I 94 – I forget to hand in my I 94 form when I left the United States: What should I do?

Question:  I forget to hand in my I 94 form when I left the United States: What should I do?

Answer:  If you have exited the United States by commercial air or by sea carrier, such as a cruise ship, then you will not need to take additional action in regards to your I 94. This is because your departure out of the United States can be independently verified. If you keep your existing boarding pass, it can help to ease your entry when you return.

Next, if you exit the U.S. by land, air, or water, then you will need to take additional action to correct the record. This is because your exit from the U.S. is not verified.

If your exit was not verify and you cannot prove a timely exit, the next time coming into the U.S. will be difficult. Customs and Border Protection will assume you were in the U.S. the entire time beyond your allowable stay. If this happens, terminating your visa will be the first option. Next, you must return to your original destination.

Under the Visa Waiver Program, visitors who stay longer than usual in the U. S. must apply for a visa when trying to re-enter the U.S. again.