I-94 Format Change: Arrival/Departure Form Number
The United States Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) updated guidance for I-94 and I-94W Arrival and Departure forms. Beginning May 2019, I-94 records will be alphanumeric, a change from the strictly numeric 11 digit system.
Depletion of Numeric-Only I-94s Codes
The record numbers for form I-94s are essential in any immigration application. While these record remain largely electronic, these forms are evidence of legal entry or exit into/from the United States. Those with past I-94s can access their information via the CBP website. The new system of record keeping will now involve both numbers and letters, and will remain an 11 digit code with 9 numeric digits, a letter in the 10thposition, and a digit in the 11thposition. This change will allow the CBP issue I-94 numbers for a much longer period without changing to a new coding system. Those who have a currently active form I-94 with solely numeric characters will maintain a valid I-94 until the “Admit Until Date” printed on paper copies of I-94s or as found on the I-94 website. Starting May 2019, all new I-94 form numbers will have this alphanumeric coding system.
I-94 Website
The CBP website allows foreign nationals the ability to track their current arrival status and check records of all previous arrivals and departures. To complete a new visa application, foreign nationals are required to have records of their entry, therefore the I-94 website can prove to be quite helpful. While most entry and departure records are maintained online via CBP, applicants remain responsible for finding their own records. The I-94 website provides the arrival or departure date and port of entry or exit for the passport entered through the online access forum. The records expand for only the last 5 years, and include documentation for passports that have since expired. The website does not, however, provide information for all land border arrivals/departures, closed loop cruises, or any other visa status. The website notes that the platform is only for information purposes and does not reflect a legal record of entry and exit. Eligible visa holders may use the website as a hub to check their compliance with the time terms of their visa.
At Sharma Law Offices, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation and guidance. If you have any questions about the topic we discussed or if you need legal assistance with an immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.