I94W

I94W is a designation used by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for a specific type of visa waiver. This waiver allows certain foreign nationals to enter the United States for business or tourism purposes without obtaining a traditional visa, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. The "I94W" is a specific form that was historically used to document the admission of these individuals under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The Visa Waiver Program enables citizens of designated countries to travel to the U.S. for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Travelers are still required to obtain an approved travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding their flight or vessel. The I94W form was physically filled out upon arrival and served as proof of lawful admission.

In recent years, the paper I94W form has been largely replaced by an automated, electronic process. Upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, CBP officers will electronically record the traveler's admission under the VWP. Travelers can then access their electronic I-94 record online. The term "I94W" is still sometimes used colloquially to refer to admissions under the Visa Waiver Program, even though the physical form is no longer the standard method of documentation. It's important for travelers to ensure they have the necessary ESTA authorization and are citizens of a VWP designated country to be eligible for this streamlined entry process.