Elimination of Paper-Based Form I-94

April 26, 2013, CBP will eliminate the paper-based Form I-94 arrival/ departure admissions record across US airports and pre-flight inspections stations nationwide. The I-94 admissions record is the white card that individuals receive on a US-bound flight. Currently, the border officers stamp the I-94 and staple it to the passport upon entry to the United States.

The I-94 is a key document to demonstrate lawful US immigration status and to obtain various benefits including, but not limited to, the following.

• Proof of lawful US immigration status.
• US employment eligibility.
• Extensions and/or changes of status.
• Social security number applications. And,
• Driver license applications and renewals.

Travelers may print electronic I-94s at this link. It is unclear what information will be necessary to access the electronic I-94. But we recommend individuals entering the US retain evidence of entry to the US, e.g., baggage claim stubs, boarding passes and travel itineraries, until they access and print an electronic I-94.

Upon request, travelers to the US can still obtain a paper-based I-94 upon entry to the US. We strongly recommend that travelers request a paper Form I-94 when entering until further notice. During the program’s infancy, we do not encourage reliance on CPB’s electronic system to obtain this critical I-94.

Those who forget to request a paper-based I-94 record when entering the US, and who are subsequently unable to print an electronic version of Form I-94, may find it difficult to extend US immigration status; prove US employment eligibility; obtain a new US driver license; or obtain a host of other benefits. Attention to the Form I-94 is critical.