CBP Update: Alphanumeric I-94s Arrival/Departure Records
Effective this May 2019, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be adjusting the I-94 number once it is issued to international travelers. Currently, the formatting of an I-94 number includes 11 digits and is comprised of only numbers. Starting this May, the I-94 number will become alphanumeric. The I-94 will remain 11 characters in length but the first 9 characters will be numerical and the last two will contain letters.
For our international visitors who have arrived in the United States prior to May 2019, your I-94 number will not change and will be valid through its expiration date indicated on the record. Beginning in May, any international visitor who departs the U.S. and returns to resume his/her activities/objectives will receive an updated alphanumeric I-94 record.
Important reminder: Any international visitors planning to travel soon or in the near future, make sure that you have all the documentation you need to re-enter the U.S. (i.e. any of the applicable: endorsed DS-2019, I-20, valid visa, valid passport with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the end date of your program/work authorization, and any I-797 approval notices – specifically for H-1B visa holders). If you have any questions about traveling or this upcoming CBP update, please contact your International Services Representative.
Additional information can be found on CBP website.