Automation of I-94.

While we are awaiting the official release of the UN information circular on the electronic I-94, OHR/UNDP is calling the attention of the G4 Visa Holders on the following:

Effective 30 April 2013, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectors at air and sea ports-of-entry will begin phasing out the use of paper Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) cards.

Current Procedure: Each traveler arriving on a Visa completes a Form I-94 while en route to the U.S. or immediately upon entry. For each traveler, a CBP inspector reviews, stamps and then attaches a portion of the paper Form I-94 to the national passport at the time of entry. The stamp confirms that the traveler has been lawfully admitted to the U.S., the immigration status or class of admission and for how long the holder may legally remain the U.S. Presently, when you leave the U.S., the paper I-94 must be returned or surrendered.

The Current Procedure has been phased out.

Under the New Procedures being phased in at air and sea ports from 30 April 2013, the CBP inspector will create an electronic record of arrival for each traveler – date, class of admission, and expiration of stay. This information will be accessible within 24 hours of admission via new, dedicated website (www.cbp.gov/i94). CBP will provide written instructions to all travelers upon arrival on how to access the website to review the information and, if desired, to print a paper record. Individual admission information will be stored and accessible up until the time of the individual’s departure, but not after.

For the time being, travelers by sea and entering the U.S. at land ports-of-entry will continue to receive paper I-94 card.

Upon departure from the U.S.: A foreign national traveler who was not issued a paper I-94 card and is leaving by air or sea will no longer need to surrender a paper I-94 card. HOWEVER, individuals who presently possess a paper I-94 card will still need to turn it in when they depart the U.S.

Please access the CBP website www.cbp.gov/i94 to print a paper record of admission as soon as possible after arrival in the U.S. and certainly before your subsequent departure. This will provide you with evidence of your lawful admission, and also allow you to reconfirm the accuracy of the information in the CBP database (i.e., class and date of admission and expiration of status).

It is further recommended that several copies of the personal automated I-94 card be printed for the following reasons:

- Renewal or revalidation of G4 visa - Employment Authorization Card (EAD) or Work Permit - Social Security Number - Driver’s License. May 2013