US Customs DID NOT give me an I-94

[Walt and Shannon 0]

I entered the USA June 1, 2009. Here I thought I had all my bases covered. I gave them my package and my visa, they fingerprinted me, stamped the visa and opened my package. I did not receive a I-94 and from what I've been reading, I need it for a SIN and EA.

The customs agent appeared inexperienced and said he "wasn't prepared for this". He sent me through after receiving all this stuff and I thought I was okay.

What can I do aside from applying for a replacement, which will cost $320!

[YuAndDan 153]

Go to the nearest POE (International Airport) and explain what happened, mor than likely they will issue you an I-94 card.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports/

[Walt and Shannon 0]

Thank you so much, but one more question - I entered the USA in Minniapolis, then traveled to Virginia. Is nearest POE meaning the Norfolk Int'l airport here in Virginia, or should I call the Minniapolis airport?

[YuAndDan 153]

Thank you so much, but one more question - I entered the USA in Minniapolis, then traveled to Virginia. Is nearest POE meaning the Norfolk Int'l airport here in Virginia, or should I call the Minniapolis airport?

I said the nearest POE, that will be Norfolk, or perhaps the service port.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contact...rts/va/1401.xml (Call them and ask)

Edited June 3, 2009 by YuAndDan

[Walt and Shannon 0]

Thanks again. I called Norfolk and the officer told me because I entered on a K-1 I am not allowed to work until after I get married anyway, so I don't need the I-94. After marriage I apply for AOS and use that for my work permit.

I am very confused and frustrated and should probably just go see a good immigration lawyer here in the city and have her spell it out for me. I was of the understanding I could work before I got married with a temporary permit but I guess not. The K-1 process flow chart #15 even indicates a fiance may be able to work before they're married, can apply for an SIN, etc.

I've just heard so many conflicting things.

[Walt and Shannon 0]

Sorry - here is the page I was reading:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=k1flow

[Krikit 1,164]

Thanks again. I called Norfolk and the officer told me because I entered on a K-1 I am not allowed to work until after I get married anyway, so I don't need the I-94. After marriage I apply for AOS and use that for my work permit.

You need to send a copy of the I-94 with your AOS application so you'll have to get one.

I am very confused and frustrated and should probably just go see a good immigration lawyer here in the city and have her spell it out for me. I was of the understanding I could work before I got married with a temporary permit but I guess not. The K-1 process flow chart #15 even indicates a fiance may be able to work before they're married, can apply for an SIN, etc.

There are new procedures in place for employers which effectively makes the employment authorization stamp null and void for K-1'ers.

[TayRivers 4]

Sorry - here is the page I was reading:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=k1flow

1. You need the I-94 to file for AOS.

2. K1 can get a SSN but again you will need the I-94

3. K1 can not comply with the requirements of the I-9 form that is completed by everyone when the start work. So you will not be able to work until you have filed for AOS and EAD.

You need to go to your nearest POE and request a I-94.

[YuAndDan 153]

Thanks again. I called Norfolk and the officer told me because I entered on a K-1 I am not allowed to work until after I get married anyway, so I don't need the I-94. After marriage I apply for AOS and use that for my work permit.

I am very confused and frustrated and should probably just go see a good immigration lawyer here in the city and have her spell it out for me. I was of the understanding I could work before I got married with a temporary permit but I guess not. The K-1 process flow chart #15 even indicates a fiance may be able to work before they're married, can apply for an SIN, etc.

I've just heard so many conflicting things.

You need to attach a copy of the I-94 card to your I-485 when adjusting status.

Part 1 of form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) requests I-94# which is on the card.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485.pdf

[Liebi 0]

I remember someone here on VJ last year, who got the I-94 upon entering the US on K1 but they put a stamp with the wrong date on it.

They went to the nearest POE and got it figured out with CBP, so give it a shot, as YuAndDan said, especially before consulting a lawyer and spending a bunch of money.

[bslsailor 0]

Normally when you fly, you are handed a blank I-94 on board when asked if you are under a non-US passport.

The I-94 is filled out by you and handed to the Immigration officer to stamp.

Did you drive or fly in??

In either case, the admitting Immigration Officer should have caught it.

No advice on how to correct it, however you will need the I-94 to start any other paperwork.

John

I entered the USA June 1, 2009. Here I thought I had all my bases covered. I gave them my package and my visa, they fingerprinted me, stamped the visa and opened my package. I did not receive a I-94 and from what I've been reading, I need it for a SIN and EA.

The customs agent appeared inexperienced and said he "wasn't prepared for this". He sent me through after receiving all this stuff and I thought I was okay.

What can I do aside from applying for a replacement, which will cost $320!

[Krikit 1,164]

Normally when you fly, you are handed a blank I-94 on board when asked if you are under a non-US passport.

The I-94 is filled out by you and handed to the Immigration officer to stamp.

Under normal circumstances, Canadians do not receive, nor require, an I-94.