The number of nonimmigrants decreased in recent years after the U.S. used to have as much as 11 million temporary visas in 2015. However, there are still people who want to get into the U.S. for temporary work, but for that to happen, some need to complete the I-95 form to submit it along with their other documents. What is this form, though, and who needs it? Find out the answer in the paragraphs to come, and more.

What Is the I-95 Form?

The I-95 form is known as the Crewman’s Landing Permit, and it’s a document that shows the date you arrived in the U.S. Not only that, but it also shows how long you’re allowed to stay in the U.S., and that is indicated by the date when your authorized stay period ends. This paper is necessary for some individuals who get to the U.S., as it helps keep track of when they enter and leave the country. Form I-95 serves as proof that you lawfully entered the country. For the most part, this form has a similar purpose to Form I-94.

What this form can do is allow the approval of an alien crew member for permission to land in the U.S. for a temporary period. The purpose of the form is to assist DHS in figuring out how eligible you are to receive these privileges. Also, it may be made available to other government agencies for reasons of law enforcement if necessary.

Who Needs the I-95 Form?

You may be thinking “Who needs to complete this form?”. Well, not everyone has to complete it – it only has to be completed by certain types of nonimmigrants. More specifically, if there are alien crew members who need to land in the United States for a limited amount of time, they will need this form, no matter what.

So, if any alien crew members want to land in the United States, they will have to complete this form and make sure they submit it. The information should be provided unless the alien crew members are somehow exempt from doing so.

Alien crew members need to have this form because otherwise, this would greatly affect their intention to land in the U.S. Without offering the information necessary on the I-95 form, you will not be able to land in the United States. You will be denied from landing in the United States and your removal will proceed as a result.

This is why you need to make sure that no matter what, you have this form with you. Especially if you’re an alien crew member, complete it, and have it in a safe place until you need to show it.

Instructions for Completing I-95 Form?

It’s always important to have some guidance before you start completing a form, and the same goes for Form I-95. You will see that the form is not difficult to complete. Usually, it only takes about 5 minutes to fill in the application, unless you encounter difficulties along the way.

These forms are completed at the U.S. port of entry at either a land border, seaport, or airport. It’s important to fill in the form before the inspection, and before you give it to the CBP officer, you need to look over it and make sure it is accurate and legit.

Also, keep in mind that during the processing of your form at the CBP, the CBP officer may start asking you certain questions, just like with Form I-94. You may be asked about the purpose of your trip to the U.S. and your residence abroad. They also tend to ask you how long you are going to stay in the United States. Don’t be scared to answer these questions – just be natural and answer them sincerely. It may help with processing your form, and it might show the officer that the information provided on the form is indeed legit and you didn’t lie.

Once you’re done with this and the CBP has finished processing and stamping your I-95 form, it will be affixed to your passport. However, if you are not asked to show a passport, then you will be simply handed the form.

So, let’s start looking at the details on the form and how you should complete them.

Personal Information

The first thing you will have to provide on your Form I-95 is personal information. This allows the authorities to identify you and make sure the information matches the one on your other documentation.

You will have to provide your family name, as well as the given name and the initial. Next, you’ll be asked for your home address, so the address you normally live at. After that, you’ll have to write an address in the United States.

Some details about your physical appearance will be asked for as well. For instance, you will have to write your eye color, hair color, as well as your weight, and height. The next sections will ask for your date and place of birth, and immediately after that, you’ll be asked for your nationality and passport number. Then, you’ll have to mark one of the boxes, specifying whether you got to the U.S. by sea or air.

Permission to Stay

After the personal information, there will be some details about the form, after which you will see a table. This table contains multiple sections, and it’s meant to show the date of arrival in the U.S., as well as the place of arrival. It also requires a signature by the CBP officer. The information needs to be correct as it will help the authorities monitor you and make sure you entered the country legally. Also, it will let them know that you will not stay more than your permitted amount of time.

When you leave the United States, you will have to give your I-95 form to the right authorities. Doing this will show them that you didn’t violate the laws of the U.S. by staying more than you should have. To be more specific, it’ll serve as evidence that you obeyed the law and left as soon as you had to. Doing this will also ensure that you will be able to come to the U.S. in the future as an immigrant or a nonimmigrant.

If your form I-95 gets lost, mutilated, or stolen, you will have to replace it.

I-95 Form Cost

You will not have to pay any fee for Form I-95. Whether you arrive by sea, land, or air, no fee applies.

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Conclusion

Form I-95 will be necessary if you’re an alien crew member, so make sure you have it when you are about to land in the U.S. Otherwise, you will not be allowed into the country. Having this form will allow the authorities to know when you entered the U.S. and when you have to leave, and by keeping track of you, they’ll know if you obeyed the law. After completion, keep it safe and make sure it doesn’t get damaged since you have to show it to a higher authority for processing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What Is Form I-95, Travel Document?

Form I-95, Travel Document, is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form used by lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and conditional permanent residents to apply for a travel document, also known as a reentry permit. This document allows them to reenter the United States after temporary travel abroad without jeopardizing their immigration status.

2. Who Is Eligible to Apply for Form I-95?

Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and conditional permanent residents who plan to travel outside the United States for an extended period and want to ensure their ability to return to the U.S. without issues should apply for Form I-95. This includes LPRs with a 2-year conditional green card.

3. How Long Does It Take to Process Form I-95?

Processing times for Form I-95 can vary, but it typically takes several months. It’s essential to apply well in advance of your planned travel date to ensure you receive the travel document in time.

4. What Documents Do I Need to Submit with Form I-95?

When submitting Form I-95, you will need to provide supporting documents such as proof of your lawful permanent resident status, evidence of your planned travel, and photographs. The specific requirements may vary, so it’s crucial to consult the USCIS website or the form instructions for the most up-to-date information.

5. How Can I Check the Status of My Form I-95 Application?

You can check the status of your Form I-95 application online through the USCIS website using the receipt number provided on your application receipt notice. USCIS provides regular updates on the processing status of your application.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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