How to get I-94 for F-1?

Navigating Your I-94 as an F-1 Student: A Simple Guide

As an F-1 student in the United States, understanding and accessing your I-94 arrival/departure record is crucial for maintaining your legal immigration status. The I-94, officially known as the Arrival/Departure Record, serves as proof of your lawful entry and authorized period of stay in the U.S. Thankfully, obtaining this document is now a straightforward process through the online platform provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Forget the days of needing to physically possess a paper I-94 card. The electronic I-94 system allows you to retrieve your record conveniently from anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially helpful for F-1 students who may need to provide their I-94 for various purposes, including:

• Applying for a Social Security Number: The Social Security Administration requires your I-94 as proof of your legal presence in the U.S.
• Driver’s License Applications: State departments of motor vehicles typically ask for your I-94 to verify your immigration status.
• Employment Authorization: When applying for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), you’ll need to provide your I-94 as part of your application.
• Re-entry to the U.S.: Although CBP officers will usually electronically access your I-94 upon your return, having a copy readily available can expedite the process.

Here’s how to easily access your I-94 online:

1. Visit the Official CBP Website:

The only legitimate and authorized source for retrieving your I-94 is the official website of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. You can find it by searching for “CBP I-94” on a reputable search engine like Google. Be wary of unofficial websites claiming to offer this service, as they may pose a security risk or charge unnecessary fees.

2. Accept the Terms and Conditions:

Once you’re on the official CBP I-94 page, you’ll likely be presented with a page detailing the terms and conditions of use. Carefully review these terms and then click the button to indicate your agreement.

3. Enter Your Personal Information:

The next step involves providing accurate personal information that matches your passport. You will typically need to enter the following:

• Your Family Name (Last Name)
• Your First Name
• Your Date of Birth
• Your Passport Number
• Country of Issuance of Your Passport

Ensure that all the information you enter is exactly as it appears in your passport. Even a small discrepancy can prevent you from retrieving your I-94.

4. Retrieve Your Form I-94:

After entering your information, click the “Retrieve Record” or similar button. The system will then search for your I-94 based on the data you provided. If your information matches CBP records, your Form I-94 will be displayed on the screen.

5. Review, Print, and Save Your I-94:

Carefully review the information on your I-94 to ensure its accuracy. This includes your admission class (F-1), the date of admission, and the “Admit Until” date, which is usually marked as “D/S” (Duration of Status) for F-1 students.

It’s highly recommended to print a copy of your I-94 for your records and to save a digital copy on your computer or cloud storage for easy access in the future.

Important Considerations for F-1 Students:

• D/S (Duration of Status): As an F-1 student, your authorized stay is generally indicated as “D/S” on your I-94. This means you are authorized to remain in the U.S. as long as you maintain your F-1 status by being enrolled in a full course of study, adhering to the regulations set forth by your Designated School Official (DSO), and remaining in compliance with all immigration laws.
• Travel Outside the U.S.: Every time you re-enter the U.S., a new I-94 record will be created. Be sure to retrieve and keep the most recent I-94.
• Errors on Your I-94: If you find any errors on your I-94, such as a misspelled name or incorrect passport information, you should contact CBP immediately to request a correction. You may need to visit a Deferred Inspection Site to rectify the error.
• SEVIS Record and I-20: Remember that your I-94 is just one piece of the immigration puzzle. It’s essential to maintain a valid SEVIS record and keep your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) updated.

By understanding the importance of your I-94 and knowing how to access it, you can proactively manage your immigration compliance and ensure a smooth and successful academic experience in the United States. This simple process provides immediate access to your crucial immigration documentation, empowering you to navigate the requirements of your F-1 status with confidence.

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