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Documents to Keep Readily Available 

It is important for individuals who are in a nonimmigrant status (and their dependents) to be able to readily demonstrate their lawful status in the United States if requested by a government official.

Keep printed copies of the following immigration documents readily available (for example, in your wallet, purse or briefcase):

  • A copy of your most recent I-94 record
    • Two possible agencies who can issue an I-94 record
      • CBP, following international travel or
      • USCIS, when approving certain applications or petitions (the I-94 will be listed on the bottom half of the I-797 approval notice)
    • The I-94 that controls your stay is the one that was most recently issued. Be sure to verify that all information is listed correctly, such as class of admission, admit until date, and other listed information. Please let International Scholar Services know if there is any inaccurate information listed on your I-94.
  • A copy of the biographical page of your passport 
    • In general, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your anticipated period of stay in the United States. Be sure to confirm the process and timeline for your passport renewal at least 6 months prior to it's expiration, to ensure timely processing. In many cases, applications for passport renewal are submitted to your country's embassy or consulate in the U.S.
  • A copy of your immigration document specific to your class of visa:
    • H-1B, O-1, and those E-3s and TNs approved through USCIS by filing an I-129 petition
      • Copy of your most recent I-797 approval notice and, if applicable
      • Copy of your I-797 receipt notice if you have a pending petition with the USCIS (extension, amendment, change of employer)
    • E-3 (If outside the U.S., and applied for and obtained an E-3 visa to apply for entry into the U.S. rather than through the USCIS by submitting an I-129 petition)
      • Copy of E-3 visa stamp in passport
    • TN Canadian citizens - visa-exempt - (if obtained by applying for entry into the U.S. rather than through the USCIS by submitting an I-129 petition)
      • Copy of I-94 record showing entry in TN status
    • TN Mexican citizens (If obtained by applying for entry into the U.S. rather than through the USCIS by submitting an I-129 petition)
      • Copy of I-94 record showing entry in TN status
      • Copy of TN visa stamp in passport
    • J-1
      • Copy of your most recently issued DS-2019 (signed by you and the ARO)

(International Scholar Services Newsletter, March 15, 2026, "Compliance Corner")