Since April 30, 2013, CBP has been implementing I-94 automation by issuing passport stamps and an electronic record to most foreign nationals arriving in the U.S. at sea and air ports rather than paper I-94s. Foreign nationals arriving at land borders will continue to receive paper I-94s from CBP.

CBP will continue to issue paper I-94s to refugees, asylees and parolees at land, sea and air ports. An arriving foreign national may request a paper I-94 from CBP at a land, sea or air port. Those foreign nationals requesting paper I-94s, as well as refugees, asylees and parolees, will be issued paper I-94s in secondary rather than primary inspection. The paper I-94 provided by CBP will be a printout of the electronic record available at www.cbp.gov/I94.

It’s important to note that foreign nationals should enter their name on the I-94 web site as it appears in their passport. The I-94 site instructs individuals to enter their first and last names as they appear on the “travel document used to gain admission to the US.” CBP has clarified that the name on the passport, rather than the visa, should be entered to access the electronic record.

As a general rule, foreign nationals should get in the habit of accessing and printing their I-94 information after each entry as proof of their valid immigration status. An I-94 printout is also important in terms of applications for a driver’s license or social security number. Errors found in the electronic record should be corrected as soon as possible.