Would I save much time by applying for an I-94 online before arriving to a land border?

Would I save much time by applying for an I-94 online before arriving to a land border? - Woman Kissing Another Woman on the Forehead

The DHS website allows one to apply for an I-94 online before arriving to the actual border. The description on the page says that:

To complete your I-94 application you will also need to:

  • Appear at a port of entry within seven days of completing this online application. If you do not appear within seven days or are not issued an I-94 for any reason, there are no refunds.

  • At the port of entry, submit your biometrics (if required) and complete an interview.

  • Please bring the documents you entered into the application with you to the port of entry.

  • Be prepared to show evidence of your residence, employment and/or travel plans, if asked by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer.

... which sounds like exactly what you have to go through if arriving without a pre-application. Does it therefore make any sense to apply for the I-94 online in advance?






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How long does it take for I-94 to be available online?

CBP has indicated that individuals will be able to access their electronic I-94 within two days of entering the U.S. How long will individuals be able to access their electronic I-94? As long as you are in the U.S. you will be able to access your electronic I-94.

When should I fill I-94?

You need to fill out I-94 when you arrive in US by land/ road. Also, sometimes, when you arrive by air or sea, if their online I-94 system is not working, then you will be asked to fill out the paper based I-94 form, to capture arrival and departures.

What is duration of status on I-94?

Students and scholars on F or J status should receive a stamp marked "D/S" or "duration of status." This means that they may remain in the United States as long as they are properly maintaining status and their I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) has not expired.

How do I get my first I-94?

Visit CBP's I-94, Travel Records for U.S. Visitors website to:
  • Apply for a new I-94 (land border travelers only);
  • Get your most recent I-94;
  • View travel history; or.
  • See how much longer you can remain in the U.S. based on the terms of your admission.




  • I-94 Issues at Land Borders




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Ketut Subiyanto, Anna Shvets, Eren Li, Armin Rimoldi