Blank Cbp I 94 PDF Template

1. Who needs to complete the CBP Form I-94?

   The CBP Form I-94 must be completed by all individuals entering the United States, except for U.S. Citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and Canadian Citizens visiting or in transit. This form documents the arrival and departure of nonimmigrant travelers to the U.S. and specifies the terms of their admission.

2. How should the CBP Form I-94 be filled out?

   Individuals must type or print legibly in all capital letters, using English. It is important not to write on the back of the form. The Arrival Record (Items 1 through 17) and the Departure Record (Items 18 through 21) both need to be completed. For individuals entering the United States by land, "LAND" should be entered in the space provided, and for those entering by ship, "SEA" should be mentioned accordingly.

3. What happens if the information on the CBP Form I-94 is not provided?

   Failure to provide the required information on the CBP Form I-94 may result in denial of entry to the United States and could lead to removal. It is crucial for nonimmigrant aliens seeking admission to the U.S. to fill out this form unless they are otherwise exempted. The information collected on this form is used for law enforcement purposes by various government agencies or to assist with determining admissibility into the U.S.

4. What should be done with the CBP Form I-94 upon leaving the United States?

   This form serves as a temporary permit authorizing the holder's stay in the U.S. until the specified departure date. It is important to retain this permit and surrender it upon leaving the U.S. For departures by sea or air, the form should be given to the transportation line. If exiting across the Canadian or Mexican borders, it should be surrendered to a Canadian official or U.S. Official, respectively. Failure to surrender the Form I-94 may result in complications or delays when attempting to re-enter the U.S. in the future. Additionally, accepting unauthorized employment during the stay is subject to deportation.

Filling out the CBP I-94 Arrival/Departure Record can be daunting, and it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to unnecessary delays or issues with your stay in the United States. Being aware of these mistakes ensures a smoother process. Here are ten common errors to watch out for:

1. Not using ALL CAPITAL LETTERS: The instructions specify to type or print legibly in all capital letters, a detail that’s often overlooked.

2. Failing to use English: Every entry on the form, from names to addresses, must be in English, even if it requires transliteration from another script.

3. Writing on the back of the form: The form must be filled out on the front side only; any markings on the back can invalidate it.

4. Omitting to complete both parts: Both the Arrival Record (Items 1 through 17) and the Departure Record (Items 18 through 21) sections require completion.

5. Misunderstanding Item 9: This item requires clarity on your mode of entry—either "LAND" or "SEA"—based on how you are entering the United States.

6. Incorrect or incomplete address: The address while in the United States (Item 14) must be detailed, including the number and street.

7. Leaving contact information blank: Providing a telephone number (Item 16) and an email address (Item 17) where you can be reached is mandatory.

8. Providing outdated or incorrect travel information: Airline and flight number (Item 9), along with passport and visa details, need to be current and accurate.

9. Fail to document the purpose of visit correctly: Ensuring that the reason for your visit aligns with the visa type or entry conditions is crucial, yet often mishandled.

10. Not retaining the form after entry: The departure portion of the form is essential for ensuring a smooth exit from the U.S., and misplacing it can lead to future entry delays.

When applying for entry into the United States, meticulous attention to detail on your I-94 Form is key to avoiding setbacks. Keeping these points in mind will help ensure that you start your visit on the right foot. Remember, accurate and complete answers in line with the instructions provided are essential for a favorable processing of your entry.

The CBP I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is a crucial document for non-U.S. citizens indicating their entry to and exit from the United States. While this form primarily documents an individual's arrival and departure dates, several other forms and documents are often used in conjunction with it to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and regulations. Understanding these related documents can streamline the processing and enhance the understanding of one's immigration status.

• Passport: A government-issued document that certifies the identity and nationality of the holder for international travel. It must be valid for entry into the United States.
• Visa: A stamp or endorsement placed by officials of the United States on a passport that allows the bearer to enter the U.S. Visas are required for most non-U.S. citizens to travel to the United States.
• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): Required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, ESTA approval is necessary for travel to the U.S. without a visa.
• DS-160/DS-260 Forms: Online nonimmigrant (DS-160) and immigrant (DS-260) visa applications that must be filled out and submitted before scheduling a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• I-20 Form: Issued by colleges, universities, and vocational schools in the U.S. to international students who are approved to attend school in the U.S. under an F, M, or J visa.
• I-797 Form: A notice of action issued by USCIS to communicate an approved petition or an extension of status. It can also serve as evidence of certain immigration benefits.
• Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B): All travelers entering the United States must declare items they are bringing into the country, which may be subject to duty or import tax.
• SEVIS Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the SEVIS I-901 fee, required for all foreign nationals coming to the United States for the purpose of pursuing education under an F, M, or J visa.
• Travel Itinerary: Documentation of planned travel (e.g., flight tickets, hotel bookings), often required for visa interviews to provide proof of intended departure from the U.S. after a temporary visit.

Together, these documents ensure that individuals entering the U.S. are properly categorized and allowed the appropriate benefits and obligations of their status. They serve to verify identity, purpose of visit, the means to support oneself during the stay, and the intention to depart the U.S. after the visit. It's essential for travelers to understand the requirement and purpose of each document to avoid complications while traveling to, staying in, or departing from the United States.

• U.S. Visa Application Form (DS-160): Like the CBP I-94 Form, the DS-160 form is used by individuals who seek to enter the United States temporarily. Both forms collect detailed personal information, including full name, date of birth, and passport details. They are crucial in the visa application and entry process, demonstrating the person's intent and eligibility to enter the U.S.

• Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA): This is another document similar to the I-94 form. ESTA is required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries who enter the U.S. by air or sea. Both documents require information on the traveler's passport, travel details, and U.S. destination. However, ESTA is completed online prior to travel, while the I-94 can be filled out upon arrival or electronically in advance.

• Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B): This form, required for all travelers entering the U.S., shares similarities with the I-94 form in its purpose of documenting individuals entering the country. While the Customs Declaration focuses on declaring goods and personal belongings, it also includes personal identification details similar to those on the I-94, contributing to border security and customs control.

• Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (DS-260): Although the DS-260 form is primarily used for individuals seeking to immigrate to the U.S., it resembles the I-94 in its collection of personal and biographical information. Both forms are integral to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to document and track individuals entering and residing in the country, albeit for different durations and purposes.

• Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-765): This form is similar to the I-94 in its function for nonimmigrant visitors. It applies to those who seek to extend their stay or change their status while in the U.S. While the I-94 tracks the arrival and departure, the I-765 is used to request employment authorization, showcasing how both forms play vital roles in managing nonimmigrant visitors' activities within the U.S.

When filling out the CBP Form I-94, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure the process is done correctly. Below are lists of things you should and shouldn't do:

• Fill out the form using ALL CAPITAL LETTERS to ensure clarity.

• Print legibly with a pen, avoiding smudges or hard-to-read handwriting.

• Use English exclusively for all the responses on the form.

• Complete both the Arrival Record (Items 1 through 17) and the Departure Record (Items 18 through 21).

• Double-check each item for accuracy before submitting the form to a CBP Officer.

• Indicate the correct mode of entry (i.e., LAND or SEA) in Item 9 based on your method of arrival.

• Provide a reliable contact number and email address where you can be reached while in the U.S. (Item 16 and 17).

• Ensure your passport details (Items 6, 7, and 8) are up-to-date and correctly entered.

• Present the completed form when requested by the CBP Officer without detaching any part.

• Keep the Departure Record safe, as you must surrender it upon leaving the U.S.

• Write on the back of the form, as all information must be visible on the front side for scanning and processing purposes.

• Leave any sections blank; incomplete forms may result in entry denial or delays.

• Use any language other than English, as this can lead to misunderstandings or processing errors.

• Forget to sign the form if required, as an unsigned form is considered incomplete.

• Mistake the arrival section with the departure section; each serves a different purpose and requires different information.

• Assume corrections can easily be made once submitted; errors can complicate or delay your entry process.

• Disregard the privacy act notice; understanding your rights and the use of your information is crucial.

• Lose the form after entry; it's required for your departure and future entries into the U.S.

• Provide false information, as this can result in severe penalties, including entry bans or deportation.

• Overlook the importance of accurately stating your address while in the United States; it's necessary for legal and emergency reasons.

Understanding the complexities of immigration and travel documentation in the United States can often lead to misconceptions, particularly regarding the CBP I-94 form. This document, pivotal for tracking the arrival and departure of nonimmigrant visitors, is sometimes misunderstood. Below are four common misconceptions about the CBP I-94 form, dispelled to provide clarity.

• All travelers must fill out a paper I-94 form. Many believe that upon entering the United States, every nonimmigrant traveler must complete a paper version of the I-94 form. However, this process has been largely digitized for those arriving by air and sea. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) now automates the I-94 process, recording arrival and departure electronically based on traveler information provided by the transportation carrier and through the inspection process by CBP officers. Only land border entrants are generally required to fill out the paper form.
• The I-94 form is unnecessary if you have a visa. Another common misconception is that holding a valid U.S. visa negates the need for an I-94 form. While a visa allows a traveler to request entry into the United States, the I-94 form documents the terms of their admission, including the period they are authorized to stay. This misunderstanding can lead to unintended overstays, impacting one's ability to visit the U.S. in the future.
• Canadian citizens always need an I-94 form to enter the U.S. This is not always the case. Canadian citizens visiting the U.S. for short durations do not typically need to obtain an I-94 form due to the special status granted to them. Exceptions exist, such as when entering the U.S. for employment or extended stays, necessitating an I-94 to document the duration of their authorized period of stay.
• The information on the I-94 form is irrelevant as long as you have a stamp in your passport. The stamp in your passport upon entry to the U.S. serves as an initial acknowledgment of your admission; however, the I-94 form (or electronic record) provides the detailed terms of your stay, including the specific expiration date of your permitted time in the U.S. This information becomes particularly critical for extending or adjusting one's status while in the United States. Ignoring the details on the I-94 can result in violations of U.S. immigration law.

Understanding these aspects of the I-94 form is crucial for all nonimmigrant visitors to the United States to ensure their stay is recorded accurately and legally. Misconceptions can lead to challenges in future entries or adjustments to immigration status. Therefore, it is always recommended to verify one's I-94 record online after entry and before departure to confirm the authorized period of stay and avoid potential issues.

• The CBP Form I-94 is a critical document required by all non-U.S. citizens except returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and Canadian citizens visiting or in transit. It records both the arrival and departure details of visitors.
• Information must be filled out legibly in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, using English, and care must be taken not to write on the back of the form. This ensures clarity and helps avoid processing delays.
• The form is divided into two parts - the Arrival Record (items 1-17) and the Departure Record (items 18-21). Completing both parts thoroughly is necessary for a proper record of the visit.
• For those entering by land or sea, specific entries (such as 'LAND' or 'SEA') are required in item 9, indicating the mode of arrival. This detail assists in tracking the entry method for statistical and security purposes.
• Privacy is respected but with caution; information collected on the I-94 form can be shared with other government agencies for law enforcement purposes or to assist with determining admissibility to the U.S. This ensures that the safety and security standards are maintained.
• Providing accurate information on this form is mandatory for all nonimmigrant aliens seeking admission. Failure to do so can result in denial of entry or removal from the U.S., highlighting the importance of accuracy and completeness.
• The document serves as proof of legal visitor status in the U.S. and specifies the terms of admission, including the authorized length of stay. Unauthorized employment or overstaying can lead to deportation, emphasizing the need to understand and comply with U.S. immigration laws.
• It is essential to retain this permit and surrender it upon leaving the U.S., following specific instructions based on the mode of departure. Failure to surrender the form can result in delays and complications in future U.S. entries.