What Is an I-94?
An I-94 form, issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, is the Arrival/Departure Record for nonimmigrant visitors to the United States. It documents the dates of entry and exit, along with the visa category and authorized duration of stay for each visit.
The 94 extension form can be a physical card stapled in passports, or more commonly, it is an electronic record accessible online. It plays a crucial role in maintaining accurate immigration records and status for nonimmigrant individuals during their time in the U.S.
As a nonimmigrant visitor, you should always keep a copy of your I-94 form for your records, as you need the I-94 arrival/departure record to maintain your lawful status in the U.S.
Do you need help renewing your I-94 form? Reach out to an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney. We have experience in immigration law and can help you with your I-94 renewal process as well as other immigration matters like work permit immigration.
How To Check the Expiration Date of Your I-94 Form
To check the expiration date of your 94 extension form, you must first locate your I-94 form. If you entered the U.S. by air or sea, you can access and print your electronic I-94 form from the official website.
You will need to enter your personal and travel information. These include:
- Your name
- Passport number
- Date of birth
If you entered the U.S. through the land border, you can find your paper I-94 form attached to your passport.
Once you have your I-94 form, you need to look for the “Admit Until Date” on the form. This date shows how long you can legally stay in the country. It is different from the date of entry. The date of entry shows when you arrived in the U.S.
Make sure to follow the “Admit Until Date” on your I-94 form and avoid overstaying. If you overstay your I-94 form, you may face serious consequences, including:
- Travel ban/Inability to re-enter the US border.
- Loss of visa eligibility
- Deportation
To stay ahead of your I-94 renewal process, keep track of your I-94 expiration date and plan ahead.
Eligibility for I-94 Renewal
You cannot renew or extend your existing I-94 form itself. But you might be able to renew the status linked to it, which could include:
- Visitor visa (B1/B2)
- Student visa (F1)
- Work visas (H1B)
To be eligible for renewing your status, you should meet the following requirements:
- You should have a valid passport. Ensure it doesn’t expire before the end of your requested extension period.
- You should have a valid reason for requesting an extension. You should also have evidence to support your request.
- You need to maintain your status. Also, ensure that you’ve complied with the terms and conditions of your admission.
- You must prove that you haven’t committed any crimes or violated any U.S. laws.
- You are eligible for the visa category you are applying for.
- You have filed an extension application before your current form I-94 expires.
If you meet these requirements, you can file extension of your status. File the appropriate form with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Depending on your visa category, you may need to file Form I-539 or Form I-129. Your extension application must be filed 45 days before your current form I-94 expires.
Documents Required
To file an extension of your stay, you need to submit the following supporting documents as evidence:
- Approval notices for your visa status: These are the notices that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sent you to confirm your visa validity.
- Your passports: You need to include both your old passport and new passport if you have them. A passport with a valid US visa stamp is also required.
- Your I-94 form: You can either print this form from the online system or use the paper version.
- Proof of your U.S. residence address. You can show this with utility bills or rental agreements.
- Other documents. This depends on your visa type. They may include an employment letter.
How To Renew an I-94 at Land Border Crossings
To apply for a new I-94 form at the Mexico or Canada border, you need to follow these steps:
- Before you arrive at the port of entry, you can pay online for a provisional I-94 form on the CBP website. You will need to enter your personal and travel information. You will need to pay a fee of $6 before you visit the CBP office.
- When you arrive at the border, you need to present the necessary documents. You also need to show your confirmation receipt for the provisional I-94 form that you prepaid online.
- The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office will review your documents and information. They then decide whether to grant you a new admission and the I-94 form.
Possible Outcomes
The possible outcomes for your passport renewal include the following:
- Approval: The Customs and Border Protection officer will hand you a stamped visa and issue you a new I-94 form with a new expiration date.
- Denial: The CBP officers may deny your admission and return you to Canada or Mexico. You will not receive a new I-94 form, and your provisional I-94 form will be canceled.
- Referral to secondary inspection: The CBP officer will refer you to a secondary inspection area. This is for further questioning or verification. You may have to wait for a long time and provide additional documents.
How Can an Immigration Lawyer at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Assist You With Your I-94 Renewal Process?
Navigating the renewal process for your I-94 form requires precision and understanding, as mistakes can potentially impact your immigration status and future plans in the United States.
Our experienced lawyers at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney offer tailored assistance in the following ways:
- Experienced legal counsel: We provide personalized legal advice and step-by-step guidance, ensuring you understand the intricacies of the I-94 renewal process.
- Application preparation: Our lawyers skillfully prepare and file your application for a new I-94 form, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Government communication: We handle communication with government agencies on your behalf, streamlining the process and minimizing the chances of errors.
- Issue resolution: In case of complications or issues, we’re here to represent you, employing our extensive knowledge to address challenges and find solutions.
If you have questions regarding your recently renewed I-94 or any immigration matter, don’t hesitate to consult with an attorney at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney. We’re dedicated to assisting our clients with various immigration concerns, including matters like legal stay, tourist visa extensions, and work visas.
