The I-94 Card is a required document for non-immigrant visitors entering the United States with a visa. It provides information on their arrival date, departure date, and visa type. Typically, visitors receive the form upon arrival at the airport or port of entry. The form consists of two parts, one for arrival and one for departure. Visitors must retain the departure part until they leave the U.S. However, U.S. citizens, resident aliens, and certain Canadian citizens are exempt from filling out this form.
Non-immigrant visitors entering the United States with a visa are required to complete the I-94 Card, also known as the Arrival-Departure Record or CBP Form I-94. The Department of Homeland Security issues this form to all aliens admitted to or extending their stay within the U.S. The I-94 Card displays crucial information such as the date of arrival, the expiration date of the authorized period of stay, and the class of admission. Exceptions to the requirement for an I-94 Form include U.S. citizens, resident aliens, aliens with immigrant status, and most Canadian citizens. Typically, I-94s are issued at the port of entry by air or sea and attached to the non-immigrant visitor’s passport by a Customs and Border Protection officer. Since April 2013, I-94 Forms have been created electronically upon arrival. The form has two perforated sections, with the top section being the arrival record retained by the Customs and Border Patrol officer and the bottom section being the departure record retained by the non-immigrant until departure from the U.S. Examples of non-immigrant visitors who completed the I-94 Card include Maria, who arrived from Mexico and kept the departure record until leaving the U.S., and John, a student from China who kept the arrival record and gave the departure record to the Customs and Border Patrol officer. The I-94 Card is a crucial document for non-immigrant visitors to the U.S. with a visa, as it provides important information about their stay in the country and must be retained until departure.
An I-94 card is a document issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to foreign visitors upon their arrival in the United States. It serves as proof of legal entry and indicates the authorized period of stay.
The validity of an I-94 card depends on the specific visa category and the purpose of the visitor’s stay. It can range from a few days to several years. It is crucial to check the expiration date on the I-94 card to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
Yes, it is possible to request an extension of stay by filing an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the expiration of your I-94 card. However, it is essential to meet the eligibility criteria and provide valid reasons for the extension.
If you lose your I-94 card, you must file Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document, with USCIS to obtain a replacement. It is crucial to report the loss to the appropriate authorities promptly.
No, it is not advisable to travel outside the United States with an expired I-94 card. Re-entry into the country may be denied, and you could face immigration consequences. It is essential to maintain a valid I-94 card while in the United States.
The ability to work in the United States with an I-94 card depends on the specific visa category. Some visas allow for employment authorization, while others do not. It is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your visa before seeking employment.
Yes, it is possible to change your visa status while in the United States. However, this process requires filing a formal application with USCIS and meeting the eligibility criteria for the desired visa category.
The ability to study in the United States with an I-94 card depends on the specific visa category. Some visas allow for enrollment in educational institutions, while others do not. It is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your visa before pursuing studies.
Yes, you can travel within the United States with a valid I-94 card. However, it is essential to carry proper identification and comply with any travel restrictions imposed by your visa category.
In most cases, you do not need to surrender your I-94 card when leaving the United States. However, it is advisable to keep a record of your departure, such as a boarding pass or travel itinerary, to avoid any potential immigration issues in the future.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 16th April 2024.
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