Free Cbp I 94 Form in PDF

Instructions on Writing Cbp I 94

Filling out the CBP Form I-94 is a crucial step for non-U.S. citizens entering the United States, as it documents their arrival and departure. This form is divided into two parts: the Arrival Record (items 1 through 17) and the Departure Record (items 18 through 21). Completion of this form in a clear, legible manner ensures that the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers can efficiently process the information, thereby facilitating a smoother entry process into the U.S. Below are the steps to correctly fill out the form.

1. Write your family name as it appears on your passport in the space for "Family Name."
2. Enter your first (given) name in the space provided.
3. Fill in your date of birth in the format DD/MM/YY under "Birth Date."
4. List your country of citizenship exactly.
5. Indicate your sex by selecting "Male" or "Female."
6. Enter the date your passport was issued in the format DD/MM/YY.
7. Fill in the expiration date of your passport under "Passport Expiration Date," using the DD/MM/YY format.
8. Provide your passport number as shown in your passport.
9. For Item 9, indicate your mode of entry into the United States (LAND if by land, SEA if by ship).
10. State the country where you currently live.
11. Mention the country from which you boarded your flight to the U.S.
12. Enter the city where your visa was issued.
13. Fill in the date your visa was issued (DD/MM/YY), if applicable.
14. Provide your address while in the United States, including the number and street.
15. List the city and state of your U.S. address.
16. Enter a telephone number where you can be reached in the U.S.
17. Provide your email address.
18. For the Departure Record, repeat your family and first (given) name.
19. Reenter your date of birth in the DD/MM/YY format on the Departure Record section.

Upon completing the form, review it for accuracy to ensure all the information is correct and legible. Present the filled-out form to the CBP Officer along with your passport and any other required documents for entry into the United States. Given that this form plays an integral role in documenting your stay, it is critical to comply with its requirements to avoid potential complications during your travels.

What is the CBP Form I-94?

The CBP Form I-94, also known as the Arrival/Departure Record, is a crucial document for non-U.S. citizens (except certain exempt categories like U.S. citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and Canadian citizens visiting or in transit) entering the United States. This form records an individual's entry into and departure from the U.S. and contains information including the admission number, personal details, passport information, and the terms of admission.

Who needs to fill out the CBP Form I-94?

This form must be completed by all nonimmigrant aliens seeking admission to the U.S., except for U.S. citizens, returning resident aliens, those with immigrant visas, and Canadian citizens visiting or in transit. Failure to complete this form may result in denial of entry to the United States and possible removal.

How is the CBP Form I-94 used?

The information collected on the I-94 Form is used to document the arrival and departure of nonimmigrant aliens in the United States. It helps the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine an individual's admissibility and the terms of their admission. The form may also be shared with other government agencies for law enforcement purposes or to assist in determining admissibility.

What should I do if I fail to submit the CBP Form I-94 upon my departure?

Retaining and then surrendering the I-94 Form upon departure is important. Failure to do so may delay your entry into the U.S. in the future. If you leave by sea or air, you should surrender the I-94 to the transportation line. If leaving across the Canadian or Mexican border, it should be surrendered to a Canadian official or a U.S. official, respectively. Noncompliance may affect future U.S. entrance.

What are the consequences of unauthorized employment for nonimmigrant aliens under the I-94 regulations?

A nonimmigrant who accepts unauthorized employment in the U.S. violates their immigration status and is subject to deportation. The I-94 form contains a warning regarding the importance of adhering to the conditions of one's admission, including employment restrictions.

How long can I stay in the U.S. with my I-94?

You are authorized to stay in the United States only until the date written on your I-94 Form. Remaining in the U.S. past this date without permission from Department of Homeland Security authorities is a violation of the law. To extend your stay, you must apply for and receive permission from the appropriate U.S. authorities.

Where can I find my I-94 Form?

For those entering the United States by air or sea, the I-94 Form is now automated; travelers can access their arrival/departure record online. Those entering by land will still receive a paper form. You can access your electronic I-94 record or get more information on the paper form by visiting the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

What information is required to complete the CBP Form I-94?

Completing the I-94 form requires you to provide personal information, such as your family name, first (given) name, country of citizenship, birth date, sex, passport details (including issue and expiration dates), and your U.S. address during your stay. You'll fill out both an Arrival Record (items 1 through 17) and a Departure Record (items 18 through 21). Additionally, the form asks for your airline and flight number or if you're entering by land or sea, among other details.

Filling out the CBP I-94 form, officially known as the Arrival/Departure Record, is a critical step for nonimmigrant aliens entering the United States. However, several common mistakes can complicate this process. Recognizing and avoiding these errors can ensure a smoother entry into the country.

One prevalent error is not using all capital letters when completing the form. The instructions specify that information should be typed or printed legibly in all caps. This not only helps to avoid misunderstandings due to illegible handwriting but also aligns with the formatting requirements of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Another frequent mistake involves incorrect or incomplete information about the traveler's address while in the United States, including items 14 and 15. Some visitors may enter a hotel address but fail to update this information if they move to a different location. Staying compliant involves ensuring that the address on the I-94 accurately reflects the visitor's residence while in the U.S.

Many individuals also struggle with the date format in the United States, which is in the order of month, day, and year (MM/DD/YY). Mistakes in entering birth dates, passport issue dates, or expiration dates occur when individuals use different formats, leading to potential confusion or processing delays.

A significant error occurs when travelers do not correctly identify their mode of entry (item 9) into the United States, indicating "LAND" for entry by land and "SEA" for entry by ship. Incorrectly identifying the mode of entry can lead to discrepancies in the CBP's system and complications during the entry process.

Not completing both the Arrival and Departure Records (items 1 through 21) is another common oversight. Both sections are crucial for documenting the visitor's entry into and departure from the United States. Leaving parts of the form blank can result in processing delays or other entry issues.

Failure to provide accurate contact information, including a telephone number (item 16) and an email address (item 17) where the traveler can be reached while in the U.S., is another mistake. These contact details are essential for the CBP to communicate with the visitor if necessary.

Lastly, not properly surrendering the I-94 form upon departure, as required, can create future complications. Nonimmigrants must hand over this document to the appropriate authority, depending on their mode of departure from the U.S., to properly record their exit and avoid issues with future entries.

Overall, attentiveness to detail and adherence to the instructions provided by the CBP when completing the I-94 form can significantly ease the entry process and prevent common pitfalls that many travelers face.

The I-94 form, issued by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, serves as an arrival and departure record for nonimmigrant visitors entering the United States. This document is essential in establishing the terms of a visitor's admission. Alongside this key form, several additional documents often come into play, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws and facilitating various processes related to an individual's stay in the U.S. Here is a list of other forms and documents often used in conjunction with the I-94 form.

• Passport - This international travel document provides proof of identity and nationality. It must be valid for travel to the United States.
• Visa - A U.S. visa affixed within a passport permits entry into the United States. It indicates that a U.S. Consular Officer has determined you are eligible to apply for entry for a specific purpose.
• Form DS-160 - Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form for temporary travel to the United States. Completing this form is the first step to obtaining a visa.
• Form I-20 - Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. This document is issued by colleges, universities, and vocational schools that provides supporting information on a student's F or M status.
• Form DS-2019 - Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. This form is required for those applying for a J visa to participate in exchange visitor programs in the U.S.
• Form I-797 - Notice of Action. It is issued by USCIS to communicate decisions on applications and petitions. It can be proof of a visa petition approval or an extension of stay, among other things.
• Form I-129 - Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Employers file this form for foreign nationals they wish to employ temporarily in the U.S. on H, L, O, P, or E visas.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) - Also known as a work permit, this card allows nonimmigrants to work legally in the U.S. for a specific period.
• Form I-539 - Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This form is used by nonimmigrants to request an extension of their stay or to change their nonimmigrant status.
• Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. It is for nonimmigrants seeking to adjust their status to that of a permanent resident (green card holder) without returning to their home country.

Combining the I-94 form with the relevant documents on this list ensures that travelers have the necessary paperwork for legal entry, stay, and activities, such as study or work, in the United States. Each document plays a crucial role in the immigration process, aiding both travelers and immigration officials in managing and documenting the legal status of visitors. Proper understanding and handling of these documents are fundamental steps towards a seamless experience in the U.S. immigration system.

The DS-160 form, used for Nonimmigrant Visa applications, bears similarity to the CBP I-94 form in its purpose of documenting and managing the entry of non-U.S. citizens into the United States. Like the I-94 form, the DS-160 captures personal information, travel details, and background information to assess eligibility for entry. Both forms are essential in the visa application and entry process, serving as official records for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of State.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application is another document akin to the I-94, serving travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries. While the I-94 form documents the arrival and departure of non-immigrant visitors, the ESTA provides authorization to travel to the U.S. without a visa for short visits. Both processes require the submission of personal and travel information to assess admissibility to the U.S. under their respective frameworks.

The Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, shares its identity and employment authorization verification purpose with the departure information section of the I-94 form. Employers use the I-9 to verify the identity and legal authorization to work of their employees in the U.S., reflecting a similar need to document and verify the status of individuals within the country, although for different purposes.

The Adjustment of Status application (Form I-485) parallels the I-94 in documenting an individual's entry into and presence in the U.S., but it serves a different end: obtaining lawful permanent resident status. While the I-94 tracks arrivals and departures, the I-485 is used by those already in the U.S. to change their status, necessitating information on the applicant's entry, stay, and background similar to that collected by the I-94.

Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B) is used by travelers entering the United States to declare goods and is similar to the I-94 in its role in the entry process. While the I-94 focuses on the individual's travel and identity details, the customs declaration focuses on items being brought into the country. Both forms are essential for border control and customs, ensuring compliance with U.S. laws and regulations.

The SEVIS Form I-20, for academic students (F visa) or vocational students (M visa), is somewhat similar to the I-94 form in its use for immigration control purposes. The I-20 form supports the visa application process and maintains the student's status in the U.S., providing personal and school information similarly to how the I-94 tracks arrivals and departures of non-immigrant visitors. Both forms are crucial in managing and documenting a foreign national's stay in the U.S. for specific purposes.

When filling out the CBP I-94 Form, it's essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure your entry process into the United States is smooth. Here are things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do type or print legibly with a pen in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.
• Do use English to fill out the form.
• Do complete both the Arrival Record (Items 1 through 17) and the Departure Record (Items 18 through 21).
• Do provide accurate information for each item to avoid any delays with your entry or departure.
• Do retain this permit in your possession, as you must surrender it when you leave the U.S.
• Don't write on the back of the form; all information must be provided on the designated lines.
• Don't leave any fields blank. If a particular field doesn't apply to you, you may enter "N/A" if appropriate.
• Don't underestimate the importance of the address where you will stay in the U.S. (Item 14). Providing a clear and accurate address is crucial.
• Don't dismiss the warning about unauthorized employment. Accepting unauthorized employment in the U.S. is a violation that can result in deportation.

Adhering to these dos and don'ts will help in avoiding complications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and ensure a smoother process at the port of entry.

There are several common misunderstandings about the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, a crucial form for nonimmigrant visitors to the United States. Here are nine misconceptions clarified:

• All travelers must fill it out: Not true. U.S. Citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and Canadian Citizens visiting or in transit don't have to complete this form.
• The form is only in paper format: This is incorrect. While there is a paper format, the form is most often filled out electronically upon arrival by air or sea. A paper form is used mainly for land crossings.
• It's okay to write on the back of the form: Actually, the form specifically instructs not to write on the back. All information must be filled out on the front parts of the form.
• You don't need the form if you're transiting through the U.S.: This is not accurate. Even if you're just passing through, the form is required to document your arrival and departure.
• Information on the form is only used by CBP: In fact, the data collected can be shared with other government agencies for law enforcement purposes or to determine admissibility to the U.S.
• Failing to provide the I-94 has no real consequences: This is false. Not providing the form upon request can result in denial of entry to the U.S. and potential removal.
• The form grants indefinite stay in the U.S.: Incorrect. The form authorizes a stay until the date written on it. Staying beyond that without permission is a violation of the law.
• You don't need to keep the form with you: This is a misconception. It's important to retain this permit in your possession and surrender it upon leaving the U.S. to avoid delays in future entries.
• It only takes a minute to complete: The estimated average time to complete this application is actually 8 minutes. While this might seem short, it's important to allow enough time and answer accurately.

Understanding the specific requirements and purposes of the I-94 form ensures smoother processing at the border and adherence to U.S. laws during your stay.

Filling out and using the CBP Form I-94, the Arrival/Departure Record, is crucial for nonimmigrant visitors to the United States. Here are seven key takeaways to understand when handling this document:

• All non-U.S. citizens entering the United States, except U.S. Citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and Canadian Citizens visiting or in transit, must complete the Form I-94.
• When filling out the form, it is important to type or print legibly in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS and use English. This enhances readability and avoids processing delays.
• The Form I-94 consists of two parts: the Arrival Record (items 1 through 17) and the Departure Record (items 18 through 21). Both parts need to be completed for the form to be processed effectively.
• For the question related to the mode of entry into the United States, it's critical to specify accurately. If entering by land, write LAND; if by sea, write SEA in the designated space.
• The information collected on this form is required under Title 8 of the U.S. Code. It is used to document the terms of admission and record the arrival and departure of nonimmigrant aliens. Failure to provide the required information may lead to denial of entry into the United States and potential removal.
• Privacy is a concern with personal information; however, the data solicited on the Form I-94 can be shared with other government agencies for law enforcement purposes or to assist DHS in determining one's admissibility to the U.S.
• Keeping the I-94 permit secure is vital. You are authorized to stay in the U.S. only until the date written on this form. To remain past this date without permission from Department of Homeland Security authorities is a violation of U.S. law. Furthermore, it is important to surrender this permit when leaving the U.S. as failure to do so may delay future entries into the United States.

Properly managing the Form I-94 ensures a smoother process for nonimmigrant visitors entering and leaving the U.S., while maintaining compliance with immigration regulations.