CBP Plan to Eliminate Form I-94

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is in the process of automating traveler arrival records to streamline passenger processing by eliminating the I-94 card.  CBP cites the following two reasons for this change:

1. It already has access to the information gathered on the Form I-94 as it is gathered at the time of submitting an application for nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. consulate.  Additionally, CPB also has access to this information via Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). 

       2. CBP expects to save time and money to the tune of $36 million per year.

Under the new ‘plan’, CBP will issue an admission stamp in the passports of nonimmigrant aliens.  This stamp will include handwritten notation on the arriving alien’s passport indicating the status and authorized period of stay.  CBP will also create an electronic record of the admission but does not anticipate creating other documentation.