Quote:
Originally Posted by Lowtax4eva It's actually not "completely different" a visa is a document with a specific date you may enter and date you must exit the US. The I-94 is basically exactly the same thing, just not permanently affixed to your passport.
For the sake of clarity I said "visa" but mean that unless she is given any sort of official document that must be returned at departure then no one can really track her movements in and out of the US. |
the visa and I-94
are completely different documents. they serve completely different purposes, issued by completely different government agencies (and not sub-agencies of the same parent agency), have completely different validity dates, expiration dates, completely different security features (or lack therof) and are
not "basically exactly the same thing."
Visa: applied at AMCON or US Embassy in foreign country
I-94: applied at US port of entry
Visa: application on Form DS-156 or DS-160
I-94: application using the visa issued
Visa: MRV fee and visa reciprocity fees applicable, varies by country
I-94: generally no fee, does not vary by country
Visa: multiple US/intl security checks, including visas Donkey, Eagle, MANTIS and TAL
I-94: none
Visa: laminated with photo, bar code, machine readable strip and multiple security features
i-94: printed, index card like form, filled out by applicant
Visa: document allowing application for entry to US in a specific NIV classification
I-94: document controlling NIV status and duration while in the US.
Visa: replacement if lost, in-person application AMCON or US Embassy in foreign country
I-94: replacement if lost, I-102 at USCIS Service Center
Visa: issuance controlled by Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and 22 CFR
I-94: issuance controlled by Code of Federal Regulations title 8 (8 CFR)
For sake of
accuracy and therefore clarity, I said the documents were completey different because they are completely different.
If none of the legal explanations is sufficient, know this: visa issuance can take months, with multiple requests for evidence and a sworn personal interview with a US Department of State, Consular Officer--the I-94 is handed out by your flight attendant.
respectfully, they are completely different documents. you can confirm all of this with any experienced board certified immigration attorney or US immigration law professor.