IMPORTANT THE DS-2019 IS A LEGAL U.S. IMMIGRATION DOCUMENT ISSUED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA SPECIFICALLY FOR YOU.

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1 International Faculty & Scholars IMPORTANT THE DS-2019 IS A LEGAL U.S. IMMIGRATION DOCUMENT ISSUED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA SPECIFICALLY FOR YOU. DUE TO NEW, VERY STRICT IMMIGRATION RULES AND REGULATIONS, YOUR FAILURE TO REPORT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA, INTERNATIONAL FACULTY & SCHOLARS (IFS), WITHIN 10 DAYS OF ENTERING THE U.S., COULD LEAD TO THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS AND THE INVALIDATION OF YOUR NON-IMMIGRANT VISA STATUS IN THE U.S. When receiving your J-1 Packet: 1. Sign and date the bottom of the DS-2019 Exchange Visitor Document where indicated. 2. Immediately read and carefully follow all of the instructions found in the enclosed packet from IFS. 3. Carefully review all enclosed documents, especially the DS-2019(s). If you find any data error or discrepancy, inform IFS immediately at uaifs@ .arizona.edu. 4. Be sure to read all the other enclosed information as it pertains directly to your proposed program. Pay special attention to the health insurance requirement. 5. Inform IFS immediately if your proposed arrival dates will be delayed, especially if the delayed date is 30 days past the original start date. 6. Make an appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate and apply for J-1/J-2 visa(s). 7. Once you arrive in the U.S., print out a copy of your electronic Form I Check in with IFS within 10 days of arriving in the U.S. Our office is located at: 935 N. Tyndall Ave. Tucson, AZ Office Hours: M-F 8:00am 5:00pm. Closed: 12:00 1:00pm. global.arizona.edu/international-faculty +1 (520)

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3 International Faculty & Scholars Dear International Scholar: Coming to a new university in a new country can be very exciting, as well as overwhelming. To assist you in your transition to The University of Arizona, International Faculty and Scholars (IFS) has prepared a checklist of things to consider upon arrival in Tucson, AZ. Print out a copy of your electronic form I-94. Check in with your sponsoring department and supervisor. Check in with International Faculty & Scholars, please provide the following documents: Electronic form I-94 ( DS-2019 form (signed and stamped) Visa (in passport) Current home address in Tucson, Arizona (including zip code) address Proof of health insurance NOTE: It is mandatory that our office, IFS, reports your status to the Department of Homeland Security within 10 days of arrival. Please check-in with IFS, prior to starting your work. If you are employed by UA, you will need to get a social security card, SSN. IFS can provide you with the information on how to apply for one: Obtaining a UA identification card, CAT Card, is handled by your sponsoring department. Your sponsoring department will assist you with employee related questions/procedures. You must provide proof of adequate health insurance or you will be expected to purchase health insurance. Failure to do so will terminate your J-1 status and program. If you would like to purchase health insurance through the UA, please contact: chsinsurance@health.arizona.edu Visit the Office of Off-Campus Housing (Student Union 404, phone: (520) ), if you need assistance in finding housing. For current lists of available apartments and housing visit their website: If you have children, visit the Child Care and Family Resources (1125 N Vine Ave., phone: (520) ), for information on daycare options or visit their website at: If you have any questions, contact IFS by uaifs@ .arizona.edu or by phone: (520) Best wishes, International Faculty & Scholars global.arizona.edu/international-faculty +1 (520)

4 International Faculty & Scholars How to pay the SEVIS fee: For information about what SEVIS is, and who is required to pay the fee, go here and/or here D8B88065 The following information is for University of Arizona s visiting scholars who have determined that they must pay the SEVIS fee. Before you apply for your J-1 visa stamp (Canadian citizens see below), you must pay the SEVIS fee. The SEVIS fee must be paid in US dollars and may be done either by postal mail or online. Obtain Form I-901 There are two options: Print a paper Form I-901: Download fill-in and print the Form I-901 here: or submit Form I-901 via the internet here: (you will need a Credit Card and valid I-20 or DS-2019 form) Completing Form I-901 You will need the SEVIS number from your DS-2019 (J-1). It is located on the top right-hand side of your form, it has 10 digits and begins with "N " *J visa payment will require University of Arizona s Exchange Visitor Program Number: P Paying the $180 SEVIS Fee: Paying by personal check, money order, or foreign draft drawn on a US bank: You must print your name on the check and the words: "I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee." Mail Form I-901 and fee to: I-901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee: P.O. Box St. Louis, MO You will receive a receipt by mail at the address you give on the Form I-901. Take the receipt with you to your US embassy visa application interview. By credit card Follow the on-line instructions at Print out the payment screen to verify your payment. Take the payment verification print out with you to your visa application interview. All receipts must be received (by mail) or confirmed (by internet) at least three US Government working days before your visa application interview. global.arizona.edu/international-faculty +1 (520)

5 International Faculty & Scholars Citizens of Canada Only: No visa or visa application is required of Canadian citizens. Pay the SEVIS fee (above) and obtain a the receipt. Present the SEVIS fee payment receipt at the US Port of Entry. Citizens of China or India (or other citizens making visa applications in China or India): A "Pilot Project" exists for paying the SEVIS fee for visa applications made in China or India. Check the U.S. Consulate website for more information. The SEVIS fee may be paid at the US Consulate at the time of the visa application. For additional details on SEVIS and the SEVIS fee, access the SEVIS web site at: To view the web text more clearly click the "text" icon on the top right-hand side of this web page. global.arizona.edu/international-faculty +1 (520)

6 International Faculty & Scholars J-1 Health Insurance Requirements Important: The US Department of State (DOS) regulations require that all J-1 principal and J-2 dependent nonimmigrants in residence at U.S. institutions of higher education to have specific medical insurance coverage by the time of the J1 Program start date as outlined below. (22 CFR and 22 CFR 62.14) US DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness a co-payment not greater than 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness a waiting period for pre-existing conditions that is reasonable by current industry standards coverage for activities inherent to the exchange program (i.e., flight training for an aviation school) repatriation of remains in an amount of $7,500 expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000 HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS You must submit a copy of your health insurance policy, in English, showing that the coverage meets DOS requirements and is in effect by the start of your J1 Program. You will submit this during your orientation at IFS, and your SEVIS record will not be validated until you have done so. If you do not have health insurance in effect as of the J1 Program start date listed on your DS2019, you will be required to purchase a policy. Coverage from Home Country Visitors are welcome to bring health insurance for themselves and their dependents from their home countries for the duration of their J1 Program, providing the insurance documentation is in English showing that coverage meets DOS requirements and is in effect by the start of the J1 Program. Eligible for The University of Arizona Employee Benefits Please check with your university department regarding your eligibility to enroll onto The University of Arizona Faculty/Staff Insurance. If you are, find out when your orientation will take place and when your U of A employee benefits will take effect. This is important to know because you will need to purchase an insurance policy providing coverage that meets the DOS requirements that are in effect by the start of your J1 Program until your U of A employee benefits take effect, meaning that you may need to purchase a health insurance policy that will cover you during the gap period. Arriving with No Health Insurance Coverage If you do not have health insurance in effect by the start of your J1 Program, you will be required to purchase The University of Arizona endorsed Student Health Insurance Plan. Information can be obtained at the following website: - Enter site and select Fees & Insurance then select the link for Post-Doctoral Fellows, J1 Visiting Scholars and J1 Student Interns. global.arizona.edu/international-faculty +1 (520)

7 Health Insurance Requirements Insurance Requirements All exchange visitors (both J-1 principals and J-2 dependents) are required to have sickness and accident insurance and medical evacuation and repatriation insurance in effect for the duration of their exchange visitor program. 22 C.F.R. U62.14 A willful failure to carry insurance is considered to be a violation of the Exchange Visitor Program regulations. DOS treats willful failure to carry insurance as a serious infraction for which neither correction of the record nor reinstatements are available as remedies. 22 C.F.R. U62.45 (d)u and U(f) Regulatory Requirements DOS has established minimum requirements for insurance that are designed to protect the exchange visitor and his or her family. Because of the importance and specificity of the insurance requirement, 22 C.F.R is reproduced here in its entirety. Sponsors should be aware that the stated figures are indeed minimum amounts with no provisions for automatic updating. Exchange visitors may wish to obtain, or sponsors may insist upon, coverage that exceeds the minimum required by the regulations: Authority Cite 22 C.F.R (a) Sponsors shall require each exchange visitor to have insurance in effect which covers the exchange visitor for sickness or accident during the period of time that an exchange visitor participates in the sponsors exchange visitor program. Minimum coverage shall provide: (1) Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness; (2) Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500; (3) Expenses associated with medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000; and (4) A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness. (b) An insurance policy secured to fulfill the requirements of this section: (1) May require a waiting period of pre-existing conditions which is reasonable as determined by current industry standards; (2) May include provision for co-insurance under the terms of which the exchange visitor may be required to pay up to 25 percent of the covered benefits per accident or illness; and (3) Shall not unreasonably exclude coverage for perils inherent to the activities of the exchange program in which the exchange visitor participates. (c) Any policy plan or contract secured to fulfill the above requirements must, at minimum, be: (1) Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of A- or above, and Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of A- or above, a Standard and Poor s Claims paying Ability rating of A or above, a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above, or such other rating service as the agency may from time to time specify; or (2) Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor s home country; or (3) Part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by a designated sponsor; or

8 (4) Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or eligible Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined nu the Health Care Financing Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (d) Federal, state or local government agencies, state colleges and universities, and public community colleges may, if permitted by law, self-insure any or all of the above-required insurance coverage. (e) At the request of a non-governmental sponsor of an exchange visitor program, and upon a showing that such sponsor has funds readily available and under its control sufficient to meet the requirements of this section, the Agency may permit the sponsor to self-insure or to accept full financial responsibility for such requirements. (f) The Agency, in its sole discretion, may condition its approval of self-insurance or the acceptance of full financial responsibility by the non-governmental sponsor by requiring such sponsor to secure a payment bond in favor of the Agency guaranteeing the sponsor s obligations hereunder. (g) An accompanying spouse or dependent of an exchange visitor is required to be covered by insurance in the same amounts [as the principal]. Sponsors shall inform exchange visitors of this requirement, in writing, in advance of the exchange visitor s arrival in the United States. (h) An exchange visitor who willfully fails to maintain the insurance coverage set forth above while a participant in an exchange visitor program or who makes a material misrepresentation to the sponsor concerning such coverage shall be deemed to be in violation of these regulations and shall be subject to termination as a participant. (i) A sponsor shall terminate an exchange visitor s participation in its program if the sponsor determines that the exchange visitor or any accompanying spouse or dependent willfully fails to remain in compliance with insurance requirements. Sponsors who work with general student insurance will notice that some federal requirements, such as coverage for pregnancy, are not required by the Exchange Visitor Program regulation. Sponsors should remember that these are two separate sets of regulations; each applies in its own context. The insurance need not be portal-to-portal (i.e. from the front door in the home country back to their front door at the end of the program), but it must cover the exchange visitor and the family from the beginning of the exchange activity in the U.S. until its completion. Certainly portal-to-portal or travelers insurance for the journey is desirable if available. 58 Fed.Reg , (March 19, 1993) (Supplementary Information) Note also that explicit requirement for medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. Most domestic health insurance policies do not include this feature or include it only for bringing people or remains back to the U.S., not sending them out. The exchange visitor may have to purchase medical evacuation and repatriation coverage separately. Many insurance companies provide this special coverage at low cost.

9 Understanding the Two-Year Physical Presence Home Residency Requirement Many Exchange Visitors are subject to what is known as the two-year home country physical presence requirement of Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. It is commonly known as 212(e), the two-year rule and the home residency requirement. A J-1 Exchange Visitor (and his or her J-2 dependents) may be subject to the 212(e) requirement on one or more of the following bases: 1. The Skills List. 212(e) applies if the field of study, research, or teaching is listed on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for his or her country of citizenship or country of past permanent residence. To view the Skills List, visit: 2. Funding. 212(e) applies if the Exchange Visitor receives US or home government funding (directly or indirectly)specifically to support the exchange. 3. Receipt of graduate medical education or training. 212(e) applies if the Exchange Visitor participates in the ECFMG s Exchange Visitor Program, to receive graduate medical education or training. Subject to Two-Year Rule? Yes No Length of current stay in J status? Less than 6 months More than 6 months Less than 6 months More then 6 months Change of legal immigration status in U.S.? Return to U.S as J-1 Researcher or Professor? WHAT IS ALLOWED Return to U.S in other category (such as student or short-term scholar)? Not permitted No restriction No restriction Not permitted No restriction (but may not change to other J-1 category) No restriction (but may not change to other J-1 category) Not permitted for 6-12 months after departure from U.S. No restriction Return to the U.S. with H or L visa or as a Permanent Resident? Must spend two years in home country Must spend two years in home country Return to U.S. with other visas (such as F-1 or B-1)? No restriction No restriction No restriction No restriction No restriction No restriction Not permitted for 6-12 months after departure from U.S. No restriction No restriction No restriction How to Know if You Are Subject to 212(e) If you are subject to the two-year rule, you will have a note to that effect on the bottom of your visa. There is no standard note that will appear, however, examples include two-year rule applies, 212(e) applies, subject to home rule.

10 What Being Subject to 212(e) Means If you are subject to 212(e), you: Are not eligible to obtain an H or L visa at a US consular office Are not eligible for lawful permanent residence status Are not eligible to change status from J to any other nonimmigrant status from within the US except to A or G Complying with 212(e) To comply with 212(e), an Exchange Visitor must spend two years physically present in his or her home country or place of last legal permanent residence. Time spent does not necessarily have to be continuous. IFS does not provide assistance in applying for a waiver of the 212(e) rule. For more information about the two-year rule, visit our website or contact our office directly: International Faculty & Scholars 935 N. Tyndall Ave. P.O. Box Tel: (520) Fax: (520)

11 Understanding the 12-Month Bar Provision and the 24-Month Bar on Repeat Participation 24-Month Bar on Repeat Participation The US Department of State (DOS) has amended its regulations for J-1 Exchange Visitors in the Professor and Research Scholar categories. The new rule states the Professors and Research Scholars can now participate in the Exchange Visitor Program for up to five years on a use it or lose it basis. It also establishes new eligibility requirements for repeat participation in these categories. Exchange Visitors in the Professor and Research Scholar categories are subject to a two-year ban on repeat participation in those categories after completing or breaking the continuity of a fiveyear period of eligibility. The two-year bar applies in two circumstances: 1. If the Professor or Research Scholar completes a full five years of a program participation with one or more sponsors. 2. If, before the full five-year period is over, the Professor or Research Scholar completes his or her program. In this case, the individual s SEVIS record becomes INACTIVE. He or she is not eligible to access the unused time and must wait two years before beginning a new program as a Professor or Research Scholar. Therefore, in order to access a full five years of eligibility, the SEVIS record must be kept ACTIVE. This requires a continuous period of program participation. If a J-1 Professor or Research Scholar s DS-2019 end date is reached, he/she must either 1) extend his/her J-1 status under the UA exchange visitor program; or 2) transfer to another exchange visitor program. The SEVIS record will automatically become INACTIVE the day after the DS-2019 end date. Example #1: A Research Scholar or Professor comes to UA for two years, decides to take a break or a work related leave while remaining active on the current J program and returns home for six months. After six months s/he returns to UA. In this case, s/he will have two and a half years left in his/her program. The six months outside of the U.S. count towards the total five year period. Example #2: A Research Scholar or Professor comes to the UA for two years and returns home without remaining active on the current J program. While at home, the scholar and the UA department decide there is more work to be done. The scholar decides to come back to UA as a Research Scholar or Professor. In this case, the scholar is subject to the 24 month bar and will not be able to return to the U.S. in the Research Scholar or Professor categories for two years following the date s/he originally returned home. For this scholar, other visa types or J categories may be an option.

12 24 Month Bar Vs. the Two-Year Rule, 212(e) The 24-month bar should not be confused with the two-year rule, 212(e). These are two completely different regulations. The two-year rule, 212(e), may apply to anyone who enters the U.S. on a J visa. The 24-month bar only applies to J visa holders who enter the U.S. in the Research Scholar or Professor categories. The 2-year bar on repeat participation does not require the individual to reside in his or her home country as does 212(e), nor does it require that the scholar leave the United States. It requires only that he or she not be in J Professor or Research Scholar status for two years before becoming eligible for a new five-year period of program eligibility in J Professor or Research Scholar status. 12-Month Bar Provision The general provisions of the 12-moth bar is that an Exchange Visitor is not eligible to begin an exchange program as a Professor or Research Scholar based on a DS-2019 issued to begin a new program if he or she was physically present in any J status (including J-2 status) for all or part of the twelve month period immediately preceding the date of program commencement set forth on his or her Form DS This general rule is the modified by three exceptions: 1. J-1 Transfers 2. Presence in J status of less than 6 months 3. Presence in J status as a Short-term Scholar The 12-month bar does not apply to those who are subject to the 24-month bar. In other words, those individuals who are subject to the 24-month bar will not be subject to an additional 12- month bar. For more information about the 24-month bar on repeat participation or the 12-month bar provision, please visit our website or contact our office directly: International Faculty & Scholars 935 N. Tyndall Ave. Tel: (520) Fax: (520)

13 International Faculty & Scholars 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa 1. Ties to Your Home Country - Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, such as student visas, are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. "Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your home town, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. If you are a prospective undergraduate, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans and career prospects in your home country. Each person's situation is different, of course, and there is no magic explanation or single document, certificate, or letter which can guarantee visa issuance. If you have applied for the U.S. Green Card Lottery, you may be asked if you are intending to immigrate. A simple answer would be that you applied for the lottery since it was available but not with a specific intent to immigrate. If you overstayed your authorized stay in the United States previously, be prepared to explain what happened clearly and concisely, with documentation, if available. 2. English - Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview, but do NOT prepare speeches! If you are coming to the United States solely to study intensive English, be prepared to explain how English will be useful for you in your home country. 3. Speak for Yourself - Do not bring parents or family members with you to the interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf. If you are a minor applying for a high school program and need your parents there is case there are questions, for example about funding, they should wait in the waiting room. 4. Know the Program and How It Fits Your Career Plans - If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will study in a particular program in the United States, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how studying in the United States relates to your future professional career when you return home. 5. Be Brief - Because of the volume of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point. global.arizona.edu/international-faculty +1 (520)

14 International Faculty & Scholars 6. Additional Documentation - It should be immediately clear to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you are lucky. 7. Not All Countries are Equal - Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the United States as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be intending immigrants. They are also more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in the United States. 8. Employment - Your main purpose in coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their U.S. education. You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program. If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the United States. If asked, be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the United States. Volunteer work and attending school parttime are permitted activities. 9. Dependents Remaining at Home - If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that your family will need you to remit money from the United States in order to support themselves, your student visa application will almost certainly be denied. If your family does decide to join you at a later time, it is helpful to have them apply at the same post where you applied for your visa. 10. Maintain a Positive Attitude - Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing. global.arizona.edu/international-faculty +1 (520)

15 International Faculty & Scholars SCOPE OF SERVICES TO: FROM: SUBJECT: CC: EXCHANGE VISITORS & FOREIGN NATIONAL EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL FACULTY & SCHOLARS (IFS) APPLYING FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY SPONSORING DEPARTMENT Thank you for your interest in visiting and/or working at The University of Arizona. We are delighted to welcome you to our campus and to Tucson. We are also delighted to be able to assist you in acquiring lawful immigration status, allowing you to be in the United States. This memo is intended to outline the scope of services provided by International Faculty & Scholars (IFS). International Faculty & Scholars is the primary administrative unit on campus providing services to visiting international professors and research scholars participating in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. IFS also works closely with UA departments to assist with the administrative processes involved in bringing international scholars and researchers to the campus. Specifically, we facilitate the initial preparation and processing for J-1 and H-1B nonimmigrant status as well as Permanent Residency petitions for eligible candidates. The Advisors in IFS are employed by and are agents of The University of Arizona. Please remember that the use of IFS does not create an Attorney-Client relationship. Moreover, there is no Attorney-Client privilege. Anything that is stated to a member of IFS may be relayed to your sponsoring department, or offices/departments on campus as appropriate. The Advisors in IFS are happy to assist with any petition where The University of Arizona is listed as the Petitioner. The Advisors cannot and are legally prohibited from advising on or submitting any petition where The University of Arizona is not listed as the Petitioner. If you require advice or assistance beyond the scope of services provided by IFS, it is strongly recommended that you hire an immigration attorney. The names of the approved attorneys who are authorized to represent The University of Arizona in immigration matters are available by calling IFS at Please contact IFS at if you have any questions or concerns. global.arizona.edu/international-faculty +1 (520)

16 I-94 Automation FACT SHEET Overview In order to increase efficiency, reduce operating costs and streamline the admissions process, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has automated Form I-94 at air and sea ports of entry. The paper form will no longer be provided to a traveler upon arrival, except in limited circumstances. The traveler will be provided with a CBP admission stamp on their travel document. If a traveler needs a copy of their I-94 (record of admission) for verification of alien registration, immigration status or employment authorization, it can be obtained from. Frequently Asked Questions What is a Form I-94? Form I-94 is the DHS Arrival/Departure Record issued to aliens who are admitted to the U.S., who are adjusting status while in the U.S. or extending their stay, among other things. A CBP officer generally attaches the I-94 to the non-immigrant visitor s passport upon U.S. entry. The visitor must exit the U.S. on or before the departure date stamped on the I-94. How will the new I-94 automation impact international travelers entry to the U.S.? I-94 automation will not impact a traveler s ability to enter the U.S. CBP will continue to create an I- 94 record for all travelers who require one, but the paper form will be created in an electronic format and not provided to the traveler. If a traveler requires a paper version of Form I-94, it will be available at Will CBP provide a traveler with any documentation or evidence showing status and time allowed in the U.S.? Yes. CBP will provide each traveler with an admission stamp that is annotated with date of admis- sion, class of admission and admitted until date. The electronic arrival/departure record can be obtained at Will travelers need to do anything differently when exiting the U.S.? How can they be sure their departure will be recorded properly with this new the I-94 automation process? Travelers will not need to do anything differently upon exiting the U.S. Travelers issued a paper Form I-94 should surrender it to the commercial carrier or CBP upon departure. The departure will be recorded electronically with manifest information provided by the carrier or by CBP. If travelers did not receive a paper Form I-94 and the record was created electronically, CBP will record their departure using manifest information obtained from the carrier. How does a traveler revalidate a visa without their I-94? The I-94 admission record is created electronically and maintained in CBP systems. CBP will verify the I-94 electronically to re-validate an expired visa if the traveler meets the conditions of automatic revalidation. If entry occurred prior to automation, a paper form must be presented in order to comply with validation requirements. For more information about automatic revalidation go to linkhandler/cgov/travel/id_visa/revalidation.ctt/ revalidation.pdf. For more information on I-94 automation or any CBP related questions, visit 3/2013

17 FACT SHEET Will CBP still issue a paper Form I-94 once the automation begins? No. Rather than distributing a paper Form I-94, CBP will scan a traveler s passport, generating an electronic arrival record with data elements found on the current paper Form I-94. CBP will make the electronic I-94 available at Travelers may visit this website to print their electronic I-94 number before applying for immigration or public benefits, such as a driver s license or a Social Security number. Since automation only affects air and sea arrivals, a paper Form I-94 is still issued at the land border ports of entry. Also, CBP intends to continue to provide a paper Form I-94 to certain classes of aliens, such as refugees, certain asylees and parolees, and whenever CBP determines the issuance of a paper form is appropriate. What if a traveler does not have a foreign passport for CBP to stamp? Individuals without a foreign passport will be sent to CBP s secondary inspection upon arrival into the U.S., where they will receive their electronic I- 94 number. These individuals will be issued a paper I-94 with the pre-printed number crossed out, and the actual electronic I-94 number handwritten upon it. Employers and agencies can expect refugees, asylees, parolees and others who do not have any other travel document to have these I-94s. What should a traveler do if he or she was admitted incorrectly to the U.S.? If an applicant was admitted incorrectly to the U.S., the applicant should visit a local CBP Deferred Inspection Site or port of entry to have his or her admission corrected. A list of Deferred Inspection Sites and ports of entry can be found at under the Ports link at the bottom of the page. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the applicant should refer to Form I-102 available at forms. Will the process help expedite passenger processing time? The I-94 automation will expedite passenger processing. CBP automated the I-94W process in 2010, which independent studies show has resulted in an approximate 20- second time savings per passenger. CBP estimates that I- 94 automation will result in similar time savings. What is the I-94 website ( Travelers may visit to retrieve their electronic I-94 number. Upon entering the U.S., travelers will receive a paper with instructions on how to access the website. Individuals can visit to retrieve a copy of their electronic Form I-94. If an applicant received an incorrect I-94 from U.S. For more information on I-94 automation or any CBP related questions, visit