Table of Contents (Ctrl + click to follow link)
I-94 Requirements for Non-Visa Waiver Program Countries
I-94 Requirements for Visa Waiver Program Countries
Sample of (1) ESTA Authorization (On Next Page)
Sample of (2) the Homeland Security Stamp in NRA’s passport (must be for current trip to the U.S.)
I-94 Requirements for Non-Visa Waiver Program Countries
(Non-Visa Waiver Countries are all countries except for the countries in the list at:
Prior to April 30, 2013:
- All payments to Nonresident Aliens (NRA) must include the I-94 (Departure Record) attached to the payment mechanism (PIR, DP, Etc.). The only exception to obtaining an I-94 is for Canadian residents who if they did not get an I-94 you may use a second form of picture ID in lieu of the I-94. This can be a driver’s license, Social Insurance Card, or any other ID with the name and NRA’s picture.
After April 30, 2013
- Effective April 30, 2013, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intends to gradually roll out a new entry-exit procedure. By the end of May, they anticipate all air and sea ports of entry will stop issuing paper I-94 cards.
- No more paper I-94’s. Specifically, CBP plans to automate the Form I-94 issued at air and sea ports of entry. CBP will no longer issue arriving travelers a paper I-94 form. Instead, after scanning the traveler’s passport, CBP will create an electronic I-94 and merely stamp the passport with an admission stamp containing the date of admission, class of admission, and expiration date.
- Although CBP will no longer issue a paper I-94, many employers and government agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Administration, require a paper version of Form I-94 to verify lawful status and employment authorization. This includes the University of Wisconsin as we require an I-94 to verify lawful status in the U.S. as part of our payment process.
- The attached CBP memo describes “I-94 Automation” in more detail. Additional information, including the rollout schedule, is available at
Attachment:
- If the NRA does not have an I-94, the NRA must retrieve and print out a paper version of their arrival information from The information should be available online within 24 hours after arrival.
- The NRA must show provide the paying entity (1) the paper version of their arrival information, and (2) the Homeland Security Stamp in their passport for their current trip to the U.S. These documents must be attached to the Accounting Services Payment processing forms (Payment to Individual Reports, etc.), along with the photo page of the passport, and other documents as outlined in Required Documents for Payment, including applying for U.S. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (Flowchart) in order for payments to be processed.
- See I-94 Requirements Effective April 30, 2013 for e-mail to UW Campuses and Departments regarding new I-94 requirements for Non-Visa Waiver countries.
I-94 Requirements for Visa Waiver Program Countries
(Visa Waiver Countries are all countries in the list at:
Overview – what is the Visa Waiver Program?
- The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the objective of promoting better relations with U.S. allies, eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. VWP eligible travelers may apply for a visa, if they prefer to do so. Not all countries participate in the VWP, and not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible to use the program.
- All VWP travelers must submit an application to U.S. Homeland Security using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The cost of this application as of 04/20/2011 is $14. The VWP traveler enters their personal information into ESTA and, if approved by ESTA, the VWP traveler is given an ESTA authorization document. This ESTA Authorization document is normally valid for two years at which time the VWF traveler must re-apply through ESTA. The authorization document can also be viewed and printed from the ESTA web page at by the applicant by entering certain personal information (first name, family name, date of birth, passport number, and country issuing passport).
- For details of the Visa Waiver Program, ESTA, and a current list of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) please visit the U.S. Department of State web page at .
- If a country is part of the Visa Waiver Program they do not have a Visa but in order to receive any payment from a U.S. Entity they must show the paying entity (1) ESTA Authorization, and (2) the Homeland Security Stamp in their passport for their current trip to the U.S. These documents must be attached to the Accounting Services Payment processing forms (Payment to Individual Reports, etc.), along with the photo page of the passport, in order for payments to be processed for Nonresident Aliens (NRA). Below are samples of (1) ESTA Authorization and (2) the Homeland Security Stamp mentioned above (personal information white-out for security reasons)
See Waiver Program Countries and Documentation Requirements for communication with UW Campus and Department regarding requirements for Visa Waiver countries. requirements.
Sample of (1) ESTA Authorization
Sample of (2) the Homeland Security Stamp in NRA’s passport (must be for current trip to the U.S.)
Page 1 of 4 (Revised 04/30/2013)