Surrendering I-94 card when crossing by car

D

DougG

New Member
Hi Folks,

When I received my TN status, the officer stapled a white Departure Record card (CBP I-94 A) into my passport.

He told me that when leaving the USA, the airline "may" take the card away. He gave me a website to look up my I-94 status on line. What he didn't tell me is what happens at the border, leaving the USA by car. My Passport is stamped May 10, 2019 and lists the name of the company that is sponsoring me.

When I handed my passport to the Canadian Officer at the Rainbow Bridge, he left the I-94 in my passport. Is this a problem and if so, what should I do about it? Doesn't this actually confirm that I've left the USA?

I'm traveling to the US tomorrow by plane, leaving from Pearson.

Thanks
DougG
 
no its not a problem your i-94 is what lets you enter the US under the conditions you were asking about before nothing to worry about
 
The airline isn't supposed to take it either, but CBP knows that airline staff always err on the side of taking it when in doubt (that's why he said "may"). The Cdn border authorities won't take it unless you hand it to them, which you would when leaving Canada for good after losing/quitting your job. You don't need confirmation of leaving otherwise.
 
My experience has been that one time the airlines and one time the Canadian customs tried to remove it. Both times I said: oh no wait wait, that is my work permit and you shouldn't remove it!! And on the way back to the US, I brought it up with the CBP officer and he also confirmed they shouldn't remove my TN I-94, especially the Canadian customs as it was none of their business! He also told me to remove it out of their sight in the future and staple it back in the passport on the way back to the US. Oh well I did that on my trip to Germany too and on the way back I got criticized by the CBP officer for not surrendering it to the airlines. LOL! Honestly the airlines didn't ask for it either. What the CBP officer in the Canadian airport meant was for US/Canada/Mexico trips. But all of these happened years ago... They seem to be more informed and educated these days, especially the Canadian customs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top