Owais Crawford
If you are wondering whether you can return your I-94 at Vancouver Airport, it is important to note that under U.S. law, travellers are required to return their I-94 or I-94W departure record cards before departing the United States. Failure to do so may result in an untimely departure record from the U.S., which could lead to issues with future travel. While some sources suggest returning the form by mail, others mention returning it at any point of entry, including airports. However, it is recommended to retain the form if you plan to travel back to the U.S. within the validity period to avoid the hassle of obtaining a new one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is an I-94? | A Form I-94 or I-94W departure record card that needs to be returned to the appropriate USCIS authorities before departing the United States. |
| Who needs an I-94? | Non-US-resident citizens of other countries entering the United States. |
| Where can I return an I-94? | Any point of entry, including Pearson Airport, YVR Airport, and the United States Embassy in Ottawa. |
| What happens if I don't return my I-94? | Your departure from the United States may not be officially recorded, which can create problems for you when you attempt to re-enter the United States at a later date. |
| How do I return my I-94? | You can give it to the airline check-in agent when checking your bags, or mail it to the USCIS authorities. |
| What happens if I lose my I-94? | You should write an explanation and include evidence of your departure, such as your flight number or name of the vessel. |
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What You'll Learn
Returning I-94 at Vancouver Airport
If you are a traveller who has been issued a paper Form I-94, you must submit it to US Immigration when departing the country so that they can update their files with your departure date. If you forget to submit it, you will need to mail it to the relevant authorities.
It is important to note that if you do not return your I-94, your departure may not be officially recorded. This can cause problems when you attempt to re-enter the US at a later date. If you departed by commercial airline or cruise ship, your departure can be verified, and no further action is needed. However, if you departed by land or private means, you must inform US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that you have left. Failure to do so may result in denial of entry on your next trip, as authorities may believe you overstayed your previous visit.
If you are a frequent traveller to the US, it is recommended that you keep your I-94 until it expires, as returning it will require you to obtain a new one for your next visit, which can be time-consuming. Additionally, if you plan to travel outside of North America on your next journey, it is advisable to return your I-94.
While some sources suggest that returning the paper I-94 is not necessary, as Canada and the US exchange entry records, it is always better to be cautious and ensure your departure is officially recorded to avoid any issues with future travel.
Regarding Vancouver Airport specifically, one source mentions returning their I-94 to YVR airport after it expired. However, it is unclear if they mailed it or submitted it in person. Since the source mentions not having to go to the border, it implies that they mailed their expired I-94 to the airport. Unfortunately, I cannot find more specific information about returning I-94s at Vancouver Airport. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact Vancouver Airport or the relevant US authorities directly.
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I-94 not returned at Vancouver Airport
If you forgot to return your Form I-94 or I-94W departure card at Vancouver Airport, it is possible that your departure was not recorded accurately. This may cause problems for you when you attempt to re-enter the U.S. in the future.
If you departed by a commercial airline or cruise ship, your departure can be verified and you do not need to do anything further. However, it is recommended that you hold on to your boarding pass, as this can help you on your next re-entry into the U.S. If you departed by land or private means (private boat or plane), you will need to take steps to inform U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that you have left. If you do not do so, or you cannot prove that you departed within the allowed time frame, you may be denied entry to the U.S. in the future as they will believe you stayed past your permitted stay.
You can mail your Form I-94 to the following addresses:
Coleman Data Solutions Box 7965 Akron, OH 44306 Attn: NIDPS (I-94) USA (If using U.S. Postal Service)
Coleman Data Solutions 3043 Sanitarium Road, Suite 2 Akron, OH 44312 Attn: NIDPS (I-94) (If using FedEx or UPS)
It is important to note that you should not mail your Form I-94 to any U.S. Consulate or Embassy, to any other CBP Office in the United States, or to any address other than the two listed above. Additionally, Coleman Data Solutions does not answer correspondence, so do not expect a confirmation that your record has been updated. It is recommended that you keep a copy of everything you send to CBP and carry it with you the next time you come to the U.S., in case the CBP officer has any questions about your eligibility to enter.
If you still have your Form I-94 and plan to travel to the U.S. again in the future, you may want to consider keeping it until it expires. This is because if you return it, you will need to get a new one for your next visit, which can take a lot of time. However, this is not recommended if your Form I-94 is close to expiring or if you are planning to travel outside of North America for your next journey.
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Travelling to the US from Vancouver
If you are travelling to the US from Vancouver, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located about 10 miles southwest of the city centre. To get into town, you can use the Canada Line rail system or take a taxi. Taxi fares from the airport to downtown Vancouver cost roughly CA$32-39 (about $25-$31).
When travelling to the US, it is important to be aware of the currency difference. Vancouver uses the Canadian dollar, and as of June 2025, one US dollar is equal to about CA$1.30. Be sure to check the exchange rate before your trip, as it fluctuates. You can withdraw Canadian money directly from an ATM in Vancouver, but be mindful of fees. It is also handy to carry some cash, as while most places take Visa, Mastercard, and other major cards, tipping is customary in Vancouver. It is common to tip 12-18% when visiting restaurants, bars, salons, or receiving other services.
Another thing to note is that Vancouver has strict parking laws. You may be fined for unlocked doors or visible valuables in your car. Additionally, pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas, so stay alert and protect your belongings. Demonstrations also occur frequently in Vancouver, often in response to political or economic issues. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations, and check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Finally, if you are a US citizen, you will need a passport to travel to Canada and re-enter the US. If you are planning to drive, you must have a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card, which allows expedited border crossings for private and commercial travellers through Canadian and US borders.
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I-94 not returned when leaving the US
The purpose of the I-94 form is to connect your departure record with your entry record. When it is not returned, it may appear as if you have overstayed your welcome in the US. There is no penalty for failing to return the form, but there is a penalty for overstaying. If you did not overstay and can prove it, there is no problem, other than your visa potentially being cancelled or your ESTA application being denied.
If you departed by commercial airline or cruise ship, your departure can be verified, and you do not need to do anything further. However, it is recommended that you keep your boarding pass for your next re-entry into the US. If you departed by land or private means, you will need to inform US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that you have left the country. Failure to do so may result in being denied entry the next time you enter the US.
If you have not returned your I-94 form, you can mail it to Coleman Data Solutions, along with documentation that proves you left the United States. The address is: Coleman Data Solutions, 3043 Sanitarium Road, Suite 2, Akron, OH 44312, USA. Do not mail your form or supporting information to any US Consulate, Embassy, or any other CBP Office in the United States.
Some travellers choose not to return their I-94 form, especially if they plan to travel to the US again soon. Instead, they keep the form until it expires, as returning it means having to get a new one for the next visit. However, this may cause issues when re-entering the US, as officers may notice that you still have the old form and may need to go to secondary to get a new one, which can take a lot of time.
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I-94 return by mail
I-94 is a form that foreign visitors to the U.S. need to complete. It serves as an Arrival/Departure Record or a Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Record. While foreign visitors no longer need to fill out a paper form, they can still request a paper form during the inspection process.
Upon exiting the U.S., travellers issued a paper Form I-94 should surrender it to the commercial carrier, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), or to CBP upon departure. If you received an electronic I-94 and depart by land, your departure may not be recorded accurately. In this case, it is recommended to travel with evidence of your departure.
If you fail to turn in your I-94 Departure Record, you can send it by mail to:
> Coleman Data Solutions Box 7965 Akron, OH 44306 Attn: NIDPS (I-94) USA (If using U.S. Postal Service)
> OR
> Coleman Data Solutions 3043 Sanitarium Road, Suite 2 Akron, OH 44312 Attn: NIDPS (I-94) (If using FedEx or UPS)
Do not mail your Form I-94 Departure Record to any U.S. Consulate or Embassy, to any other CBP Office in the United States, or to any address other than the ones listed above. Along with the form, you must also send documentation that proves you left the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
You can return your I-94 card at Vancouver Airport, but only if it has expired.
If you don't return your I-94 card, your departure may not be recorded accurately. This could cause issues when trying to re-enter the US.
Yes, you can mail your I-94 card to the US authorities. You should include an explanation letter and evidence of your departure.
If you lose your I-94 card, you should write an explanation letter and include evidence of your departure. You may also need to submit this information in person at a US port of entry.
Non-US-resident citizens of other countries entering the US must apply for an I-94 Arrival Record and pay a fee. This can be done online through the US Customs website.
