Immigration Form I-94 – 10 Tips
The form I-94 is the form issued by a customs and border protection office to foreigners entering the US. From 2013, the US government implemented an electronic system for filling out this forms. However, some people still have trouble with the process. If you do not want any problems with immigration officials, you have to fill out this form accurately. Here are a few tips that we at Runrex.com feel will assist you.
- Avoid using hyphens
When filling out the form I-94, your name may have hyphens. When filling out this form, do not include these. For instance, if your name is John-Roberts, simply write John Roberts and leave out the hyphen. It may seem like a small thing, but it could cause you major delays.
- Fill out the names as they appear on your passport
When filling out your names, they must be in the order in which they appear on your passport. Even in cases where it is not possible to fill out all the names, simply fill out the ones that fit in the order required. In such an instance, you can abbreviate the remaining names using the first letters of your other names.
- Duration of Status
On the passport admission stamp of the I-94 form, the official will write either a date or D/S. For scholars and students, this will usually entail them getting the D/S stamp. This means that they can remain in the US as long as they maintain their status as legally required. It is important that you keep the I-94 form with you for the period of their visit. Ensure that it is not lost.
- The admission number
Each I-94 form has an eleven-digit admission number on it. The Department of Motor vehicles may require that you show this number for employment reasons. However, you do not need to master this number. In fact, you will receive a new number every time you re-enter the US.
- Verify the information you provide on the I-94 is correct
Every time you enter the US, you have to verify that the information is correct. This is the main proof of your legal status in the US. It has numerous benefits. These benefits include support for immigration petitions, social security benefits, and when you acquire a driver’s license.
- Check for multiple passport numbers
If you have a Form DS-160 for the passport number that is stated, it may be different from the passport number with which you were admitted. You should type the passport number stated on the Form DS-160. Besides that, check the passport number on your visa. If it is different from the passport number you have, use the one on the visa. This will usually apply when you are applying online.
- Leave the year number for the electronic I-94 process
When trying to search for your form I-94 online, your passport number may contain the year in which it was issued. This will cause the number to be too long for the relevant field in the CBP system. If this happens, try to leave out the year on the passport. It is especially so for Mexican passports, which contain the number in front of the passport number. However, for newer passports, this problem does not exist. Most passports around the world today do not contain this number.
- Check your classification status
The classification on the admission stamp on the passport may be different from that stated on the visa. This is usually just a slight variation, but it may affect the electronic system. For instance, on the visa, it may state “E-3D” for those who have the E-3 dependent visa. However, on the admission stamp, it may state only E-3. This can create slight problems for the electronic system. If that is so, try both of them when making an electronic filing.
- Trying switching the order of names on the online form
Try putting your last name as the first name and the first name as the last name. In some countries, the names are stated as first name and last name in contrast to the common order of the last name then the first name. This can affect how the online CBP system states this name. Ensure that you check this order carefully.
- For those with one name
If you have one name, the state department will have given you the designation FNU. You will enter these letters in your first name section. Immigration officials record the one name you give as the last name. It may seem like a small detail, but it could create major hurdles for you later.
Summary
With these few tips, everything should smoothly. However, it never hurts to get in touch with an immigration lawyer to explain to you how to file other records you require before you get admission into the US. They can help to smooth everything out for you.