New $30 I-94 Fee Now in Effect: What Travelers Need to Know
By, Valerie Mahoney, Attorney
Starting September 30, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) increased the fee for Form I-94 applications, which serve as the arrival/departure record required for many nonimmigrant travelers entering the U.S. by land. The cost rose from $6 to $30 per traveler, as part of broader immigration fee changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). This fee applies only to land border entries; travelers arriving by air or sea are not affected.
What Is Form I-94?
The Form I-94 is the Arrival/Departure Record issued to most nonimmigrant visitors entering the U.S It serves as proof of lawful admission and is often required for immigration-related processes. While travelers arriving by air or sea typically receive an electronic I-94 automatically, those entering through land borders must actively apply for it. Applications can be submitted online before travel to save time or completed in person at the port of entry.
Updated Fees
This change is part of a larger set of fee increases, including:
- I-94 (Land Border Crossing): now $30 per traveler
- ESTA (Visa Waiver Program): now $40 per traveler
- EVUS (for Chinese nationals with 10-year B1/B2 visas): now $30 per traveler
All three fees will be adjusted annually for inflation, so further increases may be expected.
Tips for Travelers
- Apply early: Submit I-94 applications online before travel to avoid delays.
- Check exemptions: Some travelers including returning lawful permanent residents and most Canadians may not need an I-94.
- Budget accordingly: Factor in the new fees when planning cross-border trips.
Employers: If your business relies on cross-border employees such as TN or L-1 intermittent visa holders, this is a good time to revisit travel budgets and policies. ng that may be affected, please contact our team so we can plan accordingly.
*Disclaimer: This information is presented for the purposes of general education and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about a specific case, please consult legal counsel.immigration counsel to ensure compliance and explore available options.
