When travelling with RTD, do I need i-94?

[EspressoJoy]

Hi

If I use my RTD to travel, I am assuming I don't need my I-94 or for that matter, anything else, right? thanks so much!

Your espresso addict

 

[cchong]

Hi

If I use my RTD to travel, I am assuming I don't need my I-94 or for that matter, anything else, right? thanks so much!

Your espresso addict

EspressoJoy,

You should bring your original I-94 with you, but you don't need to surrender it when you depart. You will also get a new one when you return at the port of entry. Even though you don't need your I-94 when you are outside the US, but the US officer at the port of entry might ask you for that so that you have it with you.

I personally would also bring a copy of my I-94, travel document, and Asylum approval letter with me in case I lost my travel document or for whatever reasons.

 

[Lazerthegreat]

Never surrender your original I-94 (which you got at your asylum approval). Usually they do not ask for any I-94 at departure. Even if they ask (mostly they guy does not have any idea even why he is asking), tell them that this document is just fine. If the guy insists, ask for his supervisor. But never surrender your original I-94. I would rather say, keep original one at home and bring a copy with you.

 

[ukulele]

Question

To Lazerthegreat:

Yikes - I have already surrended my original I-94 (issued upon asylum approval) the first time I travel outside the country with a RTD. However, I have kept a copy of it in my files. Am I in big trouble? I do have a current I-94 from the last trip I made abroad, given when I returned to the US.

 

[cchong]

Hi

If I use my RTD to travel, I am assuming I don't need my I-94 or for that matter, anything else, right? thanks so much!

Your espresso addict

I agree with Lazerthegreat. If you are talking about your original I-94 that you recieved from the Asylum officer, you don't want to surrender it. You can bring a copy with you. You are not required to show anything to the offcier at the port of entry except your RTD, but if you want you can show the copied I-94 that shows an indefinate stay. It might prompt them to issue you another I-94 with a correct expiration status (indefinate stay). Some forum members received a new I-94 with an expiration date of one year.

If the officer is doing the right job, you should receive a new I-94 that shows you are authorized to work and with an Asylum granted status for indefinately.

It is good to know up front what to expect, but you should not worry about this thing. Enjoy your trip.

 

[benko]

To Lazerthegreat:

Yikes - I have already surrended my original I-94 (issued upon asylum approval) the first time I travel outside the country with a RTD. However, I have kept a copy of it in my files. Am I in big trouble? I do have a current I-94 from the last trip I made abroad, given when I returned to the US.

Don't worry. Once they insisted I surrender my original I-94 and in return they gave me a new one with all the correct info (asylum granted indefinitely etc). As a matter of fact even that I-94 I eventually surrendered for a new one becuase both times at that airport the immigration officers wanted to do it that way...and you really don't want to be arguing with them (all this took place a few years ago). I am now a PR, and was never contacted by BCIS regarding that original I-94 (no request for further evidence etc). bottom line, don't worry but just make sure that if they issue you a new one the info on it is correct.