Alerts and Updates
CBP Publishes Interim Rule on Automation of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: Eliminates Paper Forms, Streamlines Admission Process
March 27, 2013
It is anticipated that once the process is fully implemented, it will facilitate security and travel, while saving Customs and Border Protection an estimated $15.5 million per year.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today published an interim final rule in the Federal Register to automate Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Effective on April 26, 2013, the rule streamlines the admissions process for individuals lawfully visiting the United States.
Readers of our DM Immigration Insider Blog may recall that CBP had announced on March 21, 2013, that it submitted to the Federal Register a rule that would automate Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record to streamline the admissions process for individuals lawfully visiting the United States.
Form I-94 provides international visitors evidence they have been lawfully admitted to the United States, which is necessary to verify alien registration, immigration status and employment authorization. The automation means that affected visitors will no longer need to fill out a paper form when arriving to the United States by air or sea, thus improving procedures and reducing costs.
It is anticipated that once the process is fully implemented, it will facilitate security and travel, while saving CBP an estimated $15.5 million per year.
Travelers wanting a hard copy or other evidence of admission will be directed to www.cbp.gov/I94* to print a copy of an I-94 based on the electronically submitted data, including the I-94 number from the form, to provide to benefits providers as necessary or as evidence of lawful admission.
*It is important to note, however, that the www.cbp.gov/I94 website will be live 30 days after the rule is published to the Federal Register. (www.cbp.gov/I94)
CBP's technology and automation of the passenger processing environment and records of admission will now be generated using traveler information already transmitted through electronic means. This change is likely to decrease paperwork for both the officer and the traveler.
For Further Information
If you have any questions about this Alert, please contact any of the attorneys in our Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group or the attorney in the firm with whom you are regularly in contact.
Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.
