Today, in a press release, USCIS confirms that paper I-94s will still be required for immigration benefits. Please see below press release copied from USCIS for ease of reference. We had already suggested the same in our previous post on this issue.
CBP Announces Automation of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today published an interim final rule in the Federal Register to automate Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Form I-94 provides nonimmigrants evidence that they have been lawfully admitted to the United States. The interim final rule, effective on April 26, 2013, streamlines the admissions process for nonimmigrants arriving to the United States. Affected nonimmigrants traveling to the United States by air or sea will no longer need to fill out a paper Form I-94. However, individuals who go through secondary inspection, such as asylees, refugees, and parolees, will be provided a paper copy of Form I-94 by a CBP officer.
USCIS will continue to require applicants to submit a paper copy of Form I-94 when requesting certain benefits. Other government agencies, such as State Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs), also require a paper copy of Form I-94. Moreover, nonimmigrants who are authorized to work may present a paper copy of Form I-94 to their employers during the employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) process.
For more information regarding CBP’s Form I-94 automation, please visit CBP’s website atwww.cbp.gov and review their News Release regarding Form I-94 Automation.
For more information on USCIS forms and procedures, please visit www.uscis.gov or call our toll-free National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.