Non-Immigrant Visas

SPECIAL REGISTRATION PROCEDURES 

For general information on the U.S. VISIT Program, please visit the Department of Homeland Security's website:

U.S. Visit Website

For general information on the National Security Entry-Exit Registration Systems (NSEERS), please visit the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website:

NSEERS Website

The United States has a proud tradition of welcoming immigrants and visitors. This tradition is renewed and enriched by each and every law-abiding immigrant and visitor. This same tradition is reflected in the United States Government’s duty to serve and protect its citizens, residents, and foreign visitors.

Terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of thousands of Americans, as well as nationals from many other countries. As a result, new regulations have gone into effect to help ensure the safety of all persons in the United States. These regulations require the Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS) to register certain individuals in the interest of national security or law enforcement.

We understand that in many cases these procedures may cause inconvenience. However, your cooperation is requested so that our vision in which citizens, immigrants and visitors can live without fear of terrorist threats will become a reality.

Who has to follow the special registration procedures?

As part of the nonimmigrant visa application process, consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates are required to identify individuals who will have to follow the special registration requirements in the United States. Likewise, CIS officers at ports of entry may identify nonimmigrants who will have to follow the special registration requirements.

The above will apply only to persons who want to enter the United States for a temporary period of time (such as a tourist or a student, etc.). Persons who have been approved to stay permanently in the United States do not have to follow special registration procedures at this time.

When I apply for a visa to enter the United States, how will I know if I will have to follow the special registration procedures?

Whenever possible you will be told by a consular officer as part of the process of obtaining your nonimmigrant visa. The CIS immigration inspectors will notify you each time you enter the United States if you are required to follow the special registration procedures.

Will I be delayed at the airport upon arrival in the U.S?

We cannot know how long you will be delayed because it will depend upon how many persons will be receiving special registration processing on the same day that you arrive in the U.S.  We recommend you leave at least four hours between arrival time and a connecting flight.

ENTERING THE UNITED STATES

What will happen when I come to the United States?

A CIS officer will inform you if you will need to follow the special registration procedures. You will be instructed to go to an area where you will be fingerprinted, photographed, asked to show documents, and interviewed as to the length and purpose of your stay in the United States. Additional information on how to follow the special registration procedures will be provided to you when you are registered.

If I’m traveling with family members, what will happen to them when we enter the United States?

You may be temporarily separated from your family for the length of time required to carry out the described special registration procedural steps. Depending on the individual circumstances, some or all of your family members may also be required to follow the special registration procedures, in which case they too will be fingerprinted and photographed.

LEAVING THE UNITED STATES

What do the special registration procedures mean for me when I leave or travel outside of the United States?

If you leave the United States on or after October 1, 2002, it is your responsibility to make certain that your departure is known and documented by a CIS inspecting officer, each and every time you leave. On of after October 1, 2002, you are required to report your departure from the United States by appearing before a CIS inspecting officer on the same day that you leave.

These new regulations include restrictions as to which airports, seaports or land entry/exit points that you can use to depart from the United States. When you are initially registered, you will be given a list of those airports, seaports or overland exit ports you can use to leave the United States.

What will happen to me if I cannot or if I choose not to report my departure from the United States?

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might not be permitted to return to the United States. A consular officer or a CIS inspecting officer will decide if the reasons you give for failing to report your departure satisfy the conditions set by the Attorney General and the Secretary of State that would allow you to re-enter the country.

If I have already registered at an immigration office and then I leave the United States, do I have to register again when I return?

Yes. You will have to begin this process again each time you enter the United States.

Please contact the Consular Section at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for more information, or you can call the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service:

CIS National Customer Service Center

(800) 375-5283