For individuals traveling to the United States, understanding and accessing your travel history is crucial, especially when it comes to official records like the I-94. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has streamlined this process by transitioning to electronic I-94 records, making it easier than ever for visitors to access their arrival and departure information. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about accessing your I-94 travel history.
Previously, foreign visitors were required to complete a paper Form I-94 upon arrival in the U.S. or Form I-94W for the Visa Waiver Program. However, CBP has automated the collection of arrival and departure information from electronic travel records. Now, travelers who need to verify their legal visitor status for employers, educational institutions, or government agencies can conveniently access their CBP arrival/departure record information online.
At land borders, the move to electronic I-94s means travelers no longer receive a paper stub. CBP encourages travelers needing an I-94 to utilize the CBP GO mobile app or the official CBP I-94 website to apply. For those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, it’s essential to have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before arriving at a U.S. land border. Visa Waiver Program travelers are also advised to use the I-94 website or CBP GO mobile app to apply for their I-94 in advance, ensuring a smoother entry process.
While the system is primarily electronic, travelers can still obtain a paper Form I-94 if needed. The CBP I-94 website provides an option to “Get Most Recent I-94,” allowing you to print your own form. This option is also available through the CBP GO mobile application. Although a paper form can be requested during the inspection process, it will typically be accommodated in a secondary setting to maintain efficiency at primary inspection points.
Accessing your Form I-94 admission record is vital for verifying immigration status or employment authorization. Travelers are encouraged to retrieve their I-94 Number from the dedicated I-94 website or through the CBP GO mobile app. This digital access simplifies the process of providing proof of legal entry and authorized stay in the United States.
When departing the U.S., the procedure depends on how you initially received your I-94. If you were issued a paper Form I-94, it should be surrendered to the commercial carrier, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), or CBP upon departure. However, if you received an electronic I-94 upon arrival by air, sea, or land and depart via a land border, your departure might not be automatically recorded. A departure will be recorded if you leave via land and re-enter the U.S. before the expiration date stamped in your passport.
For non-residents of Canada or Mexico who received an electronic I-94 and depart via land without re-entering the U.S. before the passport expiration date, it’s advisable to carry evidence of your departure into Canada or Mexico. Acceptable evidence includes entry stamps in your passport, transportation tickets, pay stubs, or other receipts. You can request an entry stamp from CBSA when entering Canada or from the Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM) when entering Mexico to document your departure.
For departures via air or sea, CBP will electronically record your departure using manifest information provided by the carrier or directly by CBP, ensuring accurate travel history records.
This automation of the I-94 process enhances security, streamlines entry for travelers, and reduces federal costs. CBP estimates annual savings of $15.5 million due to this automated system, making the process more efficient for both travelers and government agencies.
Important Notice Regarding I-94 Numbers:
It’s important to note that beginning in May 2019, I-94 numbers transitioned to an alphanumeric format. Previously, I-94 numbers were 11 digits long and contained only numbers. To address the depletion of numeric-only I-94 numbers and create a sustainable long-term solution, CBP implemented alphanumeric I-94s. These new numbers remain 11 characters long but follow a format of 9 digits, a letter in the 10th position, and a digit in the 11th position. Rest assured, unexpired I-94s issued in the numeric-only format remain valid until the “Admit Until Date” printed on the paper I-94 or displayed on the I-94 website.
For further details and answers to frequently asked questions, refer to the I-94 Fact Sheet available on the CBP website. Accessing your I-94 travel history is now a straightforward digital process, ensuring you have the necessary records for verification and future travel.
