From CBP.gov, 03/21/2013
Eliminates Paper Forms, Streamlines Admission Process
Washington — U.S. Customs and Border Protection today
announced that it has submitted to the Federal Register a rule that will
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 U.S.
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 U.S. by air or sea,
improving procedures and reducing costs. The change will go into effect 30 days
after the rule is published in the Federal Register.
“Automation of the I-94 will increase efficiency and streamline
the admission process,” said CBP Deputy Commissioner David V. Aguilar. “Once
fully implemented, the process will facilitate security and travel while saving
CBP an estimated $15.5 million a 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 as necessary to benefits providers or as evidence of lawful admission. ( www.cbp.gov/I94 )
As part of CBP’s work to bring advances in technology and
automation to the passenger processing environment, records of admission will
now be generated using traveler information already transmitted through
electronic means. This change should decrease paperwork for both the officer
and the traveler and will allow CBP to better optimize its resources.
