CBP Goes Paperless With Form I-94: New Procedures Take Effect for Arriving Nonimmigrant Travelers

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published an interim final rule to automate the Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Commencing April 30, most nonimmigrants, including those utilizing work visas, arriving by air or sea will no longer complete the paper Form I-94. Instead, CBP will gather travelers’ arrival/departure information automatically from their electronic travel records, including information provided during the visa application process. Those arriving at land borders will continue to receive paper I-94s.

Upon arrival and inspection by CBP, travelers will continue to receive an admission stamp in their passport that should show the date of admission, class of admission and the date until which the traveler is admitted.  Travelers will also be able to retrieve a printout of their I-94 information by visiting www.cbp.gov/I94.

Although paperless is convenient and eco-friendly, it is important to note that the paper I-94 printout will still be required to demonstrate lawful status to employers for Form I-9, employment verification purposes and to seek benefits from various government agencies including social security numbers from the Social Security Administration and drivers licenses from state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs).

The interim rule takes effect April 26, 2013, but will be phased-in per the following implementation schedule:

SOURCE: CBP