It is written behind the document and still, there are those who are unaware of this part of the process.
It is enough to do a poll between borders to verify it.
“Retain this permission in your possession; you must turn it in when you leave the United States ”, indicated on the back of all permits I-94 granted by the North American authority for those seeking to enter the country beyond 25 miles (40 kilometers).
In this binational region it is common to be asked to make a trip – whether by car, truck, train or plane – to the outskirts of the county. Whether it be to Los Angeles, Anaheim, Arizona, etc.
So should the Excuse me?
Yes, although it depends on the situation.
“At a land border, I-94 must be delivered when leaving the United States, but there are some circumstances in which it might not be the best option for the traveler,” said authorities with the Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP) before the asks when the document should be returned.
For example, if a traveler has been admitted across a land border and needs to briefly return home, they can use the same I-94 for their re-entry along with a valid visa until the expiration of I-94 or their final departure. , The thing that happens first”, is detailed.
Where to do it?
“Any of the land borders can receive permission. Before leaving the country through the PedWest crossing, you can stop and deliver the permit to any officer; the same is true in San Ysidro, Otay, Tecate, etc., ”replied a CBP spokeswoman in San Diego.
Those who travel by plane, must do the same through the airline or with a customs officer.
What happens if you don’t return?
CBP authorities insist that departure must be recorded correctly. “Failure to do so could delay your entry to the United States in the future,” the document itself warns.
The back of an I-94 permit stating that the document must be returned
(Courtesy CBP)
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Some bordermen say they ignored this requirement, which they began to comply with after they received a wake-up call from officers when they wanted to renew their Excuse me.
“I had never returned it, but I started doing it since they scolded me and told me not to do it again,” confesses Rafael Quintero, a Tijuana resident, who has repeatedly requested permission to go to concerts or theme parks in Los Angels
“Since then I always carry the old (permit) when I go to get the new one,” added the Tijuana native.
Others choose to drop it off at the sentry box inspection booth upon their return to the United States or at the same processing offices as I-94.
“I have delivered it since the officer told me that I had to always return the expired one,” says Jihan García, an Ensenada resident. “Since then, I hand it over to the sentry box the next time I cross after it’s due.”
However, some respondents say they perceive some confusion on the part of the officers themselves in this process.
“I gave it to the officer and he hesitated for a few seconds about what to do with the piece of paper and eventually he said thanks and left it on his desk,” says Juan S., a Tijuana resident who went to Los Angeles as a tourist.
Others say they have not received the Excuse me at the sentry box and they have been instructed to do the same (return the permit) the next time they do the process.
So yes, you have to return it.
Data on the I-94 permit
- The I-94 Temporary Visitor Permit is required when traveling more than 25 miles from the border by car, truck, train, or plane
- Requested at the gatehouse to the United States or filled on the plane or ship before landing on US soil
- It has a limited validity that will be stamped on the form when entering the US.
- You can request the line (i94.cbp.dhs.gov), in less than 7 days before arrival in the US, but you must appear in person at the port of entry for biometric measurements and an interview.
- You must return it during the interview the next time it is requested.
- See more details in English at i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/faq
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