USCIS Form I-102

USCIS Form I-102: How to Replace a Lost I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

The USCIS Form I-102 is an application used by nonimmigrants to obtain a replacement or initial Form I-94, also known as the Arrival/Departure Record. This form becomes essential when the original document has been lost, stolen, mutilated, or contains incorrect information. Eligibility to file Form I-102
extends to nonimmigrant individuals who are required to have their arrival to and departure from the United States properly documented. Completing and submitting this form aids in maintaining accurate records of nonimmigrant visa holders’ travel and immigration status within the country. When filing for the Form
I-102, applicants must include the filing fee, unless exempted, and comply with evidence requirements as stipulated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Proper submission of this form is crucial for individuals seeking to ensure their compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.
The USCIS Form I-102 is an application used by nonimmigrants to obtain a replacement or initial Form I-94, also known as the Arrival/Departure Record. This form becomes essential when the original document has been lost, stolen, mutilated, or contains incorrect information. Eligibility to file Form I-102 extends to nonimmigrant individuals who are required to have their arrival to and departure from the United States properly documented. Completing and
submitting this form aids in maintaining accurate records of nonimmigrant visa holders’ travel and immigration status within the country. When filing for the Form I-102, applicants must include the filing fee, unless exempted, and comply with evidence requirements as stipulated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Proper submission of this form is crucial for individuals seeking to ensure their compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

Understanding USCIS Form I-102

USCIS Form I-102 is an application for a replacement or an initial Arrival/Departure Record, known as Form I-94. It serves nonimmigrant visitors who enter the United States and have either lost their Form I-94 or received an incorrect document at the time of entry. The purpose of this form is two-fold:

  • To request a replacement for a lost, stolen, mutilated, or incorrect Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document.
  • To obtain an initial Form I-94 if the nonimmigrant was not issued one upon entry into the United States.

Key Components of Form I-102:

  • Part 1: Requires information about the applicant, including Alien Registration Number and USCIS Online Account Number, if applicable.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must currently hold a nonimmigrant status.
  • The initial or replacement request must pertain to their nonimmigrant entry document.

Filing Instructions:

  • Expiration Date: Ensure the form is current; USCIS forms are periodically updated.
  • Supporting Documents: Include any evidence to support the application, such as a copy of the lost I-94, if available.
  • Filing Fee: A fee is required to process this application.

E-Notification: Applicants have the option to request an email or text message notification about the acceptance of their Form I-102 by also submitting Form G-1145.

Nonimmigrant visitors must submit Form I-102 in a timely manner to maintain their lawful status and ensure they have the required documentation during their stay in the United States.

Completing Form I-102

When an individual needs to replace or correct their Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document (Form I-94, I-94W, or I-95), they must accurately complete USCIS Form I-102.

Preparation Steps:

  • Obtain the latest version of Form I-102 from the USCIS website.
  • Ensure access to a printer, as the form must be printed with visible edition dates and page numbers.

Filling Out the Form:

  • Use black ink to type or print.
  • Start with Part 1, providing personal details such as full name, address, and date of birth.
  • In Part 2, include the most recent entry into the United States, specifying the date and place of entry.

Documentation:

Gather necessary documents to submit along with Form I-102:

  • Most recent passport
  • Form I-94 (if available)
  • Evidence of identity and travel, such as boarding passes or tickets
  • Other relevant immigration documents

Filing and Fee:

  • Check the filing fee, which at the present is $445.
  • File the form at a designated USCIS lockbox.
  • For specific filing locations, refer to the USCIS ‘Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-102′ page.

Final Check:

  • Review all the information for accuracy.
  • Confirm that all paperwork is from the same form edition.
  • Make sure to include the required filing fee.

By following these steps, applicants ensure their request for a replacement or new nonimmigrant arrival-departure document is properly submitted to the USCIS.

Submission Process

Applicants must file Form I-102 with a USCIS Lockbox to request a replacement or initial nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record, also known as Form I-94. During submission, applicants should ensure they type or print in black ink and provide accurate information in all the required fields.

The following steps are crucial in the submission process:

  1. Completing the Form:
    • Part 1 requests personal information, including the alien registration number and current address.
    • Additional parts cover details of the applicant’s admission into the United States and the circumstances surrounding the need for replacement.
  2. Gathering Documentation:
    • Assemble all necessary supporting documents, which may include a copy of the lost I-94, if available, and identification paperwork.
  3. Sending the Package:
    • Do not include the optional checklist with the application package.
    • Mail the completed Form I-102 and the supporting documents to the respective USCIS Lockbox, as per the instructions provided on the USCIS website.

Applicants can refer to the official USCIS instructions for detailed information on mailing addresses and additional guidance. It’s important to note that USCIS has specific rules on where to file, depending on the applicant’s state of residence and the type of application.

Processing times vary, and applicants can check the status of their application by referring to their receipt notice or by accessing the USCIS online case status tool. Form I-102’s OMB expiration is noted as 12/31/2023, which should be considered when reviewing the form’s validity.

Possible Outcomes and Next Steps

After submitting Form I-102, there are several potential outcomes that applicants should be prepared for. USCIS will either approve or deny the application.

  • Approval: If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a replacement Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94).
    • Next Steps: The applicant should
      • Review the replacement Form I-94 for accuracy.
      • Keep it with their other immigration documents.
  • Denial: In case of a denial, USCIS will provide a notice explaining the reasons.
    • Next Steps: The applicant may
      • File a motion to reopen or reconsider the application if they believe there was an error in the decision.
      • Seek legal advice for further options.

Applicants should monitor the status of their application through the USCIS online status check tool or by contacting USCIS directly. It is crucial for individuals to maintain their lawful status while their application is pending, avoiding any actions that may impact their immigration status negatively.

Status Action Required Notes
Application Approved Review and secure Form I-94 Ensure personal details are correct.
Application Denied Consider legal avenues for a motion to reopen USCIS notice will detail reasons and any possible next steps.

Adherence to these steps and keen attention to the details in any correspondence from USCIS can ensure a smoother process in rectifying any issues with an individual’s Arrival-Departure Record.

Additional Information and Resources

USCIS Form I-102 is utilized by nonimmigrants who need to replace or request an initial Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94, I-94W, or I-95). Applicants may require this form under circumstances such as the incorrect issuance of their original document or if their original document has been lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed.

For up-to-date information and guidance, applicants should refer to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Resources available include:

  • Form I-102: Access to a PDF version of the form and instructions for submission.
  • Filing Fee: Current fee information, which is subject to change. Checking the USCIS website or contacting USCIS directly is recommended for the most recent fee structure.
  • Expiration Date: Noting the expiration date on the form to ensure use of the current version.

In addition, USCIS provides various tools and resources:

  • e-Request: A tool to inquire about applications and other USCIS services.
  • Case Status Online: Enables applicants to check the status of their application.

Supporting Documentation: Applicants should collect and maintain copies of all submitted documents for their own records. They should also follow all guidelines provided by USCIS to avoid processing delays.

USCIS Contact Information: For personalized assistance, applicants can contact USCIS through the USCIS Contact Center or schedule an appointment with a local USCIS office as necessary

Immigration is complicated.

We know the shortcuts.