Travelers arriving at land border ports of entry can speed up their entry by using the online I-94 application
WASHINGTON—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today announced an enhancement to the I-94 website, which will allow group payments for I-94 applications for travelers entering the U.S. at land ports of entry.
A traveler, family member, representative, travel agent, or other responsible party can now submit up to 25 I-94 applications up to seven days prior to their entry and submit one payment or transaction for the total amount. The group payment feature is expected to streamline the processing time for H-2 visa holders, temporary or seasonal laborers. Previously, individuals traveling together were required to apply and pay for their I-94 separately.
In September 2016, CBP enhanced the I-94 website to allow travelers to apply and pay for their I-94 online prior to arriving at a land port of entry, speeding their entry into the U.S. by providing their biographical and travel information, and paying the $6 fee for their I-94 application online up to seven days prior to their entry.
Travelers receive a provisional I-94 after submitting their application and payment online. The I-94 application collects information that is otherwise collected in person at the land port of entry, to include biographic information (name, date of birth, country of citizenship), passport details, visa details (if applicable), and other information.
In order to finalize the I-94 issuance process, a traveler must present themselves at a land port of entry within seven days of their application, be interviewed by a CBP officer and submit biometrics, if applicable. Travelers should be prepared to show evidence of their residence, employment and/or travel plans, if requested by the CBP officer.
If a traveler does not complete their I-94 issuance process within seven days of their application, their provisional I-94 will expire and they will have to reapply and pay the fee again. There are no refunds if the I-94 is not issued within the seven day period or if the traveler is denied entrance to the U.S.
The I-94 website utilizes pay.gov, a secure and easy to use government-sponsored website that accepts payments via credit card, debit card, direct debit and through PayPal or Amazon account.
Form I-94 provides non-immigrant visitors evidence they have been lawfully admitted to the U.S., which is necessary to verify alien registration, immigration status, and employment authorization. In May 2013, CBP automated the I-94 in the air and sea environment. The automated system allows CBP officers to create an I-94 Arrival Record within primary and secondary inspection processing systems at the time of inspection with passenger manifest information—eliminating the need for paper forms and manual data entry
For more information regarding the I-94, visit www.cbp.gov. To apply for your I-94 online, visit https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov.