As reported previously, CBP is eliminating the Form I-94, Arrival / Departure Record, the familiar white card that foreign nationals are asked to complete on the airplane prior to entering the United States. Beginning April 30, 2013, if a foreign national needs a copy of the I-94 card as evidence of his or her entry into the United States, he or she will need to go to www.cbp.gov/I94 and print his or her I-94 record. While this is not mandatory, we recommend that foreign national employees, especially those in the United States on temporary work permission, do so. The I-94 card, in conjunction with a foreign national employee’s visa and foreign passport, often is the “List A” document that confirms the foreign national’s ability to work in the United States. Having proof of this authorization is critical. Foreign national entering at airports and seaports that have eliminated the I-94 should log onto the CBP website after entry and check that all information is accurate and correct, particularly:
- spelling of names,
- personal information,
- visa category, and
- expiration date.
If errors are found, the foreign national should contact CBP.
The I-94 Automation Implementation Schedule begins on April 30, 2013, with Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Las Vegas Airport, Chicago O’Hare, and Miami International Airport. These locations are followed one week later, on May 7, 2013, by the airports and seaports in New York, Boston, Buffalo, Baltimore, Detroit, Atlanta, Tampa, Puerto Rico, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans and Houston. On May 14, 2013, the airports and seaports with Pre-Clearance, San Francisco (including Hawaii and Guam), Tucson, El Paso, Seattle, Portland (including Alaska), Los Angeles San Diego, and Laredo, will follow. All remaining airports and seaports will eliminate the Form I-94 on May 21, 2013.