Ibrahim Gardner
International students visiting the U.S. are assigned an I-94 number and admission record by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This record includes their entry date, port of entry, visa status, and how long they may stay in the U.S. International students can access their I-94 record and number online on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or via the CBP GO mobile app. This document may be requested by various offices and agencies in the U.S. to demonstrate an international student's legal status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is an I-94? | An I-94 is a number and admission record assigned electronically to international visitors, including students, when entering the U.S. by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. |
| Who assigns an I-94? | U.S. Customs and Border Protection |
| Who does it apply to? | International visitors, including students, entering the U.S. |
| What does an I-94 record include? | An I-94 record will list your entry date, port of entry, visa status, and how long you may remain in the U.S. |
| What is the purpose of an I-94? | An I-94 number and record serves as proof of your ability to be present in the U.S. legally. |
| How can an international student find their I-94? | International students can look up and review their I-94 admission number and record as well as retrieve a limited travel history online on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site. |
| How long is an I-94 number? | An I-94 number is 11 digits long. |
| How often is an I-94 number assigned? | A new I-94 record is issued each time an international visitor enters the U.S. |
| Is there a paper version of an I-94? | Yes, a paper I-94 Form can be printed from the I-94 website or using the CBP GO mobile application. |
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What You'll Learn
How to find I-94 number and record online
An I-94 is a number and admission record assigned electronically to international visitors, including students, when entering the U.S. by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Your I-94 record will list your entry date, port of entry, visa status, and how long you may remain in the U.S. An individualized number will also be assigned to the record. This I-94 number and record serve as proof of your ability to be present in the U.S. legally.
International students visiting the U.S. can look up and review their I-94 admission number and record, as well as retrieve a limited travel history online on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site. Please note that this document may be requested by various offices and agencies in the U.S. during the course of your studies to demonstrate your legal status.
- Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or download the CBP GO mobile app.
- Navigate to the I-94 section of the website or app.
- Log in or create an account if prompted.
- Provide the necessary information, such as your name, date of birth, passport number, and country of citizenship.
- Follow the instructions to retrieve your I-94 record and number.
- Review your I-94 admission number, record, and travel history.
It is important to note that beginning in May 2019, I-94 numbers will be alphanumeric. Currently, they are 11 digits long and only contain numbers. This change was implemented to create a long-term solution for the creation of new numbers.
You can also print your I-94 form from the website or app if needed. Remember to keep your I-94 record and number safe, as you may need to present it to employers, schools, or government agencies as proof of your legal status in the U.S.
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What to do if there's a problem with your I-94
If there is a problem with your I-94 record, there are a few steps you can take to try and resolve the issue. Firstly, it is important to understand what an I-94 is and why it is important for international students in the US. An I-94 is an admission record and number assigned electronically to international visitors, including students, when they enter the US by US Customs and Border Protection. This record includes important information such as your entry date, port of entry, visa status, and how long you may remain in the country.
- Review your travel records: Log in to the CBP website or use the CBP GO mobile app to access your I-94 record and travel history. Review the information carefully to identify any discrepancies or errors.
- Contact US Customs and Border Protection: If you notice any issues with your I-94, such as incorrect dates or visa status, you should contact US Customs and Border Protection as soon as possible. They can provide guidance on correcting any errors and updating your record.
- Provide documentation: In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation to support your claim. For example, if your visa status is incorrect, you may need to provide a copy of your visa approval notice or other relevant documents.
- Seek assistance from your school's international student office: If you are encountering difficulties resolving the issue on your own, your school's international student office may be able to provide support and guidance. They are familiar with immigration-related matters and can help navigate the process.
- Consider seeking legal advice: For complex or severe issues with your I-94, consider consulting an immigration lawyer or legal advisor. They can help you understand your rights, options, and the best course of action to take.
Remember that your I-94 record is crucial for demonstrating your legal status in the US. Taking prompt action to address any problems with your I-94 can help ensure that your legal presence in the country is not affected. Keeping your own records and being aware of your visa status and entry/exit dates can also help prevent issues with your I-94 record.
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How to get a paper I-94 form
International students visiting the US are assigned an I-94 number and admission record by the US Customs and Border Protection. This record is usually issued electronically and includes information such as the student's entry date, port of entry, visa status, and how long they may remain in the country. The I-94 number serves as proof of their legal presence in the US and may be requested by various offices and agencies during their studies.
Although the I-94 process is now largely electronic, there may be instances when international students need to obtain a paper Form I-94. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a paper I-94 form:
- Visit the I-94 Website: Go to the official I-94 website of the US Customs and Border Protection. This website provides access to your I-94 record and allows you to print a paper form if needed.
- Use the "Get Most Recent I-94" Option: On the I-94 website, look for the "Get Most Recent I-94" option. This option allows you to access and print your latest I-94 record, which will include your entry and departure information.
- Print Your Form I-94: After selecting the "Get Most Recent I-94" option, you will be able to view and print your paper Form I-94. Make sure your printer is connected and ready before attempting to print.
- Alternative Methods: In addition to the I-94 website, you can also use the CBP GO mobile application to access and print your Form I-94. The CBP GO app is available for smartphones and can be downloaded from the app stores.
- Request During Inspection: If you are unable to print your Form I-94 in advance, you can request a paper form during the inspection process upon arrival. However, such requests will be accommodated in a secondary setting.
- Surrender Upon Departure: Remember, if you are issued a paper Form I-94, you must surrender it to the commercial carrier, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), or to CBP upon exiting the US. Failure to do so may result in inaccurate departure records.
By following these steps, international students can obtain a paper I-94 form, providing physical documentation of their entry and departure information for the US Customs and Border Protection.
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How I-94 records are used as proof of legal status
International students visiting the US are assigned an I-94 number and admission record by the US Customs and Border Protection. This record serves as proof of their legal status in the US and includes their entry date, port of entry, visa status, and how long they may remain in the country. This document may be requested by various offices, schools, employers, and agencies to demonstrate an individual's legal status.
The I-94 record is typically issued electronically, and international students can access their records and retrieve a limited travel history online via the US Customs and Border Protection website or the CBP GO mobile app. Additionally, individuals can apply for a new I-94 or check how much longer they can stay in the US based on their admission terms.
For those who prefer a physical copy, the I-94 form can be printed from the website or requested during the inspection process. Upon exiting the US, travellers issued a paper form must surrender it to the relevant authorities. It is important to note that electronic I-94 records upon arrival by air, sea, or land may not accurately capture departure information if leaving by land. In such cases, it is advisable to carry evidence of departure to avoid potential issues.
To summarise, the I-94 record is a critical document for international students as it serves as proof of their legal status in the US. By providing details such as entry date, visa status, and authorised length of stay, the I-94 record enables students to demonstrate their compliance with US immigration regulations. This document can be conveniently accessed and utilised when needed, ensuring a smooth experience during their studies and travels in the country.
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How to access I-94 records when leaving the country
An I-94 is a number and admission record assigned electronically to international visitors, including students, when entering the U.S. by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The record will list your entry date, port of entry, visa status, and how long you may remain in the U.S. An individualized number will also be assigned to the record. This I-94 number and record serve as proof of your ability to be present in the U.S. legally.
International students visiting the U.S. can look up and review their I-94 admission number and record, as well as retrieve a limited travel history online on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site. Each time an international visitor enters the U.S., a new record is issued.
To access your I-94 records when leaving the country, you can use either the CBP GO mobile app or the CBP I-94 website. If you prefer a paper form, you can print your I-94 Form from the I-94 website or using the CBP GO mobile app. Upon exiting the U.S., travellers issued a paper Form I-94 should surrender it to the commercial carrier, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), or to CBP upon departure.
If you received an electronic I-94 upon arrival by air, sea, or land and depart via land, your departure may not be recorded accurately. A departure will be recorded if you depart via land and re-enter the United States before the expiration date stamped in your passport. If you are not a resident of Canada or Mexico and you receive an electronic I-94 and depart via land but do not re-enter the United States before the expiration date stamped on your passport, you may want to travel with evidence of your departure into Canada or Mexico. Evidence of departure can include, but is not limited to, entry stamps in a passport, transportation tickets, pay stubs, and/or other receipts.
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Frequently asked questions
An I-94 is a number and admission record assigned electronically to international visitors entering the U.S. by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It serves as proof of your legal status in the country.
International students can look up their I-94 admission number and record, as well as retrieve a limited travel history, online on the CBP website or by using the CBP GO mobile app. Students will need to search for their electronic I-94 record using their name as it appears on their visa stamp page.
The I-94 record includes your entry date, port of entry, visa status, and how long you may remain in the U.S. It may be required as proof of status for F-1 or J-1 benefits applications, employment verification, and other official purposes.
