I-94 Extension from Canada-US Border

[SONI12]

Hello Experts,

My I-94 is going to expire in Feb 2018 due to my old passport validity as its also valid till Feb 2018. But later I applied for new passport and received it. Now I have to extend my I-94.

I have seen so many posts here on I-94 extension when people went to Mexico and came back with new I-94. But Canada Border is near to WA state from where I am planning to go.

I wanted to know if anyone recently visited Canada for I-94 extension and how's their experience? Did you apply for Canada ETA/Tourist visa too? Did you go by CAR or AIR?

Did you receive new I-94 extension from US CBP ?

When I called to my POE airport then they said you have to visit any other country instead of Canada and Mexico to get new I-94 or else your stay must be 30 days in Canada/Mexico.

I need help if is it worthy to visit Canada and get new I-94 without any issue.

Please advise asap.

Regards

[pontevecchio]

You may have asked the wrong questions. The agent was incorrect if he meant that "AUTOMATIC VISA REVALIDATION" was compulsory. It is not. You can ask for and get a new I94 should you want. Which specific border crossing are you talking about?

Make sure to run this by your employer/Lawyer as they may have different ideas to sort this problem out including filing another H1 petition.

[reddy_2016]

I have asked for a similar question in this forum, below is the link

My company's attorney also said something similar regarding travel to Canada/Mexico. 

"" FYI - assuming the law remains the same - travel to Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days won't enable you to obtain a new I-94 with a longer expiration date.   Thus, the travel would need to be to a different country (other than to Canada or Mexico) or to Canada or Mexico for a period of more than 30 days.  ""

 

 

 

[pontevecchio]

AVR is not an infliction and there are innumerable instances in this forum and others of people having got a new I94 by going to the US Border. It is absolutely legal and appropriate to do so .

[SONI12]

On 12/11/2017 at 0:53 PM, pontevecchio said:

You may have asked the wrong questions. The agent was incorrect if he meant that "AUTOMATIC VISA REVALIDATION" was compulsory. It is not. You can ask for and get a new I94 should you want. Which specific border crossing are you talking about?

Make sure to run this by your employer/Lawyer as they may have different ideas to sort this problem out including filing another H1 petition.

What do you mean by that I asked a wrong question. What wrong in this case?

If I am not wrong then to get new I-94 I have to go outside US. Does it matter its Canada or Mexico for CBP? 

I checked on CBP website and they have not mentioned any specific term that I have to go there for 30 days?

 

I guess we cannot apply for H1B extension prior to 6 months of expiry date and mine is valid till Aug 2018. Can you please explain what do you mean by filing another H1B petition ?

[pontevecchio]

Either you get a new I94 or your employer has to file another H1 petition to keep you legal beyond the current I94 expiration. AVR is not compulsory. Have you actually talked to your employer about the matter?. You can go to Mexico or Canada and get a new I94.

[reddy_2016]

FYI, I have contacted CBP office via phone today and they said I can get a new I-94 even if I travel to Canada/Mexico for less than 30 days as long as I have unexpired VISA stamped in the passport.

https://www.cbp.gov/contact
1-877-CBP-5511 (877-227-5511)

Could you please let me know if the travel to Bahamas is okay to get new I-94 ? Thank You !

[adshah84]

I was in the same situation and i got extended I94 at from US CBP at canada border. 

I took canada visitor visa went to vancover and returned next day. Paid $6 as fees and that's it. 

[reddy_2016]

 I was able to extend my I-94 by visiting the Otay Mesa, California Enrollment Center. Below is my experience.

 

[satya2k1]

Some people in this forum visited nearest International airport and talked to CBP officers, and showed them valid passport.  Usually, in airport officers can issue new I-94 without traveling outside.

[SanjeevAgg]

On 1/2/2018 at 5:04 PM, adshah84 said:

I was in the same situation and i got extended I94 at from US CBP at canada border. 

I took canada visitor visa went to vancover and returned next day. Paid $6 as fees and that's it. 

HI,

Could you please confirm from which Canada border you got the new I-94. Can you please explain in detail ?

 

Thanks!

[adshah84]

On 10/11/2018 at 5:11 PM, SanjeevAgg said:

HI,

Could you please confirm from which Canada border you got the new I-94. Can you please explain in detail ?

 

Thanks!

I went to Vancouver. stayed there for night and return next day. While entering i told them i want to extend my I94. 

They gave me slip and took me inside. Showed them new passport and I797 and that's it.  

[CHATMP]

Can anyone please comment if we need to get a canadian visiting visa for I-94 extension or will ETA(Electronic Travel Authorization) be sufficient?