Always Keep a Copy of Your I-94 Cards
Posted Jun 30, 2006
©MurthyDotCom
Keeping records pertaining to one's immigration status is very important. The I-94 card can be vital in establishing a history of lawful presence in the United States. It is our suggestion, therefore, that one retain a copy of this important document before handing it over to the airline agent when traveling abroad.
©MurthyDotCom
What is the I-94 Card?
©MurthyDotCom
The I-94 card is the little card, often white in color (possibly green for Visa Waiver applicants), that is often completed during one's international flight and given to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector at the airport upon one's arrival in the U.S. The CBP agent stamps the legal status and its validity, and then returns it to the individual, usually stapled in the passport. This document determines how long one is legally allowed to live in the U.S. and, depending on the status stamped, whether or not s/he is allowed to work in the U.S.
©MurthyDotCom
RFEs Often Request Prior I-94 Cards
©MurthyDotCom
It is common in the I-485 (Adjustment of Status) context to receive Requests for Evidence, asking for proof of the person's lawful maintenance of status. The I-94 card is, in most instances, the appropriate document. In cases where that document has been relinquished during travel, and no copy is available, complications can arise. We advise, therefore, that our readers retain copies of all I-94s received and keep them in a safe location. There are other contexts in which prior I-94s can be vital; when filing applications for extending or changing status, for example.
©MurthyDotCom
The ability to produce copies of one's I-94 cards that have been carefully kept can be important in the long run. We hope this simple tip proves helpful to our MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers, and makes their immigration cases go more smoothly.


Copyright © 2006, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved


 
 
  Disclaimer : The information provided at this site is of a general nature and may not apply to any particular set of facts or under all circumstances. It should not be construed as legal advice and does not constitute an engagement of the Law Office of Sheela Murthy or establish an attorney-client relationship.

Copyright : Documents from this site may be printed for personal use as long as the copyright notices are included on the print-outs and the documents are not modified or altered.