For travelers visiting the United States, the process of entering and exiting the country has become increasingly streamlined. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has moved away from paper forms, automating the collection of arrival and departure information. This means that foreign visitors generally no longer need to complete the paper Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. Instead, this information is now gathered electronically.
This shift to electronic records offers numerous benefits, particularly when you need to access your I-94 Travel History. Whether you need to prove your legal visitor status to employers, educational institutions, or government agencies, accessing your CBP arrival/departure record online is now a straightforward process.
Understanding the Electronic I-94 System
The automation of Form I-94 means that CBP now automatically collects traveler arrival and departure details from electronic travel records. At land borders, electronic I-94s are issued, eliminating the need for paper stubs. CBP recommends using the CBP One™ mobile app or the CBP I-94 website to apply for an I-94 when required, enhancing efficiency for travelers.
For individuals traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), it’s important to remember that an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is mandatory before arriving at a U.S. land border. VWP travelers are also encouraged to utilize the I-94 website or the CBP One™ mobile app to apply for their I-94 in advance, further simplifying the entry process.
How to Access Your I-94 Travel History
Accessing your i-94 travel history is simple and can be done online. If you require a physical copy of Form I-94, you can easily print it from the I-94 website by selecting “Get Most Recent I-94.” This option is also available on the CBP One™ mobile application, providing flexibility and convenience. While a paper form can be requested during the inspection process, it will typically be handled in a secondary setting to maintain the flow of travelers.
To verify your immigration status or employment authorization, retrieving your Form I-94 admission record information is essential. You can easily get your I-94 Number by visiting the I-94 website or through the CBP One™ mobile app. These digital tools provide quick access to your travel history i-94, ensuring you have the necessary documentation at your fingertips.
Departure Procedures and Your Travel Record
When departing the U.S., the procedure depends on whether you initially received a paper or electronic I-94. If you were issued a paper Form I-94, it should be surrendered 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 may not always be recorded accurately. A departure is typically recorded if you leave via land and re-enter the United States before the expiration date stamped in your passport.
If you are not a resident of Canada or Mexico, received an electronic I-94, and depart by land without re-entering the U.S. before your passport’s expiration date, it’s advisable to carry evidence of your departure into Canada or Mexico. Acceptable 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 to ensure a clear record of your departure.
For departures via air or sea, CBP will electronically record your departure through manifest information provided by the carrier or directly by CBP, ensuring a seamless and accurate update to your i-94 travel history.
Benefits of Automation and the Future of I-94
The automation of the I-94 process has significantly streamlined entry procedures for travelers. This modernization not only enhances security but also leads to substantial federal cost savings. CBP estimates that this automated system saves the agency approximately $15.5 million annually.
It’s also worth noting that beginning in May 2019, I-94 numbers transitioned to an alphanumeric format. While previously 11 digits long and numeric-only, the new format maintains 11 characters but follows a structure of 9 digits, 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 their printed “Admit Until Date” or the date displayed on the I-94 website.
In conclusion, the electronic I-94 system simplifies travel to and from the U.S. and makes accessing your i-94 travel history more efficient than ever before. By utilizing online tools and understanding the procedures, travelers can ensure a smooth and well-documented entry and exit process.
