I lost my I-94 and need to go back to Nepal soon. Do we have to have one to leave the country? If not, then what kind of problems could I possibly face when I'm re-entering (currently i'm on F1 status)? Any input on this will be greatly appreciated.

Paulite, I don't know the implications of such but if you're still in college, find out from your Intl Advisor as he/she would be the best resource here.  Personally, I don't think it would be much of a issue in getting this rectified.  All the best.

Here's one from SF State University's page that shows that a fee would be necessary to obtain a lost i-94:

http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:1lbAvDlT3bAJ:www.sfsu.edu/~oip/handoutsdocs/replacei94.htm+lost+i94&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=us

BTW, great pseudonym used there.  Surely you're one cat from my alma-mater....If not, then you gotta change your nick.  Go Paulites!!

Paulite,

I just travelled to Nepal not very long ago. What I saw really surprised me. After haveing all the clearance from the airline, there were baskets where you were to drop your I-94. Most of the time, the airline agents did not even bother asking you the I-94 and the way they were put in the basket I doubt they ever got to the Immigration officers. Noone from the Immigration Department was present asking for I-94 or anything. So, I do not think that it is so big of an issue, but just to be on the safe side, consult your International advisor.

All the Best!

Paulite:

It is not a problem at all. I went to Nepal with a new passport (old one harako hunale). If you have a copy of your I-94 (your college international office should have one), you can hand them the copy. If not, not a big deal mate...not at all...it is not even a concern. But I can see why you are tensed.

Have fun in Nepal.

Cheers

I-94 is the only way INS directly keeps track if u r in United States or not. The gentelmen above said "they were put in the basket I doubt they ever got to the Immigration officers".. f**k him.. I know it matters.. so without any delay go to ur International Office and talk to ur advisor. U will be certainly helped. (I am not makin guesses, I have worked in International Office before)

I thank you all for your input. I talked to the advisor and he said that I wouldn't need an I-94 just to leave the country, but some people have told me otherwise. Just trying to get an idea about what others have experienced.

Samsara, if youre referring to SPS, Darjeeling, then we sure do share the same alma-mater. 'Upward!' the old school calls....

Amigo,you are really like "stupid Amigos", who does not even have the culture to respond to people, first of all. Second, I just described what I and some of my friends travellingto Nepal experienced about the I-94--not any reason for you to be freaking abusive.Learn something and be civilized!!!!!

i didnt read anyone elses reply so my info might've already been covered.
I lost my I-94, passport and social security card (they were all in one folder which i threw away while cleaning the house). You will need your I-94 for travelling. They asked for my I-94 when i was leaving US from the final port. but i guess you can tell them you lost it or something?? but you can't enter the country without an I-94.

The application process is pretty slow, it takes atleast 1 month to receive your I-94 and it costs $100+. INS never answers phone calls, i literally waited 2 hours to talk to one jerk who was in a hurry to hang up. anyway, as long as you have your legal documents and all that you should be able to get a new one issued. and if you have patience try calling them and asking them if it can be expedited..

good luck. i know how it feels to lose important document(s).

Just heard back from an international advisor from another university. He said that a student doesn't need to have an I-94 to leave the country (I'm not sure if it applies to other visa status' as well). Saves me the hassle of going through the whole I-94 replacement process, and a few bucks too. Anyways, two advisors saying the same thing makes one feel more confident that they know what they're talking about (I've heard of instances where advisors providing false information has led to many a problem for some). Again, thanks to all for their views.

Before you leave USA they keep the I -94 to track you. Once you are back, you will be provided new I-94 with the same number you had before at Immigration office. I think you can tell the immigration that it was taken away when you were departing. I do no think it will be a big deal.