SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began using an automated version of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record at San Antonio International Airport which means international visitors will no longer have to complete the form before arriving to the airport.
San Antonio International Airport joined other international airports around the country when the automation became effective here, May 7. The nationwide implementation is scheduled to be completed at every international airport and seaport by May 21.
The automated form will 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.
"Increasing efficiency and streamlining processes is a critical component of maximizing our resources at ports of entry," said Thomas S. Winkowski, acting CBP commissioner. "In addition to saving millions of dollars for both CBP and the travel and tourism industry, automating the I-94 and going paperless will save valuable time for both travelers and CBP officers."
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.
Travelers wanting a hard copy or other evidence of admission can access their information online at www.cbp.gov/i94. Individuals can 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.