Can they take away my Visa? Find out what happens if you travel to the United States without an I-94 permit

travel to USA It may seem simple just to have one tourist visa, but there are more important requirements to consider. One of them is the I-94 permit. What happens if you don’t process it or enter without requesting it? Here we clear up your doubts and explain when it is necessary to request it.

First of all, it is important that you know:What is the I-94 permit? It is a “United States admission permit” that records the entry and exit dates of visitors.

It is required for foreigners entering the United States by land, especially if they plan to travel more than 25 miles (40 km) from the border or stay more than 30 days in the country; It is additional to the visa and is essential to avoid immigration problems.

Who needs a Form I-94

Anyone who crosses the border between Mexico and the United States by land need an I-94 If you plan to go beyond 25 miles from the border or stay more than 30 days.

¿What happens if I do not apply for the I-94 permit? Failure to comply with this requirement may result in visa cancellation and deportation from the United States.

For example, if you cross from Tijuana to San Diego and plan to visit Disneyland or Universal Studios in Los Angeles, you need an I-94, even if it’s just for a few hours.

This requirement applies to Mexican citizens and other nationalities, excluding citizens of Canada and the United States, who do not have a permanent residence permit (green card).

How to process the I-94?

Start the electronic application: Go to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website to begin the I-94 application. This form is only available in English.

Select the appropriate option: If you are crossing by land, choose “Visiting the US & Arriving via a Land Border?”. This option is specific for those entering by land.

Complete the information: Fill out the form no more than 7 days before your trip. The I-94 online is valid for 7 days. Be sure to provide your personal details, visa, passport and details of your stay.

Make payment: The cost of the I-94 is $6 per person, and you can pay with PayPal or credit card.

Receive and present the provisional permit: Print the provisional I-94 permit that you will receive and present it along with your valid passport and visa upon arrival in the United States.

Importance of registering your departure from the country

For those entering with an I-94, it is important to register your departure from the United States correctly. If you received a physical I-94, you must give it to the airline upon departure or to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). For those who have an electronic I-94 and are departing by land, make sure your departure is properly recorded.

CBP recommends presenting evidence of your exit and entry to Canada or Mexico on your next trip to the United States.

This may include entry stamps in your passport, transportation tickets showing your departure from the United States, pay stubs, and other receipts obtained outside the country.

I have a degree in Literature and a Master’s degree in Linguistic and Literary Competence from the Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ). Since 2022, I have worked as an editor for Debate.com.mx, where I share stories and news from my home state, Zacatecas, and its municipalities, as well as entities such as San Luis Potosí and Querétaro, among others. My passion for travel leads me to publish publications about tourism, World Heritage Cities, Magical Towns and Archaeological Zones. I also share travel tips, recommendations for destinations such as the beaches of Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Yucatán; attractions in Querétaro, Jalisco, Mexico City, Hidalgo, and more; as well as recommendations and details of concerts from the main fairs in the country. Additionally, I write about cheap flight offers from airlines such as Volaris, Viva Aerobus, Mexicana de Aviación and Aeroméxico, as well as details of the new Mayan Train.

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