Category of Visas: Immigration Documents
The Banner Marking system is a useful tool for classifying and organizing documents related to applications or permits for entry into the United States. One of the categories within this system is dedicated to VISAs.
For individuals seeking to enter the United States, several key documents are essential in the verification process. These documents, used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), help to verify visa status, identity, and admissibility at the border or ports of entry.
The primary documents include:
- Form I-94 / I-94A Arrival-Departure Record: This document, issued by CBP, records the individual’s admission status and dates in the U.S. It is often required together with a foreign passport to verify nonimmigrant admission status. Since April 2013, this form is generally accessible online through the CBP website rather than automatically handed out on paper.
- Foreign Passport: This must be presented alongside Form I-94/I-94A to demonstrate identity and visa admission status. The passport and I-94 together show the basis of the visa and terms of stay.
- Visa I-797 Approval Notice: For individuals changing visa status inside the U.S. or extending their stay, this document acts as proof of approval and is relevant to CBP officers during entry inspections.
- Supporting Identity and Nationality Documentation: Customarily required to prove identity and nationality, especially if requested by USCIS or CBP, these documents include national identity documents bearing photos or fingerprints issued by the applicant’s country or embassy.
- Additional Visa-Related Documents: For students or scholars, these may include DS-2019 (for J-1 status), I-20 (for F-1 status), class schedules, enrollment verification, or letters of recommendation relevant to visa interviews or inspections.
To access or verify these source documents from CBP directly, you can visit the CBP website or the I-94 online portal to retrieve your most recent form I-94. For paper copies of CBP documents such as Form I-94, you can request them during the inspection at the port of entry or contact CBP customer service. Embassy or consulate websites often list required documents for visa applications, which align with CBP requirements at entry.
The Banner Marking system also serves other purposes, such as distinguishing between Basic and Specified documents, determining the Safeguarding and/or Dissemination Authority for a given document, and identifying the Sanctions associated with a document. For instance, the document source for 8 USC 1202(f) can be located using the Banner Marking system, and it is associated with Basic Sanctions. Additionally, the category marking "CUI" is an alternative for Basic Authorities in the Banner Marking, and an alternative category marking for Basic Authorities is CUI//VISA.
In summary, Form I-94/I-94A, passport, and sometimes I-797 approval notices and supporting nationality/identity documents are the main source documents related to CBP authorities for visa applications and inspections. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and official U.S. government visa resources provide access or guidance on obtaining these documents.
- In the realm of politics and policy-and-legislation, understanding general-news regarding visa requirements and related documents, such as Form I-94/I-94A, passport, and I-797 approval notices, is crucial for business individuals seeking entry into the United States.
- Beyond documents relevant to visa applications, the Banner Marking system also assists in categorizing and organizing various types of documents, including those associated with Basic and Specified documents, Safeguarding and/or Dissemination Authority, and Sanctions. This system proves beneficial not only for visa applications but also for broader business and finance operations.
