Detailed Explanation: Upon entering the U.S., non-immigrant travelers are issued an I-94 Form by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This form records the individual's arrival date, visa category (such as B-2 for tourism or F-1 for students), and the date by which they must depart the U.S. While the I-94 was traditionally a paper document, it is now primarily issued electronically, with visitors able to access and print their I-94 records online. The I-94 is essential for various administrative processes, such as applying for a driver’s license or social security number, and for extending or changing visa status while in the U.S.
Importance in Visa and Immigration Processes: The I-94 Form is a critical record for maintaining legal status in the U.S. It helps determine how long a visitor can legally stay and confirms compliance with visa conditions. It’s important to keep track of the I-94 expiration date, as overstaying can lead to serious immigration consequences.
Application Process:
Issuance: Automatically generated upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry.
Access: Travelers can retrieve and print their I-94 record from the CBP website.
Examples and Use Cases:
Tourist: A family from the UK visiting the U.S. on holiday receives an I-94 record with a six-month authorized stay.
Student: An Indian student entering the U.S. on an F-1 visa finds her I-94 record indicates 'D/S' (duration of status), aligning with her study period.
What if my I-94 is not accurate?
Contact CBP or visit a deferred inspection site to have errors corrected.
Is the I-94 still needed if I have a visa?
Yes, the I-94 specifies your authorized period of stay, which may differ from your visa validity.
