What are I-94 Records?
The I-94 form, also referred to as the Arrival/Departure Record is an impromptu record which is given to the foreign national by the U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when one enters the United States. It contains the details of the date of arrival, the category of admission and the date to which the visitor is allowed to stay in the United States. In the past, this document was a paper slip which was fixed with a staple to the visitor’s passport when he or she entered the country, but since April 30, 2013 the I-94 form is in an electronic format for the air and sea travelers. However, travelers who are entering the United States through the land border checkpoints will still get a paper form.
As for I-94 record, it is extremely important because it serves as a proof of the visitor’s legal presence in the United States and the time allowed to stay in the country. It is a crucial document for those who hold non-immigrant visa and may be needed for different reasons including applying for a driver’s license or social security number or even to seek for extension of one’s visa.
Why is it important to save I-94 records and how to do it?
Proof of Legal Status: I-94 record is the most important document which proves that you have legally entered the United States and the time allowed to stay in the United States. It includes some of the most vital information that establishes your status as a non-immigrant visitor.
Visa Adjustments and Extensions: If you have plans of staying longer or if you want to switch visas, then I-94 record is a file that has to be submitted to the USCIS.
Employment Verification: When searching for a job in the United States, an employee may be asked to produce an I-94 to prove that he or she is allowed to work. It is one of the documents that are used in the processing of the Form I-9 which is used to establish an individual’s identity and employment authorization.
Driver’s License and Social Security Number: Some of the states need a copy of I-94 form when renewing driver’s license or social security number. It assists in establishing your legal status and your right to avail these services.
Avoiding Overstay Issues: Thus, by monitoring the I-94 expiration date, one will not overstay his/her period of stay, which has adverse immigration consequences like being banned from re-entering the United States.
How to Get Your I-94 Record
Getting your I-94 record is quite easy and this is because CBP has put all the details in place and made them available electronically. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Visit the Official Website: The U. S. Customs and Border Protection’s I-94 website is the official website to make the necessary inquiries.
I-94 Record: To access the most recent record, you have to click on the “Get Most Recent I-94” link. Information that you need to provide include your name, birth date, passport number and the country in which the passport was issued.
Review the Information: When you have put all the necessary information, your I-94 record will be shown to you. It is advisable to through all the details in order to check for any mistakes.
Download and Save: Save the document and keep it safely, and in case of a digital format, keep both the soft copy and the hard copy in case one is needed at any given time.
Regularly Check for Updates: If you have a change of travel plans or if there are changes that need to be made then you should always go to your I-94 record and update it.
Conclusion
I-94 record is a very important document that anyone who is planning document to together go with to making the sure United that States it on is a properly non-immigrant obtained visa and must kept understand. may The help importance avoid of specific this legal and administrative problems during the stay. Thus, it is recommended to check one’s I-94 record on a regular basis and keep it safe to have a stress-free visit to the United States with all the necessary information in the person’s possession.
