You do not need a paper I-94 stub from the border to get your . You can print your electronic record from the official website, but you must bring a physical paper copy to your appointment.
“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 are not blocked just because the border officer did not hand you a paper slip. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) now issues these electronically at land borders, and Social Security accepts the printout.
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The rules for your I-94 and application
Your friend is partly right about the border, but wrong about the app. CBP has automated the I-94 process at land borders. They no longer hand out paper stubs by default, though you can still request one during inspection if you are sent to a secondary setting.
The CBP Link mobile app is not mandatory. You can use either the app or the official CBP I-94 website to access your electronic record.
For your Social Security application, the strict rule is about how you present that record. Social Security requires a physical paper printout of your electronic I-94.
They explicitly ban digital screens. You cannot show the I-94 on a smartphone or any other electronic device, and the office will not print it for you. You must print it yourself before you arrive.
Next steps
Follow these steps to prepare your application.
Print your electronic I-94
Go to the CBP I-94 website or use the CBP Link app to find your record. Print it out on paper. Do not rely on showing it on your phone.
Gather your passport and work permit
Bring your unexpired foreign passport to prove your identity and age. If your visa requires Department of Homeland Security permission to work, bring your Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766).
Apply at Social Security
Take your printed I-94, your passport, and your work permit (if required) to the Social Security office to submit your application.
Legal sources
These are the governing rules for land border I-94s and Social Security applications.
SSA POMS G-GN R00303.610
Social Security requires a physical printout of the electronic I-94 and will not accept it displayed on a phone.
Also, we cannot accept the I 94 printout on a smartphone or any other electronic device. Whenever an alien presents an I-94 printout, you must use the I-94 number to verify immigration status.
CBP I-94 FAQs
CBP no longer issues paper I-94 stubs at land borders by default, but they can be requested in secondary inspection.
Now at the land border, travelers will be issued I-94s electronically and will no longer receive a paper I-94 stub. ... A paper form can be requested during the inspection process but all such requests will be accommodated in a secondary setting.
CBP I-94 FAQs
Travelers can use either the mobile app or the website to get their I-94.
CBP encourages travelers requiring an I-94 to use the CBP Link mobile app or the CBP I-94 website to apply for their I-94.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with a licensed immigration attorney.
SettleKit is not a law firm. This is general information.
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