Form I-94, also known as the Arrival/Departure Record, serves as proof of lawful entry for individuals applying for adjustment of status in the United States. This form documents the date, place of entry, and the immigration status under which the individual was admitted, which is essential for verifying eligibility. Proper submission of Form I-94 ensures the adjustment of status application complies with legal requirements and facilitates the processing of permanent residency requests.
Understanding the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record serves as the primary proof of lawful entry for individuals applying for Adjustment of Status in the United States. This form documents the date, port of entry, and class of admission, which are critical for verifying lawful presence. Accurate I-94 information is essential for USCIS to determine eligibility for status adjustment under immigration laws.
Importance of the I-94 for Adjustment of Status
The Form I-94 is a critical document that serves as proof of lawful entry into the United States for individuals seeking Adjustment of Status. It verifies the date and manner of an immigrant's arrival, which is essential for the USCIS to evaluate eligibility.
- Proof of Lawful Entry - Form I-94 confirms the nonimmigrant's legal admission at a U.S. port of entry.
- Essential for Eligibility - USCIS requires the I-94 to validate that the applicant's entry meets requirements for adjustment.
- Records Arrival and Status - The document records admission date and class, helping monitor status validity.
Without Form I-94, the adjustment application may face delays or denial due to insufficient proof of lawful entry.
Types of I-94 Forms and Their Usage
| Form Type | Description | Usage for Proof of Lawful Entry |
|---|---|---|
| I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (Paper) | Traditional paper form issued at land border entries. | Serves as official documentation of lawful admission into the U.S. Required for adjustment of status applications. |
| I-94 Electronic Record | Electronic arrival/departure record for air and sea travelers. Accessible online via CBP's website. | Acts as proof of legal entry when printed and submitted with adjustment of status forms like Form I-485. |
| I-94 Expiration Date | Date noted on the I-94 indicating authorized length of stay. | Critical for establishing period of lawful presence required during status adjustment. |
| I-94 with Admission Under Nonimmigrant Visa | Indicates entry under a specific visa category such as H-1B, F-1, or B-2. | Supports the basis for eligibility when filing for status adjustment based on visa category. |
| Form I-94 Correction Request | Process to correct errors on the I-94 record. | You should ensure an accurate I-94 record is submitted to avoid delays in adjustment of status processing. |
How to Obtain Your I-94 Record
```htmlWhich form serves as proof of lawful entry for adjustment of status? The I-94 record, also known as the Arrival/Departure Record, confirms your lawful entry into the United States. This document is essential for filing an adjustment of status application.
How to obtain your I-94 record? You can access your I-94 record online through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website by entering your passport information. It is recommended to print a copy of your I-94 as official proof of your lawful entry.
```Common Issues with I-94 Records
The Form I-94, also known as the Arrival/Departure Record, serves as the primary proof of lawful entry for individuals seeking Adjustment of Status in the United States. This form documents the date and port of entry, which is essential for USCIS to verify an applicant's lawful admission.
Common issues with I-94 records include inaccurate entry dates, missing arrival information, or discrepancies between electronic and paper records. These errors can delay the adjustment process or result in the denial of the application, making it crucial to review and correct I-94 details promptly.
I-94 Information Required for Adjustment Applications
The Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, serves as essential proof of lawful entry for adjustment of status applications. This document provides critical information such as the date of entry, port of admission, and the visa status under which the individual was admitted. Accurate I-94 details are required to establish eligibility and verify lawful presence during the adjustment process.
Resolving Errors on Your I-94
The I-94 form serves as proof of lawful entry for adjustment of status applications. This document records arrival and departure details critical for immigration processing.
If errors appear on the I-94, they must be addressed promptly to avoid delays. Contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to request corrections. Providing accurate entry information ensures smooth progression of status adjustment cases.
Consequences of Missing or Expired I-94
The Form I-94 serves as the primary proof of lawful entry required for adjustment of status applications. Missing or expired I-94 records can lead to significant delays or denial of your immigration benefits.
- Proof of Lawful Entry - The Form I-94 documents your arrival and legal admission into the United States.
- Consequences of Missing I-94 - Absence of a valid I-94 can result in USCIS requesting additional evidence or denying the adjustment of status petition.
- Impact of Expired I-94 - An expired I-94 may indicate unauthorized presence, affecting eligibility for adjustment of status and triggering potential removal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions about I-94 for Adjustment
The Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, serves as proof of lawful entry for individuals seeking adjustment of status in the United States. This document confirms the date and manner of entry which are crucial for immigration processes.
- What is Form I-94? - It is an official record issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection documenting the arrival and departure of non-citizens entering the U.S.
- Why is Form I-94 important for adjustment of status? - It verifies lawful entry, a mandatory requirement for eligibility to apply for adjustment of status to permanent resident.
- How can I obtain my Form I-94? - You can access and print your most recent I-94 record online through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
Which Form Serves as Proof of Lawful Entry for Adjustment of Status? Infographic
