U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently began using an automated Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,” to streamline the admissions process for individuals who lawfully enter the United States. CBP’s automation process does not change the content or purpose of the Form I-94. The new process only means that CBP no longer requires international visitors to fill out the form before arriving at a U.S. port of entry.

The Form I-94 is important because it documents legal status in the United States, including length of stay and departure, and it serves as evidence of your term of admission. When applying for certain benefits in the United States, such as applying for a Social Security number or a driver’s license, you must have your Form I-94 number. If you have a printed Form I-94, the number will be on your form. If you have an automated Form I-94, you may find your number by filling out CBP’s online Admission (I-94) Number Retrieval form. If you do not have a hardcopy of your automated Form I-94 and would like one, you may obtain it at the CBP website.

Read CBP's frequently asked questions (second tab) for more information on automation of the Form I-94.