NEW: U.S. Customs and Border Protection will stop issuing paper I-94 records beginning April 30, 2013

This is a very important Change effective today. Be aware that this change applies to nonimmigrants only. It has no bearing on U.S. Citizens and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents.

Beginning April 30, 2013, U.S Customs and Border Protection will begin automating the I-94 process. Form I-94 provides nonimmigrants with proof that they have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. As part of the automation process, individuals traveling to the U.S. by air or sea will no longer complete or receive a paper I-94 document.

Despite this change, USCIS will continue to require applicants to submit a paper copy of Form I-94 when requesting certain benefits. In addition, other government agencies such as State Departments of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Administration offices will still require a paper I-94. The paper I-94 may also be useful for work-authorized nonimmigrants to present to their employers during the employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) process, and to demonstrate lawful presence in the U.S. to other U.S. authorities.

Foreign travelers entering the United States at air or sea ports of entry will be able to access their electronic Form I-94 by visiting www.cbp.gov/I94

Upon inspection at the point of entry, CBP will give foreign travelers a tear sheet with instructions on how to look up their electronic Form I-94 on CBP’s website. From this website, they can print out their Form I-94 in paper format. Foreign travelers may
need their Form I-94 when requesting certain USCIS benefits, or when applying for public benefits from other government agencies.

As evidence of lawful admission submitted with a benefit request, USCIS will accept the electronic Form I-94 in paper format obtained from CBP’s website ( www.cbp.gov/I94). This document is the equivalent of the paper versions of Form I-94 issued by CBP and USCIS. In lieu of submitting the electronic Form I-94 in paper format, USCIS will also accept photocopies of the passport pages that contain the individual’s biographical information, visa and admission stamp.

So does that mean you no longer need an I-94 Card? No. We recommend that all travelers print out the I-94 upon each admission to the U.S. It is still needed for a variety of other benefits. In addition, if a person is detained within the U.S., whether at a checkpoint or during a routine stop, having the I-94 in your possession will make it easier for the official to determine that you are in a lawful status.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us or call.