U.S. Customs and Border Protection is implementing a new permitting process at the Calexico East Port of Entry.
CBP will start the new process Monday, affecting travelers seeking I-94 permits. It says that the change will help them better manage high numbers of people entering the country.
The permits are issued by the Department of Homeland Security. They indicate legal entry and outline travelers’ authorized period of stay.
Those in vehicles needing I-94 permits at the Calexico East Port of Entry will no longer be allowed to park on the north side of the border to enter the pedestrian processing building.
The new process requires travelers to enter through the pedestrian gate from Mexico into the U.S. and move to the I-94 issuance area inside the pedestrian processing building, according to CBP.
The permits will be issued daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
People entering the U.S. from Mexico at the Calexico West Port of Entry through the pedestrian gate may access the I-94 issuance area at any time, as the facility operates 24 hours a day.
CBP told travelers to apply for a provisional I-94 permit online before arriving at the port of entry to avoid wait times. Applications can be submitted at the CBP Home mobile app or the CBP I-94 website for $6.
After putting in an application, the traveler must present themselves for inspection within seven days or it will expire.
Anyone who enters the U.S. needs a I-94 except for U.S. citizens, returning resident non-citizens, non-citizens with immigrant visas and most Canadian citizens visiting or in transit, according to Immigration Services.
