I-94 Card Return - Airlines people did not take it

[praveenkk77]

Hi All,

I am on H1 and my wife is on H4. My wife traveled to India recently and no body took her I-94 card in the airport.

Do we need to send back the I-94 card or surrend it when she comes back.

How it works out,please reply. Appreciate your time.

Thanks,

Praveen

[SameerH1Bworker]

Yes, you need to surrender it & you'll get new card at the time of arrival. If airline does not ask then better you ask them while check in. They'll take you I-94. Now you can surrender old I-94 with the airline ticket's copy.

[pontevecchio]

Please do me a favor. Read this

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/752/kw/I-94%20not%20taken/session/L3NpZC9HZWpIOVR2aw%3D%3D/p/0/c/0.

[kewl_guy]

Praveenkk77,

Unfortunately, I have experienced the same kind of airlines staff who don't care about I-94. I was trying to give my I94 to them while they were trying to ignore it. I told them that it is very important and I didn't leave till they registered my old I94.

It happens more often than not and it is not your mistake, believe me.

[Philip.Mat07]

My wife also had the same situation. I asked the JFK airport staff if that would be problem while she comes back and they said there was no problem. They will track who left the country based on the list that airlines provides them. So no need to worry.

[noauditplz]

My wife also had the same situation. I asked the JFK airport staff if that would be problem while she comes back and they said there was no problem. They will track who left the country based on the list that airlines provides them. So no need to worry.

Philip you are correct. I read the same on CBP website. it was an eye opener for me and gave great relief as Inever turned in my i94's on H1B I797A forms but turned in the white I94's. CBP states below "If you departed by a commercial air or sea carrier (airlines or cruise ships), your departure from the U.S. can be independently verified, and it is not necessary to take any further action,"

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/752/kw/i94

[murphyd]

You need to be forceful. They will typically check your passport before the boarding process starts. At that time, they will detach your i-94.