The I-94 Form serves as the DHS Arrival/Departure Record granted to foreign or alien individuals who are applying for a Change of Status, Extension, or engaging in other related activities. This document holds significant importance for any non-U.S. citizen holding a temporary visa, including H-1B, J-1, E-3, and TN visas. It provides details such as the port of entry, entry date, and the visa status under which the individual was admitted, along with the duration of their stay.
Different Types of I-94 Forms
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Paper Form
Foreigners entering the country via land receive the paper version of the Form I-94. It takes the form of a small white card attached to the visitor's passport. Both your entry and exit from the United States are monitored by the government using this paper Form I-94. It is mandatory to submit the paper version when departing from the U.S.
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Electronic Form
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues the electronic Form I-94 to individuals arriving by air or sea. Upon entry, your passport will be stamped, providing evidence of your legal entry into the country. To access your travel records, you can visit the official CBP website, where you can view, download, or print a copy for your records.
Application Process for Electronic and Paper I-94:
- Complete all the required details in capital letters.
- Fill in the information precisely within the designated lines.
- Fill out the I-94 Arrival Record Section on the front side of the form.
- The backside of the form should not be completed as it is solely for official purposes.
Upon arrival at the U.S. entry point, a CBP officer will review your I-94. They will keep the top half and return the bottom half, which serves as the departure record.
Key Features of Form I-94
Form I-94 provides information such as the entry date, duration of stay, visa status, and port of entry.
- This form is essential for I-9 employment verification and other relevant purposes.
- When you enter the U.S., a CBP officer attaches Form I-94 to your passport.
- You are required to depart the country by the date indicated on the form.
If you choose to extend your stay in the U.S. by obtaining a Green Card, the USCIS will issue a new Form I-94 or alternative documentation.
Validity of H-1B Visa after I-94 Expiry
For individuals with an H-1B Visa, an Amendment with an extension allows them to stay and work in the USA for up to 240 days after the expiration of their I-94. Similarly, H-1B transfers permit individuals to stay and work in the USA for up to 240 days after the expiration of their I-94. As long as an extension has been filed for H-4 dependents and the H-1B status is maintained, they can continue to stay in the country.
