participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), remember that an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is mandatory before arriving at a U.S. land border. Even VWP travelers are encouraged to use the I-94 website or the CBP One™ app to apply for an I-94 beforehand.
When You Might Need a Paper I-94
While the electronic system is in place, there might be situations where you prefer or need a paper Form I-94. You have the option to print your own paper Form I-94 from the I-94 website by using the “Get Most Recent I-94” feature. This same option is also available on the CBP One™ mobile application.
Alternatively, you can request a paper form during the inspection process at the port of entry. However, it’s important to note that requests for paper forms at the border will be handled in a secondary inspection setting, which might take additional time.
Departure Procedures and Ensuring Accurate Records
Upon leaving the U.S., the procedure depends on how you initially entered and your mode of departure. If you were issued a paper Form I-94, you should surrender it to the commercial carrier, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), or CBP upon your departure.
For those who received an electronic I-94 upon arrival by air, sea, or land, and depart via land, it’s important to be aware that your departure might not always be recorded automatically. If you re-enter the U.S. via land before the expiration date stamped in your passport, your departure will be recorded.
However, if you are not a resident of Canada or Mexico, received an electronic I-94, and depart via land without returning to the U.S. before your authorized stay expires, it’s advisable to carry evidence of your departure into Canada or Mexico. This evidence can include entry stamps in your passport, transportation tickets, pay stubs, or other receipts. 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 will electronically record your departure through manifest information provided by the carrier.
Benefits of I-94 Automation
The automation of the I-94 process offers several advantages. It significantly streamlines the entry process for travelers, enhancing efficiency and reducing wait times at ports of entry. It also strengthens security measures and results in considerable cost savings for federal agencies. CBP estimates that this automated system saves approximately $15.5 million annually.
Important Notice: Alphanumeric I-94 Numbers
It’s worth noting that I-94 numbers transitioned to an alphanumeric format starting in May 2019. Previously, I-94 numbers were 11 digits long and contained only numbers. Due to the depletion of numeric-only I-94 numbers and to ensure a long-term solution for generating new numbers, CBP implemented this change.
Now, I-94 numbers remain 11 characters long but follow a format of 9 digits, followed by a letter in the 10th position, and a digit in the 11th position. Importantly, unexpired I-94s issued in the numeric-only format remain valid until the “Admit Until Date” printed on a paper I-94 or displayed on the I-94 website.
Conclusion
While understanding your US travel visa number is essential for the application process, knowing how to access and utilize your electronic I-94 record is equally important upon arrival in the United States. The electronic I-94 system simplifies the entry process and provides easy online access to your official arrival record. Whether you need to verify your immigration status or provide proof of legal visitor status, the CBP I-94 website is your central resource for accessing this crucial information. Remember to utilize the online portal or CBP One™ app for a smoother travel experience.
