The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has fully implemented its program to automate Form I-94 at all air and sea ports. CBP also provides the arrival and departure records going back five years for nonimmigrants. Their website provides limited access to records maintained in the CBP's Nonimmigrant Information System (NIIS). Accordingly, only the last issued I-94 and limited travel history can be obtained through the website. There is an extensive FAQ on the website that addresses the most common issues. Also, the system is passport driven. Consequently, every passport number used by the foreign national for the past five years must be entered to obtain the full travel history available.
It is advisable for the foreign national to go to the website and print out the Form I-94 each time he or she arrives in the U.S. It is also advisable to print the travel history. Both should be reviewed for accuracy. The Form I-94 may be needed for I-9 compliance in future immigration petitions or applications and/or to apply for other benefits, such as a social security card or a driver's license. Also, the foreign national should check the classification designated on the visa and make sure it matches up with the classification stated on the admission stamp in the passport.
If there are any inaccuracies of inconsistencies, they may need to be resolved with the CBP Deferred Inspection Office. Depending on the particular office and the issue to be resolved, some matters can be taken care of over the phone; however, some situations may require an in-person visit.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
