Forgot to turn in I-94, what should I do?

[Red*White*Blue]

Here's my situation - I recently finished my bachelor's degree in the US, then worked for a few months on OPT when I was transferred to an office in Europe, where I currently reside. I am planning on applying to grad schools in the fall and hopefully returning to the US next next summer on another F-1 visa.

I did however just realize that I forgot to turn in my I-94 form when I departed the country. I did a lot of research online on what I'm supposed to do and found a lot of conflicting things, all from forums like this one. I found this information on the CBP's official website though:

If you returned home with your Form I-94 (white) or Form I-94W (green) Departure Record in your passport, it is possible that your departure was not recorded properly.

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, although holding on to your outbound (from the U.S.) boarding pass - if you still have it - can help facilitate your reentry next time you come back to the United States.

(sorry can't post links yet, but just do a copy paste search and you'll find it)

Now, this is an official government website, so I was relieved when I read it, but the sheer amount of posts online saying I need to contact the USCBP's Kentucky office threw me off a little. It says it might help if I have my boarding passes which I don't but it also says clearly that it's not necessary to take any further action. I also noticed that this particular entry was updated on 06/2011, so maybe it's a new regulation that they are requiring airline companies to submit flight lists and I-94s aren't as crucial anymore - all the posts I found online were from 2009 or early 2010, so... Just wanted to get some new info on this.

What do you guys think, what should I do? My concern is mostly about the US embassy interview, I'm worried their records might show I am still in the US.

Thanks!

 

[Nancy Mervin]

Hi Red*White*Blue,
It may be wise for you consult at the nearest US embassy or consulate and find out how it can be returned. Now that you would be visiting US again be on the safer side. Better clear it faster than making it a complex problem later.