Please help a worried traveller!! Can the CBP track when you last left the US even if the i-94w not returned?

Question

Thanks ma&mamour, I left after 3 weeks after visiting my Aunt. I am almost certain that I handed my i-94w slip in when I left, but should it have gone missing, would they know for sure that I left on time?

Answer 1

Many airports in the US do not have a CBP person checking your passport when you leave, and if they did, they would have taken your I-94 then, so since you were probably not inspected upon exiting the US, they would have to look up the airline through which you left and ask them for passenger records for the flight you were on. Usually the airline person takes your I-94 but it happens that they forget because they're dummies.

That's assuming you left by air. I don't know how that works by sea (but I'd think that works the same as by air), and if it was by land, then Canadian or Mexican authorities would likely have taken it. Ultimately though, and though most people don't know that, it is your responsibility to make sure someone (transportation carrier or Canadian/Mexican immigration officers) gets your I-94 when you leave the US.

If the I-94 was never returned then the CBP may assume you never left, although if you left by air or sea, it's not such a big deal.

What you can do, however, is return the I-94 with tangible proof of your leaving the country, just in case you're worried.

Read this for more info:

http://help.cbp.gov/cgi-bin/customs.cfg/...

Answer 2

yes,

but? by not returning you I-94,you are exposing yourself to problems.....

airports and immigration keep records of travelers going in and out of the US,

if you still have the I-94 with you? please return it as fast as you can,

look at article :

When you leave the country, you should give the I-94 or I-95 Form to your airline or ship representative. If you are departing over a land border, give it to a Canadian or Mexican immigration inspector. The I-94 or I-95 Form that has been approved by a CBP Officer proves that you arrived in the country legally and that you have not stayed beyond the period of your authorized stay.

Be sure to turn in the I-94 or I-95 Form to the proper authorities on departure. This returned portion of the form proves you did not violate U.S. laws by staying in the country too long. It is proof that you obeyed U.S. immigration laws, which is essential if you want to return to the United States at a future date as an immigrant or nonimmigrant.

http://www.us-immigration-attorney.com/v...