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Immediately before you cross the border into the United States, a flight attendant will give you the I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) for you to complete in the airplane before you land.
Take your passport, student visa, I-20 and I-94 forms to the immigration inspector when you land. The inspector will stamp the I-94 form with "D/S" (duration of status). This means that you may stay in the USA. until you complete your studies.
The I-94 form is only a small piece paper, usually stapled to your passport. However this form is very important -- so don't lose it! Other than your passport, this form is the most critical one you'll receive. Keep the I-94 form and copies of your valid I-20 or IAP-66 with your passport at all times.
The I-94 will have a number written in the top left corner, which the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) will use to keep track of your records. This number is known as the Arrival Number, Departure Number, and Admission Number, and it will remain with you throughout your studies or temporary employment in the United States.
Completing the I-94 Form
The sample form is presented as PDF format. You might need to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view
the form.
The following information will be required on the I-94 form:
1. Family Name
2. First (Given) Name
3. Birth Date (Day/Month/Year)
4. Country of Citizenship
5. Sex (Male or Female)
6. Passport Number
7. Airline and Flight Number
8. Country Where You Live
9. City Where You Boarded
10. City Where Visa Was Issued
11. Date Visa Issued (Day/Month/Year)
12. Address While in the United States
(Number and Street)
13. City and State
14. Family Name
15. First (Given) Name
16. Birth Date (Day/Month/Year)
17. Country of Citizenship |
I-94
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view
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Lose Your I-94 Form?
If you lose your I-94 form, apply to the INS immediately for a replacement. Getting a replacement may take two to six months. Just in case, send your application with certified mail so you'll have a receipt to help you track the application if the package should get lost. Also, keep copies of your original request.
Leaving the Country?
When you leave the country, the I-94 form will be removed from your passport - except for visits of 30 days or less to Canada, Mexico, or certain adjacent islands. Upon your return to the United States, you will receive a new I-94 card that will have your same identification number in the left corner
Always make a photocopy of this document, front and back, as soon as you enter the country. File this with copies of your other nonimmigrant documents. It may be helpful at some future date.
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