You can use a printed electronic I-94 for your Social Security number application. Social Security accepts the printout from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website to prove your non-immigrant status, as long as it verifies through the government's system.
“My friend says CBP stopped issuing paper I-94s entirely and their new mobile app is now mandatory for land border entries in 2026 — is that true? I just entered at a land border. What do I actually need to show for my SSN application?”
Summary
You do not need to worry about missing a paper form at the border. CBP has transitioned to electronic records, and you can access yours online.
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How land border I-94s and SSN rules work
Your friend is mostly right about the paper forms, but there are exceptions. For land arrivals, CBP is no longer issuing paper forms upon arrival except in limited circumstances and upon request if feasible.
You also have options for how to get your record. Nonimmigrants can access their Form I-94s online through a website or via a mobile application.
When you apply for your Social Security number, you must show your current U.S. immigration document to prove your status. Social Security accepts a Form I-94 printout from the CBP website as evidence of non-immigrant status, as long as it verifies through the {"term": "save", "text": "Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program"}.
Next steps
Here is how to use your electronic record for your application.
Access your electronic I-94
You can access your Form I-94 online through a website or via a mobile application.
Print your record
Print your Form I-94 from the CBP website so you have a physical copy to submit.
Present your immigration document
Show your current U.S. immigration document, such as your I-94 printout, to Social Security. They will accept it as evidence of your non-immigrant status as long as it verifies through the {"term": "save", "text": "SAVE"} program.
Legal sources
The rules for electronic I-94s and Social Security applications come from the Social Security Administration and the Federal Register.
POMS RM 10211.195
Social Security accepts a Form I-94 printout from the CBP website as evidence of non-immigrant status, provided it verifies through the SAVE program.
NOTE: SSA will accept a Form I-94 printout from the CBP website as evidence of non-immigrant status, as long as it verifies through USCIS' Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program.
87 FR 15446
For land arrivals, CBP no longer issues paper I-94 forms except in limited circumstances and upon request if feasible.
For land arrivals, CBP is no longer issuing paper forms to nonimmigrants upon arrival except in limited circumstances and upon nonimmigrant request if feasible.
87 FR 15446
Travelers can access their Form I-94 online through a website or a mobile application.
Nonimmigrants can access their Form I-94s online through a website or via a mobile application.
SettleKit is not a law firm and this is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm your specific situation with a licensed immigration attorney.
SettleKit is not a law firm and this is general information, not legal advice.
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