New Automated Form I-94 to Be Implemented Starting April 30

On March 27, 2013, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) published the long-awaited agency regulation that will automate Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Form. The change will be implemented at air and sea ports of entry in a phased approach beginning April 30.

What does it mean?
Form I-94 provides international visitors evidence they have been lawfully admitted to the U.S. which is necessary to verify alien registration, immigration status, and employment authorization. The automation means that affected visitors will no longer need to fill out a paper form when arriving to the U.S. by air or sea, streamlining the admissions process for individuals lawfully visiting the United States and reducing costs.

How will it work?
When the new system is launched next month, most foreign travelers entering by air or sea will receive a stamp in their passport rather than a paper I-94 card, and the immigration category and period of stay will be recorded immediately in CBP’s database. The database will also contain the foreign national’s basic biographic, passport and visa information, collected from the advance passenger manifests that air and sea carriers transmit to CBP before departure for the United States.

What will happen with paper I-94 cards?
CBP will continue to issue paper I-94 cards to certain foreign nationals, including parolees, asylees and refugees. Travelers wanting a hard copy or other evidence of admission will be directed to CBP.gov/I94 to print a copy of an I-94 based on the electronically submitted data, including the I-94 number from the form, to provide as necessary to benefits providers or as evidence of lawful admission.

Conclusion
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