Dear Work & Travel Participant,
We have received information about policy changes that will affect the entry process to the United States for J-1 visa holders. These changes involve additional screening at ports of entry and the automation of the I-94 record of arrival and departure.
Changes in Border Policy
We have been informed that under a new border control policy ordered by the Department of Homeland Security, all visitors with a SEVIS record (including J-1 visa holders) will go through secondary screening for a SEVIS check at their points of entry.
The implementation of this policy may vary from one airport to the next, but you should not be alarmed if you are asked additional questions, or if you are taken to another room for a SEVIS check and documents review.
This new policy could make the entry process take much longer. If you miss a connecting flight because of entry process delays, please go to the relevant airline information desk to reschedule your flight.
Automation of the I-94 Record of Arrival and Departure
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:
www.cbp.gov/I94
If you are unable to obtain your I-94 Admission Number at the link above, it could mean that you were admitted incorrectly to the United States. If a traveler was admitted incorrectly to the United States, the traveler should visit a local CBP Deferred Inspection Site or Port of Entry (POE) to have his or her admission corrected. A list of Deferred Inspection Sites and POEs can be found on CBP's website, www.cbp.gov, under the "Ports" link at the bottom of the page. If a traveler was issued an incorrect I-94 by USCIS, the traveler should refer to the Form I-102, which can be found at www.uscis.gov/forms.
For additional information about the automation of the I-94 Record, please review the I-94 Fact Sheet:
I-94 Fact Sheet
Please be sure to review this information prior to your departure to the United States.
If you have any questions, please contact us.