no travel history letter

Missing I-94 Arrival Record - How Do I Prove Lawful Entry to the United States?

Every year thousands of people apply for a green card based on their family relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If you want to apply from inside the United States, you must prove that you entered the country lawfully. To prove that, you normally submit a copy of your I-94 Arrivals and Departure record with your Green Card application. The I-94 officially documents all the dates when you left and came into the United States through ports of entry. But what happens if you can't find your I-94 record? This article explains how to get a copy of your missing I-94 record and discusses other ways you may be able to prove lawful entry into the United States.

Written by Jonathan Petts .  Written May 25, 2022

How do I prove legal entry into the U.S.?

When you apply for a marriage green card , child green card , or parent green card inside the United States, also known as an "adjustment of status," you must provide some supporting documents. Along with your green card application, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asks you to submit proof that an immigration official inspected you when you entered the United States. If you cannot provide evidence that you entered lawfully and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has no record of your lawful entry, USCIS will assume that you entered the country unlawfully. 

In most cases, you will prove that you entered the U.S. lawfully by providing a copy of your I-94 travel record. The I-94 is a document issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer that inspects a foreign visitor when entering the United States through ports of entry. In addition to listing your date of entry, an I-94 record will also show your required departure date from the United States.

If you enter the United States by plane or by sea, you typically receive an electronic I-94 travel record from CBP. If you enter through a land border port of entry through Mexico, you can receive a paper I-94 record. On the other hand, if you entered the United States under ESTA or the Canadian Visa Waiver program, you would not receive an I-94 record. For more general information about the I-94 travel record, see the CBP's I-94 Fact Sheet .

What do I do if I can't find my "Form I-94"?

If you can't find your I-94 record (sometimes incorrectly called "Form I-94," an "I-94 card," or an "I-94 number"), then you're not alone. Maybe your travel documents were lost or stolen. Perhaps a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer spoke to you and then waived you through without inspecting your documents. Or maybe you came as a child on your parent's tourist visa and that document is now lost. Fortunately, there are other ways that you can prove that you entered the United States lawfully. Contact a local legal aid organization for help or read on to learn more. 

Request I-94 record from CBP

If you entered the United States after I-94 automation (April 30, 2013), you are in luck. If you received an I-94 record, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) likely entered it into their computer database. So on the CBP website , you can request a copy of your most recent I-94 , as well as your travel history from the past five years . This is a free, easy, and fast way of retrieving your I-94 record. 

Submit Form I-102 to USCIS

If you arrived in the United States before April 20, 2013, you probably received a paper I-94 record. You won't be able to find a copy of this record online on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's website. Instead, you will need to file a paper form with USCIS to request a replacement I-94. You must fill out Form I-102 (Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document) and mail it to USCIS. If USCIS has your I-94 record, you should receive a copy of it within about two and a half months. Unfortunately, filing Form I-102 is not without cost - it carries a $445 filing fee.

Submit a FOIA request

If you can't afford the expense of filing Form I-102 , you could also request a copy of your I-94 through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. In a FOIA request, you are asking the U.S. government for a copy of your immigration file. You can file a FOIA request by completing a paper form or by writing a letter to USCIS . 

But you will receive an answer faster if you apply online on the website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Once you submit your request online, DHS will forward it to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Hopefully, CBP will find your I-94 record and return a copy of it to you. FOIA requests are typically free. Be warned though — this process takes time. You may have to wait for up to 12 months before you receive documents from the government.

What else can I do if I can't replace my missing I-94 arrival record?

If you can't find your I-94 travel record in any of these ways, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will presume that you entered the country unlawfully. So if you still want to apply for a green card, you need to provide other documents with your application:

A notarized written statement that clearly explains why you don't have your I-94 record. This statement, called an "affidavit," should describe your lawful entry to this country in as much detail as possible, including:

When, where, and how you arrived in the United States

What travel documents you had, if any,

Whether you showed any travel documents to the U.S. immigration officer who inspected you, and

Any questions the immigration officer asked you

Other evidence proving that you arrived in the United States lawfully. For example, perhaps you can show a plane ticket or boarding pass with your name on it. Or perhaps you can show your parents' passport admission stamp from the date of your arrival with them as a child.

If you don't have other evidence of your lawful arrival, you need to provide at least two affidavits from people who have first-hand knowledge of your lawful entry to the United States. For example, if you know who picked you up from the airport, perhaps they could sign an affidavit swearing that you arrived lawfully by plane. Those affidavits should contain the same level of detail as your own affidavit discussed above. 

But USCIS believes that affidavits are less convincing than concrete evidence. So you should be cautious about applying if you don't have other evidence of your lawful arrival. If you do choose to apply, you should seek legal help from a local legal aid agency or an experienced immigration lawyer .

Proving that you entered the United States lawfully is critical if you want to apply for a green card while inside the country. In most cases, the I-94 travel record is the way to prove your legal entry. If you can't find your I-94 record, you may be able to search for it on CBP's website or obtain it by filing Form I-102 or a FOIA request. If none of those options work, you can also try proving lawful entry through affidavits and other evidence such as plane tickets. 

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Home » Guide to Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record

Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record

Form i-94 explained, what is form i-94, arrival/departure record.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record , to certain foreign nationals at the time of entry. They do not issue an I-94 arrival/departure record to U.S. citizens, permanent residents (green card holders), returning resident aliens (SB-1 visa holders), or most Canadian citizens visiting or in transit. USCIS may also issue a Form I-94 as part of granting a foreign national an extension of stay or change of status. All other foreign nationals should be aware of their I-94 when: 

• Admitted to the U.S.;
• Adjusting status while in the U.S.; or
• Extending their stay.

The purpose of Form I-94 is to communicate the terms of a foreign national's visit to the United States. It indicates information such as admission category and the expected departure date. But it also serves as proof of a non-citizen's lawful entry to the U.S. It's an essential document when applying for many other immigration statuses.

Foreign nationals who visit the United States through the Visa Waiver Program do not get Form I-94. Instead, they receive Form I-94W (Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Record).

How to Find Your Arrival/Departure Record

Where to get form i-94.

Most people can retrieve their I-94 arrival/departure record online from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. However, CBP continues to issue paper-based arrival/departure records for some situations.

There’s no need to request an I-94. CBP automatically issues the electronic I-94 at entry through an airport or seaport. If you entered through a border crossing, CBP generally issues a paper Form I-94 with some exceptions as described below.

Electronic I-94 Record

Since May 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has automatically issued an electronic Form I-94 to travelers entering at air and sea ports. However, CBP doesn't issue the electronic I-94 directly to the traveler. Travelers must go to CBP’s I-94 website to obtain the electronic I-94 arrival/departure record. From here, you can print a document for your records.

The website also includes travel history from the previous 10 years of arrivals and departures. The travel history is an informational tool; it is not an official record for legal purposes.

Paper I-94 Record

Prior to May 2013, all foreign visitors received a paper I-94 arrival/departure record much like the sample. However, CBP continues to issue paper I-94 records in certain situations.

Since electronic I-94 arrival/departure records are only issued at air and sea ports of entry, a paper Form I-94 is still issued at the land border ports of entry. CBP also continues to provide a paper Form I-94 to certain classes of aliens, such as refugees, certain asylees and parolees, and whenever CBP determines the issuance of a paper form is appropriate.

Travelers can speed up their entry into the U.S. by providing their biographic and travel information, and paying the $6 fee for their I-94 application online up to seven days prior to their entry. You'll receive a provisional I-94 after submitting your application and payment.

Anatomy of an I-94

What does form i-94 look like.

The arrival/departure record contains important information regarding a foreign national's visit to the United States. The information is critical to knowing the extent of your authorized stay and staying "in status." The highlighted fields below are commonly needed when applying for certain immigration benefits. On the CBP website, you may print a copy like the sample Form I-94 below.

Admission (I-94) Record Number : Also known as the I-94 Number, Departure Number or Admission Record Number, it is an 11-character alphanumeric number. It provides a unique number for reach entry. Most Recent Date of Entry : This date should reflect the exact date that you were admitted to the United States. This can vary slightly from the date you physically entered the country if your inspection was outside the United States. Class of Admission : This code describes your category of nonimmigrant status. For example, it may indicate B-2 for leisure visitor or F-1 for student. Admit Until Date : This is the day your immigration status expires in the U.S. You must exit the U.S. on or before the Admit Until Date. For students and other exchange visitors, this date is “D/S” or Duration of Status. For other visa classifications, this will be a hard end date.

I-94 Troubleshooting Tips

What can i do if the cbp site doesn't find my record.

If you are having difficulty finding your electronic I-94 record using CBP's I-94 website , the American Immigration Lawyers Association recommends using the following troubleshooting tips:

• Enter the name as stated on your travel document (i.e. passport). If you are not successful using the passport, try using your visa or the submitted Form DS-160 (if available) for name variations. Try entering the name as stated on each document.
• Enter the first and middle name in the First Name field. In the first name field, type the first and the middle name (if any) with a space in between. Do this even if the middle name is not stated on the passport or visa.
• If this is not successful, try to switch the order of the names. Switch the last and first name when entering the information on the website. Some countries state the name in the passport as first name, last name, rather than the more standard order of last name, first name. This may cause the name to be recorded incorrectly in the CBP system.
• Enter multiple first names or multiple last names without spaces. If a person has two first names or two last names, type the first names without a space between them or the last names without a space between them. Example: type the first names “Mary Jane” as “Maryjane.”
• Check for multiple passport numbers. Check the Form DS-160 (if available) for the passport number stated. If the passport number on the Form DS-160 is different than the passport number on which the person was admitted, type the passport number as stated on the submitted Form DS-160. Also, check the passport number stated on the visa. If the passport number is different than the current passport, enter the passport number stated on the visa.
• Do not enter the year if included in the passport number. Some passport numbers may begin with the year in which the passport was issued, causing the number to be too long for the relevant field in CBP’s automation system. If relevant, try entering the passport number without the year. For example, a Mexican passport that was issued in 2008 may have a passport number that starts with “08” followed by nine digits. Try entering the passport number without the “08.” This problem should not arise for newer Mexican passports, as those passports do not begin with the year.
• Check the classification designated on the visa and compare it to the classification stated on the admission stamp in the passport, as there may be a slight variation. Be sure to try both designations. For example, the visa may state “E-3D” for an E-3 dependent, but the admission stamp may state only “E-3.” The automated I-94 could state the classification either way.

If none of the above efforts resolve the issue in locating your electronic I-94 record, telephone or visit a CBP Deferred Inspection Office and explain the problem. Over the years, we've seen several cases with visitors who were never issued a record. Contact the CBP with your flight information. Some of the Deferred Inspection Offices have been able to resolve the problem over the phone without an in person visit; however, other offices may require an in-person visit with the non-citizen.

Fixing an Incorrect Form I-94

What do i do if my arrival/departure record has incorrect information.

If you have an incorrect I-94 record, there is generally a way to fix it. A misspelled name or incorrect entry date may lead to confusion on other applications. Both Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may issue a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. If a mistake was made by you or the government, you’ll need to correct it.

Correct an Arrival/Departure Record Issued by CBP

If Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued your I-94 record, you'll need to visit the CBP Deferred Inspection Office closest to your location. Most foreign nationals receive an I-94 from CBP at the time of entry in one of the following ways.

• Electronic I-94 : Issued to the vast majority of foreign national visitors at air and sea ports of entry.
• Paper I-94 : Issued at land border ports of entry and to certain classes of aliens, such as refugees, certain asylees and parolees, and whenever CBP determines that issuance of a paper form is appropriate.

Sometimes CBP may issue an incorrect I-94. Common errors include incorrect entry dates or misspelled names. In many cases, these errors can easily be corrected. If you arrived at an airport, you can generally contact the CBP office inside the airport and request a correction.

When the airport does not have a CBP office, contact the closest CBP Deferred Inspection Site or call CBP at 1-877-CBP-5511 (1-877-227-5511). You may be required to visit the office with documentation (passport and visa) and your incorrect I-94 record.

Correct an Arrival/Departure Record Issued by USCIS

In some cases, USCIS issues a Form I-94 as part of granting a foreign national an extension of stay or change of status. If USCIS issued your Form I-94, you will need to file a Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document .

When filing Form I-102 due to an incorrect I-94 record, you will need to submit a filing fee and supporting documentation that provides proof of the correct information. Attach a statement dated and signed by you, explaining specifically what information on your I-94 record is incorrect. You must also attach evidence verifying the validity of the information submitted for correction purposes. Finally, you must submit your original, incorrect I-94 with the I-102 application.

If the mistake on your Form I-94 record is due to a USCIS error, you'll need to request a correct I-94 through an Infopass appointment at your local USCIS office. Schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-375-5283. Take your original, incorrect I-94 record and evidence of the error to your appointment. USCIS will correct the I-94 at no cost. If you are unable to prove that the mistake was made by USCIS, you will be advised to file Form I-102 with a fee.

Replacing an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

What do i do about a lost i-94.

If you have a lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, it is possible to replace it. Before you start, it’s helpful to know if you have an electronic or paper I-94. Knowing this will help determine how to replace the Arrival/Departure Record. Replacing an electronic version is a simple matter. However, replacing paper I-94 records can take several months and generally require a filing fee.

Replace an Electronic Travel Record

Modern I-94 Arrival/Departure Records are available electronically if the foreign national traveled by air or sea. An electronic I-94 can be obtained by going to the CBP I-94 website .

"Replacing" an electronic I-94 form is easy and free. Simply return to the CBP I-94 website and enter the necessary information to lookup your Arrival/Departure Record. You may print the electronic I-94 for when submitting with USCIS applications.

Replace a Paper Travel Record

Before CBP issued I-94 records electronically, they provided a paper form to foreign nationals arriving to the United States. In fact, CBP continues to issue paper Form I-94 at land border ports of entry and to certain classes of aliens, such as refugees, certain asylees and parolees, and whenever CBP determines that issuance of a paper form is appropriate. A paper-based version of the arrival/departure record is labeled "Form I-94A."

Replacing a paper I-94A form is a little more complicated. You will need to file a Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document . File the form with USCIS along with a $445 filing fee (at the time of writing this) and supporting documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do not confuse Form I-94 with a visa. They are closely related, but they are different.

The visa is an entry document. It must be valid when seeking admission into the United States. The I-94 (arrival/departure record) is a status document. It describes the foreign national's visa or parole status once inside the United States, and it also defines the length of stay permitted. Once a foreign national visitor is admitted to the United States, dates on the visa do not define how long the traveler is allowed to stay. Instead, the I-94 is the controlling document. Therefore, it's an extremely important document.

Your I-94 can expire, but make sure you are looking at the correct date. On an electronic document, you may see three dates:

• OMB Expiration Date: The first date in the top right-hand corner is the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) form expiration date. All government forms include OMB dates. The OMB validity date changes periodically and an expired OMB date does not invalidate the I-94 record or form. OMB dates are not related to a non-immigrant’s status in the U.S.
• Most Recent Date of Entry: Like it sounds, this is the most recent date that you entered the U.S.
• Admit Until Date: This is an extremely important date. The Admit Until Date is the date that your status expires. For students and other exchange visitors, this date is “D/S” or Duration of Status. For other visa classifications, this will be a hard end date. You must leave by this date or you will be in violation of your status.

There is no fee for the I-94 form. That’s true whether you’re arriving by land, air, or sea, and regardless of whether you get a paper or electronic record. The government provides the form at no cost.

However, you can optionally apply online for a provisional I-94 one week or less before your arrival date if you’re arriving at a land border port of entry. Applying for a provisional I-94 costs $6, but doing this can streamline the arrival process and minimize the time you spend waiting in line at the border.

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11 Common Travel Visa Myths, Debunked

Apr 21, 2023.

If you’re planning on applying for a travel visa to visit the United States, you probably have some questions about the application process. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of false information out there, and some tips you receive may be more myth than fact.

We debunk 11 common travel visa myths so you can apply with confidence.

Myth #1: If your visa application is denied, you cannot reapply.

This is a common misconception. A B-1/B-2 visa applicant who previously has been denied can reapply for a visa, but they’ll need to submit a new application and pay the application fee again. Keep in mind, however, that the reason for the previous visa denial will still be a factor in the new visa application. Before reapplying, make sure to carefully review the reasons for why you were denied and address any issues that were raised.

Boundless helps you complete your B-1/B-2 visa application and prepare for your travel visa interview with confidence. Our team is trained by a former consular officer, so we know what it takes to succeed. Learn more .

Myth #2: Having a lot of money will guarantee approval.

Some applicants believe that showing a large amount of money in their bank account will increase their chances of approval, but this is not true. In fact, there is no specific amount of money that can guarantee approval of a B-1/B-2 visa application.

You may have heard the term “show money,” which is used to describe money that is temporarily deposited in an account solely for the purpose of presenting a large bank balance when applying for a visa. This practice is considered a form of misrepresentation and is not recommended — consular officers are trained to detect and identify such practices. Instead, applicants should present genuine and accurate financial documents that demonstrate their ability to support themselves during their stay in the United States.

Consular officers evaluating a B-1/B-2 visa application will consider various factors beyond the applicant’s financial situation, such as the purpose of the trip, the applicant’s ties to their home country , and their immigration history. Presenting accurate and truthful information in the visa application, and providing supporting documents that demonstrate the applicant’s purpose for traveling to the United States, is what counts.

Myth #3: Meeting all the requirements guarantees approval.

Meeting the basic requirements for a B-1/B-2 visa , such as having a valid passport and demonstrating ties to your home country, does not guarantee approval of your application. C onsular officers evaluate visa applications on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration various factors beyond the requirements,  including the purpose of your trip and your personal circumstances.

Myth #4: You need to book your flights before applying for a visa.

This is false. You do not need to book your flights before applying for a B-1/B-2 visa. In fact, it’s generally recommended that you do not book your flights until your visa has been approved. This will give you greater flexibility in case your visa is delayed or denied.

Myth #5: You need a fixer in the U.S. Embassy.

A “fixer” or middleman is someone who claims to have connections or influence with embassy officials and offers to assist with the visa application process for a fee. This is a common myth that some B-1/B-2 visa applicants believe will increase their chances of approval or expedite the process. However, using a fixer is not only unnecessary, but it can also be risky and may be considered visa fraud. For example:

• False Information: A fixer may advise an applicant to provide false information on the visa application, such as overstating their financial status, job position, or travel purpose. Providing false information is illegal and can result in visa denial or even a permanent ban on entering the United States.
• Fraudulent Documents: A fixer may provide fraudulent documents to support the visa application, such as fake bank statements, employment letters, or invitation letters.
• Concealing Information: A fixer may advise an applicant to conceal certain information from embassy officials, such as a criminal record or prior visa denial.
• Bribery: A fixer may claim to have connections or influence with embassy officials and offer to bribe them in exchange for visa approval. Bribery is illegal and can lead to visa denial, permanent ineligibility for a visa, and even criminal charges.

The B-1/B-2 visa application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible to applicants. There is no need for a fixer to assist with the application process.

Myth #6: Being invited by a U.S. citizen or resident increases your chances of approval.

While invitation letters from U.S. citizens or residents may be considered a positive factor and demonstrate the purpose of the trip, they do not guarantee visa approval. The visa application process is designed to evaluate each applicant’s individual circumstances and eligibility for a visa and is not based on their relationship with the person inviting them to the U.S.

Myth #7: Applying for a visa during the holiday season increases your chances of approval.

This is false. The consular officer will judge your application based on the same criteria regardless of the time of year. While it is true that visa processing times may be longer during peak travel periods, such as holidays, this does not impact the likelihood of approval.

Interested in traveling to the U.S.? Our experienced team can help you prepare a strong application and avoid common mistakes that lead to visa denial. Learn more .

Myth #8: If you have been to the United States before, you are guaranteed approval.

While having a previous travel history to the United States can be helpful in demonstrating your ties to your home country and your ability to abide by U.S. immigration laws, it does not guarantee approval of your visa application.

In fact, having a history of previous visits to the U.S. can sometimes work against an applicant. If the applicant has previously violated U.S. immigration laws or overstayed their authorized period of stay, this will raise concerns for the consular officer reviewing the visa application. The applicant may also be asked to explain the purpose of their previous visits and why they need to return to the U.S.

It’s always important for applicants to provide a complete and honest account of their travel history and intentions during the visa application process, regardless of whether they have visited the U.S. before.

Myth #9: Providing false information on your application can increase your chances of approval.

Some applicants may believe that providing false information on a B-1/B-2 visa application is not a big deal, or that they can get away with it. However, being untruthful on a visa application is a serious offense and can have consequences.

Firstly, providing false information is considered visa fraud, which is a crime. If an applicant is found to have committed visa fraud, they may be permanently barred from entering the U.S., even if they are otherwise eligible for a visa.

Additionally, lying on an application can also result in immediate visa denial. Including false information can also damage an applicant’s credibility with the U.S. government and may make it difficult for them to obtain a visa or enter the U.S. in the future. Consular officers may be more likely to scrutinize their future visa applications and travel plans.

It’s important to provide complete and honest information on a B-1/B-2 visa application, even if the information may negatively reflect on you. Consular officers are trained to evaluate visa applications based on the individual circumstances of each applicant, and providing false information can have serious consequences that far outweigh any perceived benefits.

Myth #10: If you are a student, you cannot apply for a B-1/B-2 visa.

Students are eligible to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa, as long as they can demonstrate that they have ties to their home country and that their trip to the United States is for a temporary and legitimate purpose, such as tourism or attending a conference. However, keep in mind that a B-1/B-2 visa does not permit students to engage in full-time study or work in the United States.

Myth #11: Having a B-1/B-2 visa guarantees entry into the United States.

While having a valid B-1/B-2 visa is a requirement to enter the United States for business or tourism purposes, it does not guarantee entry into the country. At the port of entry, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will inspect the traveler’s documents and ask questions to determine whether they meet the requirements for admission, including the purpose of their trip, the length of their stay, and their ties to their home country . Even with a valid visa, a traveler may be denied entry if the CBP officer determines that they do not meet the requirements or pose a security risk. A visa is simply a travel document, and entry into the United States is ultimately at the discretion of the CBP officer.

Applying for a B-1/B-2 visa is never a guarantee, but Boundless can help you file the strongest application possible. Our software assesses your risk of travel visa denial based on your specific situation and our experienced team helps you avoid common mistakes. Get started on your travel visa today .

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Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, Information for Completing USCIS Forms

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record , to aliens who are:

• Admitted to the U.S.;
• Adjusting status while in the U.S.; or
• Extending their stay. 

All persons need a Form I-94 except U.S. citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens visiting or in transit. Air and sea travelers will be issued I-94s during the admission process at the port of entry .

A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer attaches Form I-94 to the nonimmigrant visitor’s passport upon entry to the U.S. The visitor must exit the U.S. on or before the departure date stamped on the Form I-94. This is the “Admit Until Date” on the electronic Form I-94. The Form I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number or Admission Record Number.

As of April 30, 2013, most Arrival and/or Departure records are created electronically upon arrival.

Visit CBP’s I-94, Travel Records for U.S. Visitors website to:

• Apply for a new I-94 (land border travelers only) ;
• Get your most recent I-94 ;
• View travel history ; or
• See how much longer you can remain in the U.S. based on the terms of your admission .

If you cannot get your Form I-94 from the CBP website, you may file Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record , with USCIS.

Related Links

• Applying for Admission into United States
• Arrival/Departure Forms: I-94 and I-94W
• I-94 Fact Sheet (PDF)
• I-94 Expiration Dates (PDF)

• United States Immigration Services
• Client Success Stories

• Guides For Individuals
• Visitor Visa

Canada Visitor Visa: How Can You Submit a Strong Application?

By ksenia tchern.

As of September 7th, 2021, fully vaccinated foreign nationals are legally entitled to enter Canada for non-essential reasons (e.g. visiting family or friends, or seeing the country’s considerable sights).

All travellers are eligible to enter, regardless of their citizenship, and those who qualify have no need to perform a test on arrival (though you may still be chosen for a random, non-optional test).

How can you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller to visit Canada?

You must meet the following criteria to be recognized as a fully vaccinated traveller:

• Received a full course of COVID-19 vaccinations with one, or a combination, of accepted vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson).
• Received your final vaccination at least 14 full days before the day on which you enter Canada.
• Uploaded evidence of COVID-19 vaccination in ArriveCAN.
• Present no symptoms or signs of COVID-19.
• Meet additional entry requirements, specified here .

As a foreign national who wants to enter Canada, you must confirm whether or not you are visiting from a visa-exempt country. If you’re NOT, you must successfully apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), otherwise known as a visitor visa, before you can gain entry.

A TRV is a document that enables foreign nationals to enter Canada. It’s suitable for temporary workers, students, and tourists.

But as TRV applications can initially appear fairly straightforward, many applicants mistakenly overlook its seriousness — and fail to include essential information or documents.

Those individuals will inadvertently sabotage their chance to gain entry to Canada for a vacation, study trip, or family visit.

Follow these crucial tips to submit a strong application.

Prove you plan to return home

One of the most important factors to consider is that a TRV is a temporary visa — so the officer processing your application must be convinced that your visit is only temporary.

They may reject you if they have any reason to suspect that you intend to stay in Canada for longer than you claim.

It’s vital that you provide proof that you have sufficient ties to your home country to ensure you return. Immigration officers must believe that you have obligations or personal connections outside Canada.

But the proof must be strong enough to satisfy immigration officers. That means a simple letter from a relative promising that you will honor the rules of your TRV and return home won’t do. It should be from a more reliable source.

For example, if you care for a loved one in your home country (such as an ill parent), you could submit a letter from their physician to confirm that you have good reason to leave Canada at the end of your visit.

Explain a lack of travel history

If you have no travel history at the time of application, you should provide a comprehensive explanation.

Perhaps you’ve spent years earning qualifications with no time for travel, have lived on a tight budget to save for this trip, or you’ve been caring for family members. You would need to provide evidence to support your explanation in any case.

Demonstrating work responsibilities

Another key step in applying for your TRV is securing a confirmation of your employment. If you’ve booked vacation time away from work, your employer should state that they have granted you permission to take a vacation and expect you to return on a specific date.

Submit detailed plans

You should also describe your plans for your trip to Canada. This should be more detailed than a list of the places you intend to visit or the people you’ve arranged to have coffee with.

Instead, supply a day-by-day itinerary listing:

• Excursions booked.
• Events you’ve researched and plan to attend.
• Names and addresses of friends and family members you will spend time with.

You should purchase tickets for any special events or ceremonies you plan to visit before you apply for your TRV. You can include evidence of these in your application to support your claim.

This is a simple step but will show the immigration officer that you have planned your visit to Canada in detail.

Prove that you can support yourself

You must show that you can support yourself during your travels. The best way to do so is to gather bank statements from the six months prior to your trip, and a letter from your employer to confirm your salary.

Both will show immigration officers that you have adequate funds to care for yourself for the duration of your temporary residence.

You should have enough to cover your accommodation, food, entry to venues/events, public transportation/car rentals, and any other necessary expenses.

Consider processing times carefully

It’s vital that you plan ahead and keep potential processing times in mind before you apply.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s TRV processing times vary based on different countries’ visa offices. You can check processing times on the IRCC website : just choose the type of application you want to submit, and where you’re applying from, to see an expected timeframe.

Prepare for possible long waits before you apply, to ensure you have more than enough time to complete and submit your application. This is particularly important if you have a specific event or occasion to attend in Canada, such as a festival, graduation, or wedding.

How long do visitor visas last for?

TRVs remain valid for 10 years, but each visit is capped at six months.

The majority of visitors will be able to stay in Canada for the full six months, but border services officers at the port of entry may allow you to stay for more or less than six months. They’ll put the date by which you need to leave Canada in your passport, and may also provide you with a visitor record which also carries this date.

You may also be required to supply biometrics — your fingerprints and photo — with your application.

At Abramovich & Tchern, we’re experienced immigration lawyers in Toronto. We’re here to help you submit applications that align with officers’ expectations and essential criteria.

To learn more about our services, please contact our team today .

Ksenia Tchern

Related posts, studying for permanent residence: international students and canadian immigration policy.

The top three reasons your immigration file is stuck in IRCC’s ‘review required’ and how to get it out

Permanent Resident Cards: How to Renew and What to Do Outside Canada

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• Feb 18, 2021

AVOID THESE 5 SERIOUS CANADIAN IMMIGRATION MISTAKES!

Canadian Immigration, despite the term "Express Entry," is a marathon and a big part of this is jumping through many hoops to obtain sufficient documentation so that when you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) you submit a successful application for permanent residency.

From the time you receive your Invitation to Apply for permanent residency, you have a limited period (60 days, 90 during the COVID-19 pandemic) to submit your application and if anything is missing or incorrect, your file will be closed and marked as incomplete or even REJECTED! . If this happens there is no way to re-open the application and so it is critical that you get it right the first time.

EXPRESS ENTRY ERRORS 1,2,3,4,5

1. proof of work experience.

This is an absolutely critical part of your application! You must prove that your work experience is eligible for Express Entry and if you are unable to do this your application will be closed or rejected .

Work experience is demonstrated by including a specific set of documents that are prepared in a specific way. The Canadian government determines what documents qualify for this purpose, and a pplications are assessed for completeness upfront . If you do not provide the correct type of proof, and your application is found to be inconsistent, or incomplete it will be rejected. If this occurs there will be no way to have the application reopened . A ll fees associated with the application will be refunded to you.

How to Avoid this Common Immigration Error: Make sure that you include as much evidence of your employment as you can and that it includes all of the information that is required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada so that you make it easy for the officer to assess your application. Express Entry applications must include an employment verification letter, written to the specifications that have been prescribed by IRCC. It must demonstrate that your employment meets the minimum requirements for length of time, the number of hours and national occupation code skill type. Leaving out a vital piece of information could cause an application to be rejected so be sure the provide complete employment verification letters.

You should also provide additional documentation such as payslips and contracts. If you are in Canada , T4s and notices of assessment are also very good evidence of your employment.

2. Sending Documents in a Language Other Than French or English

The two official languages in Canada are English and French. As such, all documents must be submitted in English or French. If you have sent a document without a translation your application will be returned as incomplete or denied.

Canada's Official Languages are English and French

How to Avoid this Common Immigration Error: If your document is in another language then you must provide a translation of the document that has been completed by an approved translator. You should include the translator’s affidavit, the original document and the translation. Your document may be translated into English or French.

If a supporting document is in a language other than English or French, the applicant must provide IRCC with

an English or French translation stamped by a certified translator or accompanied by an affidavit from the person who completed the translation, if it is not possible to have the translation done by a certified translator

The translation package should include a copy of the original source document that was used by the translator, and the translation of all contents of the original document in either English or French. Both the source document and the translation must either be stamped by the translator or referred to in the affidavit

a scan of the original document, or a scan of a certified photocopy of the original document

3. Incomplete Travel History

Often people ask if they can leave out parts of their travel history, because it was insignificant in length, or because it was a series of 20 countries in 20 days and they don't want to list them all, or it was a series of countries in a geographical area and they would rather list the area than the specifics surrounding their travels in an effort save time. However, saving time may come at the cost of permanent residency in Canada.

Providing incorrect information may lead to your being found inadmissible for misrepresentation.

How to Avoid this Common Immigration Error: The answer is really simple - i nclude your entire travel history, no matter how long or short the trip! You are required to provide a complete travel history for your Express Entry application. The travel history does not include your country of residence or citizenship but does include all other travel. If you do not include travel that may seem insignificant to you, you risk having your application returned to you or being found inadmissible for misrepresentation. You must include your entire travel history, big or small!

4. Incorrect National Occupation Code

Choosing the correct National Occupation Code (NOC) , which corresponds with your work experience, is another critical part of your Express Entry application . The Express Entry program requires that work experience is in a skill type 0, A or B, and to be related to a specific NOC you must have performed the actions prescribed in the lead statement, all of the main duties, and a substantial number of all of the duties that are listed.

Canada's National Occupation Code classification is a standardized system that is used by the Canadian government to assess different occupations by assigning a four digit classification code and a job description to all occupations. The codes are broken down further into skill types, 0, A, B, C, and D. Assessing officers will use this information when they are reviewing your application, comparing it to the work experience documentation you provided, so that they may ensure that you meet the requirements for the stream of immigration to which you were invited to apply for permanent residency. Choosing the wrong national occupation code or having work experience that is ineligible will result in your application being rejected.

The assessing officer will be looking to ensure that your employment occurred in the correct skill type and for the duration required by the stream of immigration through which you received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The duties of the position must match those of your stated primary National Occupation Code .

Choosing the wrong NOC could result in your application being denied!

How to Avoid this Common Immigration Error: Your choice of primary National Occupation Code is very important to your application for permanent residence in Canada. The best place to start is by doing a search of the NOC database to find out how individual occupations are classified or to learn about the main duties, educational requirements and other related information.

You should search by name and review the duties of the position. It is important that you review the NOC codes very carefully and consider any exclusions (related jobs) to the NOC code you are looking at. Focus on the duties listed in the NOC, rather than the title of the position, and find the one that most closely relates to what you do in your job. Finding the correct NOC can be challenging and if you need help from a professional, don't hesitate to get it because choosing the wrong code could result in your application being denied.

5. Calculating Full and Part-Time Hours

Work experience hours are often miscalculated. This happens when you consider only the yearly total (1560 hours) and do not consider how this is calculated.

Many people count the actual number of hours worked per week to make up the total of 1560 per year, assuming that they are able to complete their work experience requirement in less time than is prescribed for each Express Entry program. You may assume that if you typically work a 40 hour work week then you will reach the total number of hours after 39 weeks, or if you work really hard and do 60 hours a week then you would reach the total hours after just 26 weeks. Don't do this! You'll exhaust yourself and you still won't be qualified for Express Entry. On the upside, you will hopefully have lots of money!

Any hours above 30h hours per week are not counted so don’t try to get your experience in half the time by working 60 hours a week.

How to Avoid this Common Immigration Error: The program requirement for work experience is seeking to validate both the period of time and amount of work in the period and to ensure that both of these requirements are satisfied only 30 hours of work per week will be calculated towards your total full-time hours and only 15 hours of work a week will be counted towards your total part-time hours.

Most streams require one year of work experience or 1560 hours. The Federal Skilled Worker stream requires that one year of work is continuous. In contrast, the Canadian Experience Class allows you to obtain one year of work experience non-continuously.

If you work 30 hours per week it will take 52 weeks to obtain 1560 hours, ensuring that both the hours of work and the requirement for 1 year of work experience is satisfied.

When you are calculating your hours be sure to count only 30 hours per week for a full-time position and only 15 hours per week for a part-time position. This may be made up of more than one job in many cases, but no more than 30 hours will be counted towards your work experience.

Immigration Station Canada is a dedicated, professional Canadian Immigration firm practicing out of Northumberland County , just east of Toronto , in Canada . We serve clients from Kingston, Belleville, Brighton, Cobourg, Oshawa, the GTA, Guelph, Milton, Stratford and St. Catharines and around the world . Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Anne C. McCaughey (Annie) is an experienced immigration services provider and a fifth-generation Canadian who values the immigration process and the unique individuals who immigrate to Canada to become part of the fabric of this wonderful country. If you would like to submit a question to Ask Annie, use the link located at the top right of the page.

How Can We Help?

We do work permits , study permits, visitor visas, Express Entry , spousal sponsorship, family class sponsorship, and Canadian citizenship with expertise in Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications and Global Talent Stream applications.

Please contact us if you would like assistance with your immigration application or to book an appointment.

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Visitor visa:  Supporting documents for visitor visa applicant

• 1. About the document
• 2. Steps to apply
• 3. Who can apply
• 4. Supporting documents
• 6. After you apply

Supporting documents for a visitor visa applicant

The documents you need to submit with your visa application depends on why you’re traveling to Canada.

Why are you visiting Canada?

• To visit as a tourist
• For business

What is your family member’s status in Canada?

• Canadian citizen
• Person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
• Canadian permanent resident
• Temporary resident in Canada
• For compassionate reasons

Do you plan to visit your children or grandchildren for more than 6 months?

Documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel

About the documents listed.

• Not all documents listed below are required – some are optional.
• This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
• Only submit the optional documents that can prove you’re eligible for a visa.
• Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
• We may request more information from you outside of what is listed here.

Business visitor

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What is No Objection Letter and How to Get One?

Nothing compares to the excitement of preparing for an overseas vacation, whether to Schengen countries or other international destinations. Everything else takes a backseat as we get busy planning shopping agendas, tourist places to visit, exotic meals to indulge in, and markets to explore.

That is why, it is important for your travel documentation to be just as impeccable as your in-trip plans. While visa applications, insurance, as well as airline and hotel reservation itineraries must be as per global requirements, let’s not forget the No Objection Certificate or NOC Letter!

What is an NOC Letter?

An NOC Letter is an official document, one page long, authorizing you to take leave from work or studies in order to spend time away from your home country. It tells Visa Officials that your visit is temporary and that you will return at the end of your stipulated stay.

While an NOC is mandatory only for a few Schengen countries, it is still advisable to get one arranged even if your particular destination does not ask for it. Doing so will improve your chances of getting the Schengen Visa, and also speed up the overall Visa Application Process.

Types of NOC Letters and How to Obtain Them

The type of NOC letter applicable to you depends upon whether you are an employee or a student. The content of the letter also differs accordingly.

NOC Letter for Employees

If you are an employee, you must request your Primary Employer or Senior Manager for the NOC Letter. Multinational corporations usually have an online process for managing NOC applications. In this case, a digitally stamped / signed NOC is delivered to you right into your inbox, which you can then print out. For smaller companies, you will have to meet your employer personally and get the NOC application process initiated. Here, the letters are usually hand-written.

NOC Letter for Students

If you are a student, you can approach your School Principal, Head of Department, or College / University Dean to obtain the NOC. If the trip is planned during academic workdays, then provide adequate assurance that you will cover missed classes and get up-to-date on your assignments within the given timelines.

Salient Features of an NOC Letter

The format of an NOC Letter is like a formal letter. It contains the: (1) date on which the letter is written, (2) address of the Visa Application Centre, (3) salutation and subject line, (4) body, (5) signature of the superior, (6) name, designation, and phone number of the superior along with company address.

The body of the letter should not be lengthy or complicated. It should only contain the superior’s affirmation that he/she does not have any objection towards you obtaining a Schengen Visa and that they trust your return to fulfill your obligations.

Also, since an NOC needs to address your travel dates, it is advisable that you have a flight itinerary and hotel reservation to prove your travel timelines. This will make your superior more acceptable to issuing the NOC.

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Traveler Compliance

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is taking proactive steps to ensure travelers comply with their terms of admission by sending reminders about time left in the United States, and notifications to travelers who may have overstayed their period of admission. The reminders and notifications are sent to travelers via e-mail.

Travelers may receive an e-mail indicating they have 10 days or less remaining on their admission into the United States, or an e-mail regarding a potential overstay violation. CBP has established an easy to use traveler compliance check that is available on the I-94 website. Travelers may check their admission status at https://I94.cbp.dhs.gov and clicking on the ‘View Compliance’ tab.

E-mail notifications will come from [email protected] . If your notification e-mail did not come from this address, it may be a phishing scam or other fraudulent e-mail.

Travelers in-scope for the e-mail notification process will begin with certain Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers and will gradually expand to include most classes of admission. As additional in-scope travelers are included in the process, the ‘View Compliance’ tab will be updated. You can check this tab to see if you are eligible for the compliance check.

While e-mail notification is a new process, there is no change in CBP’s policies or enforcement actions. This proactive approach only changes how transparent CBP’s work is to the traveling public, and helps ensure the public stays in compliance with their terms of admission.

For more information visit the frequently asked questions  or contact the Traveler Communications Center at (202) 325-8000.

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7 Foolproof Ways to Build Your Travel History

A strong travel history is an important factor when applying for visas. While it is not a mandatory requirement, it can significantly improve your chances of a successful application. If you hold a travel document (passport) that is considered weak (like the Nigerian passport), then a strong travel history can help strengthen it when you apply for visas or travel to your dream destinations .

In this article, I will highlight steps you can take as a new traveller to build your travel history and make your (tourist) visa application process a little less painful. I also have another article detailing some useful tips to help improve your chances for a successful application.

Trip Planning Resources

Book your accommodation : Find accommodation options for any budget on Booking.com

Purchase Travel Insurance : I use SafetyWing for both my travel and visa application needs

Activities : Find fun activities and tours in your destination via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook Travel

Please note that it is ultimately up to the visa officer to determine whether or not your application is successful. These are only tips to help increase your chances of that happening. They cannot guarantee whether or not you get a visa. That being said, let’s jump right in!

What's Covered in this Post

What is Travel History?

Travel history (for visa application purposes) refers to the countries you have visited in the past outside your home country . Several countries request applicants to name places they have been to in the last 5 – 10 years, including the date of entry and exit.

I am not a visa officer, but I believe this information provides an indicator of your track record with previous visas and stays in the countries listed, what countries you are visiting, and to confirm whether or not you are a genuine traveller.

Let me explain better:

Confirming your track record via your travel history

Scenario 1 : Your previous tourist visa to the United States was successful. However, in your application, you had stated that you would be there for a 2-week holiday, but your travel history shows that stayed there for 6 months.

What this could say about you: Technically, you haven’t breached the terms of your visa. After all, the Point of Entry (POE) officer does stamp your passport for a stay of up to 6 months. However, if you do not have a substantial reason for this extension, it could indicate that your reason for the trip was not genuine in the first place.

It might also indicate that you breached your visa conditions by working in the US or that you do not have steady employment if you have claimed that you do. It is rare to find a company that gives that much paid time off to employees. This in turn then speaks about your financial situation and could lead to more scrutiny of your application at best.

Confirming the countries you are travelling to

Did you truthfully state all the places you have been to and how long you have stayed there? Have you recently been to a country with an epidemic or conflict? Do you often visit such countries? What was the purpose of your visit to these places? These are some of the questions that a travel history could help provide answers to.

Confirming the genuineness of your application

Scenario 2 : In the last 3 months, you went from having a new passport with no travel history to visiting 3 visa-free and visa on arrival countries in West and East Africa for tourism. In month 4, you apply for a visa to the UK .

What this could say about you: This could indicate that you visited these countries to build a travel history for the sole purpose of applying for a UK visa.

This one is a bit tricky because one of my tips for building a strong travel history is to visit countries like these. However, I advise that you take the approach of genuinely visiting these places for the experiences and spreading out your travels.

Now that we have talked in detail about what travel history is and what they represent, let’s talk more about how to build a strong one. Here are 7 tips to help you do so:

1. Visit visa-free countries or those that offer evisas or a visa on arrival

A good first step to building a strong travel history is to invest in travel to visa-free countries or those that give you a visa on arrival or an evisa. It is even better when the country places a visa sticker in your passport booklet, but stamps could help too.

Now, you have to be intentional about the places you choose to go. For example, if you live in Nigeria and visit Benin , Togo , or Ghana for a holiday, then immediately apply for a fairly difficult visa thereafter, your visa application may get denied, especially if other parts of your application are not very strong.

What you can do instead is to visit nearby countries, visa-free, countries with evisas and visas on arrival and then apply to a country with a fairly easy application process.

PS : I am not saying that you cannot get a visa to a “big name” country if the only places you have travelled to are neighbouring countries. All I am saying is that application processes tend to get easier if you build your travel history well.

2. Apply to countries with fairly easy visa application processes

“All visa applications are equal, but some applications are more equal than others” – Not George Orwell

Provided you meet all the application requirements and can prove strong home ties, the visa application processes for some countries are fairly easy. Some of these places include South Africa , India , Morocco, a few countries in Europe, etc.

Remember, the more visa approvals you get, the stronger your travel history.

3. Join a group tour

Another way to build a good travel history is to join group tours by reputable companies that have packages that are inclusive of visa processing. I have seen packaged trips from tour companies in Nigeria to South Africa , Morocco , Egypt , Turkey , and Jordan, to name a few.

Take advantage of this but be careful to only go with reputable companies to avoid getting scammed.

4. Save the big names for later

Some countries are dream destinations for many Nigerians, but these countries have the toughest visa application processes. To avoid multiple visa denials from these places, it is important to strengthen your application as much as you can.

This involves having good finances and a steady income, strong home ties, crime-free records and of course, a strong travel history.

It may make more sense to defer your visit to these places until such a time when you check all the boxes for a successful application. Refer to the first 3 tips if in doubt.

5. Make use of your visas

Once you do get a visa from a “big name” country, be sure to use it properly if you have the means to. For example, did you know that a valid US visa can help you get into over 20 more countries as a Nigerian passport holder? Or that a valid Schengen, UK, Irish, Canadian, or Japanese visa can take you to more places as well?

If you’re looking to expand your travel history, this is a great way to do so.

6. Solidify your application and home ties

As I have stated earlier, more visa approvals equal stronger travel history. When you apply for a tourist visa, the visa application officer wants to know four main things:

• Is the purpose of your trip genuine?
• Would you return to your home country once your trip is over?
• Do you have enough funds to cover your trip? Are your finances in order?
• Would you pose a security threat if you are allowed to enter the said country?

It is your job as the applicant to supply all necessary documentation to help the visa officer come to a positive conclusion.

Here are ways to do that:

Prove that your trip is genuine

• Submit your travel itinerary, inclusive of your hotel and return flight reservations
• Submit complete stated requirements for your visa type
• If you are invited for an interview, be sure to communicate precisely and concisely what your travel plans are.
• Present photocopies of other visas that you have received.

Prove that you would return to your home country (home ties)

• Employed? Submit a copy of your employment and promotion letters (on official company paper, with stamp, signature and date)
• Submit an introduction letter from your company detailing your position, salary and the length of your employment, confirming that you have been given time off work and your position will be kept until your return, and state whether this time off is paid or unpaid.
• Also, present a self-introduction letter or a cover letter
• Submit your admission letter or letter from your school department if you are a student
• For retirees: present a copy of the retirement certificate
• Marriage certificates and photos of family are also good to present
• Details of community involvement and activities
• For self-employed applicants: Present your business documents e.g., Permit, Memorandum & Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Registration, certified bank statements
• Details of your properties and businesses in your home country
• Tax certificates, etc.

Prove that you are in good financial standing

• Submit a bank statement showing a healthy inflow, outflow and balance to cover your trip.
• Avoid unexplained lump sum payments into your account when you print your statement. This is a huge red flag and is often the basis for denial. If this is unavoidable, you should provide a letter explaining the source of the funds.
• Submit your pay stubs if you are employed
• If you are self-employed, it is good practice to separate your business account from your personal one and pay yourself a consistent figure monthly.
• If you are retired and you receive a pension, submit a letter to show that
• Lastly, if you have other savings or investment accounts, you should also submit statements showing that.

Prove that you would not pose a security threat

• A few embassies do ask for a police report. So, if you are asked for that, you should submit one showing a crime-free record

7. Keep an eye on your finances

Finally, in building a good travel history, you would need to travel more. For Nigerians, most countries that place a sticker on your passport cost fairly more than say neighbouring countries or those that don’t. This means you might have to make some financial adjustments to be able to afford your trips.

It is always a good idea to live within or even below your means, cut costs where you can and have a separate travel fund. Of course, none of these applies if you’re Richie Rich! 🙂

Anyway, I hope these tips help and wish you success in your quest to strengthen your passports, build a strong travel history and visit your dream destinations!

Have I missed anything? Please share your best tips for building a strong travel history with me and other readers. Also, I would love to hear about your visa application journey.

• What is the easiest visa you have applied for to date?
• What is the cheapest visa you have applied for to date?
• What is the toughest visa you have applied for to date?
• Your funniest/weirdest/most annoying visa application denial (if any)
• The visa application process you’re dreading
• Finally, the one you are most looking forward to.

I’ll go first in the comment section and will love to hear from you too!

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I got a Uk visitor visa refusal due to financial inconsistency. You made mention of having a separate personal account from salary account. I want to ask for POF account, will it be only inflow of money and must i use both accounts? How long should i wait after building a travel history before i reapply for my next UK visa?

Hi Ezinne, sorry about the refusal. Regarding the separation of your salary account and personal account, I think you might have misunderstood me. I was referring to entrepreneurs and individuals who run their own businesses. In this case, your business account should be separate and you should pay yourself a consistent monthly salary. This is a good practice even outside visa applications.

If you are employed, it is likely that your salary account will also be your personal account and this is what you should submit. This account must show a consistent inflow of income from your employer, as well as, a fairly consistent spending pattern. You may also include any other accounts (such as an investment account) to support this. As for the wait time, there’s no specific time period. 6 months is usually the window given but you can apply at anytime when there’s a considerable change in your circumstances.

Myself is Akash Younus from Pakistan studying in Baku, Azerbaijan holding a resident permit. I am 20 years old and enrolled in business administration in Bechalors it’s been 5 months in Azerbaijan and was willing to apply for Poland in management of digital marketing not in q small city. I got rejected! Why?

1:- There are reasonable doubts that you will not leave terrorism after the visa expiry

2:- There are reasonable doubts regarding the reliability of the statement you made about the purpose of your stay in the territory of Poland due to the evidence that is available to the authority or due to the objective circumstances that the purpose of the stay could be different than declared.

Documents attached:-

 Visa application form  Azerbaijan resident card  Picture  Passport (Valid till 2027)  Cover letter  Motivation letter  Invitation the letter from the university  Adletters from the university  Curriculum vitae  Educational documents  Bank statement (Own)  Employment Letter (Sponsor)  Bank statement t of the sponsor  Salary slips of sponsor  Accommodation proof in Poland  TraveInsurancece  Tickets Reservation (Confirmed both sides)

My sponsor is my elder brother he lives in Poland as an accounts manager he pays taxes.

So what should I do? Should I make travel history from Azerbaijan and then apply again next semester in a different Schengen country like Slovakia because I was admittinto Slovakia

Looking forward to seeking your guidance

Hello Akash, I’ve responded to your message on IG but just to reiterate that I am not in the best position to provide guidance regarding visas other than tourist visas. It will be best to seek the opinions of others who have more experience applying for other visa types.

I dont have travel history yet, but my husband has been in UAE for 5 years, we just got married. i applied to US on a P3 visa but got denied. I’m pregnant and wish to give birth in a country that offers citizenship by birth. I’m considering mexico, there is no stamp of refusal on my passport….what can u advise i do pls

Hi Faustina, I don’t know much about the P3 visa but generally, your visa application will be based on your own merit and no one else’s. I also don’t have much knowledge about giving birth in other countries. You can try asking this question on Nairaland – there’s more first-hand information available there.

Hey, quick question. in 2018 I applied for a b2 USA visa and I got rejected quickly. Back than I was a student who has never travel before. in 2019 I got a Schengen visa and I visited Germany for a week and then France for another one. This year I got a Canada visitor visa and i visited for a month in the summer ( i bought the ticket in February when I got the visa ). I’m planning on applying again to the b2 us visa to visit new York and Miami. Do you think I have a good travel history? will it help? will the previous rejection be a problem?

Hello, yes, I think those countries you have visited are great candidates for a strong travel history. It also seems that your circumstances have changed – which is what the visa officer is hoping to see after a previous rejection. Only the visa officer can determine whether your application is successful or not but I think you have a good chance for a successful application this time around – provided you also have strong ties to your home country (e.g. a good job, marriage, kids, etc). Goodluck!

You givee some information about Schengen visa

Look out for upcoming posts.

Hi Ama, I must commend your effort in detailing on general procedures. Even travel agents you pay will still keep you in the dark. Thumbs up! Kindly give me an example of a community involvement supporting document and an advisable minimum balance as good financial standing. Thanks

Hi Bellwether, thanks for your comment. Regarding financial standing, there is no single number I can recommend. Some countries give a number, others don’t. They need to know if you can afford the trip – aka, do you earn enough to do so? Do you have enough money left in your account after your trip? Does your budget vs your income make logical sense? etc…

Community involvement is an optional document and may include certificates or letters of participation/recommendation for activities you volunteer for or participate in within your community.

Hi! So I was in Russia for the world cup(2018), I stayed up till December 1, which I wasn’t supposed to initially as stated in the E.visa for the WC. The reason for that was actually the Russian president after the final match declared that anyone with that type of visa could stay till December 31. Long story short the embassy confirmed it in Moscow that I could stay or decide to go and come back until the said time. Now I’m applying for a study visa in Germany and I don’t know if it’s going to help or make it worse lol and I’m being sponsored in btwn.. thanks

Hello Abidi, there are a few things to consider here. If your stay was legal, then you should not have much to worry about. Although, as I mentioned in the post, staying an extra 6 months, though legal, can still raise some doubts about your travel intentions in the visa officer’s mind.

Having said that, this post focuses mainly on people applying for tourist visas. The process and scrutiny may be a little different for study visas.

Hello,this is fawwad here from India and i am working in Dubai,i am working in dubai on employment visa ,i already travel dubai and qatar. now i planning to move schengen. can you assist??????

Hi Fawwad, sorry, I am not familiar with relocation processes to the EU.

Nice article. Would definitely come in handy soon. Thank you for sharing.

You’re welcome! Thanks for reading and looking forward to reading about your future adventures!

Lovely write up Amarachi…still dont have the travel history..will save this write up for later..its very informing as always

Thanks, Bella! Wish you success in your future applications.

Easiest sticker visa: Morocco. Toughest visa: Overall, I’d say the US. Cheapest visa: Kenya evisa at $51. Weirdest denial: Angola. Visa applications I’m dreading: Indonesia and Thailand. The ones I’m most looking forward to are South Korea and Japan.

Why did Angola deny our star girlll?! Hehe. This is a very solid post.

Haha, don’t mind them! The day I went, everyone who was at the embassy was denied unjustly. They later overturned the decision for my colleagues who had to be in the country urgently but by then, I didn’t need to go anymore.

It could be that they used the denial to generate money for their Embassy/High Commission. You know embassies generate revenue for their ministry of interior.

Probably, but I don’t see the point, specifically for the Angolan embassy in Nigeria. Anyway, I hope they’re doing better now and not denying visas unjustly!

Please do u think lack of previous travel may affect a visa outcome for Australia cuz I just applied

Only the visa officer can determine this. A good travel history simply gives you a bit more advantage, it is not the only factor that immigration officers consider but it is an important one. I wish you good luck.

Please can you tell me how you started the Australia visit visa process. It’s so hard than I thought 🤔

All the process is online, u visit the official homeaffairs website and register immacount where u fill all online form and scan your documents pay the fee n u will be sent a biometrics request letter to go for biometrics at vfs global in lag or Abuja, book appointment with vfs go for it n ur done

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Senate kills both impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

WASHINGTON – The Senate voted to deem both articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas unconstitutional, killing the charges against the top Biden administration official despite protests from Republican lawmakers.

The Senate rejected the article accusing Mayorkas of "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" on a 51-48 vote. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, voted "present," splitting from her fellow Republicans. The Senate dropped the second charge that Mayorkas oversaw a "breach of public trust" in a 51-49 vote.

The White House immediately applauded the move. Ian Sams, White House spokesperson for oversight and investigations called the proceedings a "baseless impeachment that even conservative legal scholars said was unconstitutional."

Mia Ehrenberg, DHS spokesperson, said in a statement on Wednesday: “As he has done throughout more than 20 years of dedicated public service, Secretary Mayorkas will continue working every day to enforce our laws and protect our country."

"It’s time for Congressional Republicans to support the Department’s vital mission instead of wasting time playing political games and standing in the way of commonsense, bipartisan border reforms," she added.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Before the Senate rejected the charges against Mayorkas, Republicans attempted to draw out the votes by setting up multiple procedural hurdles, such as calling to adjourn until the end of the month or, in one case, until after the 2024 presidential election. But each of those was overruled by the narrow Democratic majority, and the upper chamber adjourned the proceedings after just a few hours.

But as the chamber met to consider the House's impeachment of Mayorkas , Republicans and Democrats agreed on one thing – it was a historic moment.

Democrats panned the Republican House's effort as a remarkable misuse of impeachment powers that could have undermined America's system of checks and balances.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said earlier in the day that his chamber was meeting to consider impeachment for the third time in four years – the first two being impeachments of former President Donald Trump.

But "this time, senators will preside as jurors in the least legitimate, least substantive, and most politicized impeachment trial in the history of the United States," Schumer said.

"The charges brought against Secretary Mayorkas fail to meet the high standard of high crimes and misdemeanors. To validate this gross abuse by the House would be a grave mistake and could set a dangerous precedent for the future," Schumer said.

The constitution sets "high crimes and misdemeanors" as the general bar for impeaching an official. Senate Democrats, who control the chamber by just one seat, voted that the articles didn't meet that bar.

Nevertheless, Senate Republicans argued that Democrats were making a major mistake by pushing to dismiss the trial before it even began. Their GOP colleagues in the House charged Mayorkas with betraying the public trust and violating the Constitution by "willfully and systemically" refusing to enforce border security laws.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., argued it was the Senate's duty to at least consider the House's charges. After the upper chamber voted, the top Republican said that "today is not a proud day in the history of the Senate."

"By doing what we just did, we have in effect ignored the directions of the House which were to have a trial. No evidence, no procedure," he added.

However, all but five Republicans – including McConnell – voted to dismiss the impeachment trial against Trump in 2021 after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol building. GOP lawmakers didn't have the votes at the time to nix the charges against the then-president.

Republicans argued this week that Democrats set a new precedent that would allow future senators to dismiss impeachments without a trial, one that could come back to haunt them. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, who leads an ultraconservative faction of the Senate GOP, argued on the floor following the vote: "What we just witnessed is truly historic."

Speaking to reporters after the vote, Schumer said it would have set an even more dangerous precedent to allow impeachment over policy disagreements. "If we allowed that to happen, it would set a disastrous precedent for Congress. It could throw our system of checks and balances into cycles of chaos."

The Republican-led House voted to impeach Mayorkas in February by a count of 214-213, making him the second cabinet secretary in American history to be impeached (the first  was nearly 150 years ago .) No Democrats supported the effort, and a few Republicans also voted against it.

Even if Democrats changed their minds and agreed to a trial in the Senate, it was always extremely unlikely that Mayorkas would be convicted. It would require support from two-thirds of senators, and all Democrats and several Republicans argued the charges were frivolous.

Exclusive: Mayorkas' newest weapon against the explosion of online child sex exploitation

Immigration has become a major issue in the presidential election this fall and has been in the congressional crosshairs for months. In January, immigration was the top problem cited by American voters in  a Gallup poll . A February survey from the Pew Research Center found  80% of Americans feel the government is doing a bad job  handling the number of migrants at the border.

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Letter of Explanation for Travel History Missing Short Trips?

• Thread starter reborncs1
• Start date Aug 20, 2015

Full Member

Hi there, Has anyone written a letter of explanation related to travel history? While living in Vancouver, BC I know I made a few trips across the border to Seattle/Bellingham, WA. Usually just a few days at most and just for purpose of tourism or shopping. I believe that because these trips are so short, maybe the border officers never stamped my passport? Was wondering what happens in this case? Am I better of writing that into the letter of explanation saying I am unable to provide dates for these types of short trips but that I know I made a few of these? Any advice is greatly appreciated!