My situation is very similar to yours. I'm on a F-1 visa going to school in the U.S. and have been dealing with this issue for the past 6 years. What you get told by the customs agents is going to vary remarkably depending on which agent you deal with at which border crossing and what the phase of the moon is and whether or not it is in alignment with Mercury. From what I've been able to figure out by reading the instructions on my F-1 form and the I-94, if your trip out of the U.S. is short (approximately less than a month) I don't think that you need to fill out a new I-94. However don't be surprised if a customs agent does make you fill out a new one.
Originally Posted by YYC_BOS_and_Back
I'm a Cdn citizen, studying under F-1 visa in US, came back from weekend trip to PEI, and INS agent says don't worry about filling out a new I-94 (had been removed on departure from US), because Canadians don't need one.
Just wondering if anyone else has ever had any trouble surrounding the I-94 card, and if anyone else has ever been told that they aren't necessary (for any class of visa)?
Anyone know if they are tracked or used at all? I've had very hit-and-miss experiences as far as having them collected at exit from the US (and fine print says shouldn't be for short trips even so???)