All non-immigrants entering the U.S. are issued an I-94 record of their arrival. The I-94 record, used to be issued as a paper card and inserted in the passport as proof of legal status in the U.S. It was then surrendered at the time of departure from the U.S. in order that the departure was recorded.

Changes to the I-94 Arrival/Departure Documentation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began automation of the I-94 arrival/departure record on April 30, 2013 at select airports and seaports. (Please note that land ports-of-entry will continue to issue paper I-94 cards).

What does “automation” mean?

The I-94 automation removes the need of the paper-based I-94 and instead creates an electronic record of the individual’s entry and departure information on www.cbp.gov/I94.

How do I retrieve an Electronic I-94?

Click here for instructions.

How can I prove I am in legal status if I no longer get a paper card?

Your passport will now be stamped with the date of admission to the U.S. and the visa status in which you have been admitted and this serves as proof of your legal status along with your passport and I-20/DS-2019. However, the I-Center recommends that you print your I-94 document from the CBP website after each arrival and retain these documents for your records. The printout will serve as your official I-94 record which can be used for I-9 compliance as well as for other government agencies (e.g. SSA, DMV, USCIS).

What if I still have a paper I-94?

All the previous rules and procedures related to the paper I-94 card still apply until your next entry to the U.S. creates an electronic I-94 record.

What the new I-94 document looks like:

How to Retrieve Electronic I-94

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