As the new academic year approaches, ISSS wants to make all International Students aware of a change in procedure for Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The I-94 card that you have been used to receiving will now be changing to an electronic paperless system only. The I-94 number is the Arrival/Departure Record issued by the CBP whenever you enter the United States. Since a valid I-94 card and entry status is required to ensure that you maintain your F-1 status, please pay close attention to the changes. ISSS recommends that you download and print out your I-94 record EVERY TIME you re-enter the United States.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

1. Check Your Passport for an Entry Stamp

 Each time you re-enter the US through Customs you speak to a CBP officer. Before you continue on through the customs area, it is important to look at your passport to make sure that the officer gave you a new ink entry stamp. If you do not have a stamp, request that the CPB officer give you one. If you already left the officer, you may need to go to the Deferred Inspection section of the airport.

2. Download & Print Your I-94 

When you can get to a computer, log into the I-94 on-line system and download/ print your I-94 record and keep it with your passport. It is a good idea to save the PDF to your phone as well to have on you at all times.

 

3. If you are a new international student or scholar

If you are a new student or scholar and need to check in with ISSS, you will need to hand in a copy of the Port of Entry STAMP. Please see our website for Immigration Clearance session dates and times.

 

Note: CBP will continue to issue paper I-94 records at all land borders (e.g. driving to the U.S. from Canada.)