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What is INSPASS?
For frequent travelers, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services's Passenger Accelerated Service System (INSPASS) is an
automated system at airports that can significantly reduce immigration
inspection processing time. INSPASS combines automation with a hand
geometry biometric image to validate the claimed identity of an
individual. Eligible frequent travelers may enroll in the program
at any INSPASS enrollment office.
Am I Eligible?
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and Visa
Waiver Pilot Program (VWPP) countries who travel to the United States
on business three or more times a year, or who are diplomats, representatives
of international organizations, or airline crews from the VWPP nations
may voluntarily enroll in the INSPASS Program. Access to INSPASS
is not available to anyone with a criminal record or to aliens who
require a waiver of inadmissibility to enter the United States.
The PortPASS card used with INSPASS remains the property of the
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and may be revoked or
canceled at any time. See INSPASS Enrollment Office Locations for more information.
How Does It Work?
Arriving at a Port-of-Entry, the traveler proceeds to an
INSPASS inspection line. There, the person inserts a card issued
to them at enrollment to an INSPASS kiosk, similar to an automated
bank teller machine. Automated inspection kiosks are not staffed,
and INSPASS is only available at airports. Responding to messages
on the kiosk's touch-screen display, the traveler is prompted to
enter their flight number (certain persons only) and to place their
hand in a hand geometry reader. Screen prompts are used to achieve
correct alignment of the hand with the hand reader. The kiosk software
automatically compares the live scan of the traveler's hand geometry
biometric to the image captured at enrollment.
If the traveler's identity is validated by this comparison, an I-94/receipt
of his inspection is printed by the kiosk that directs the traveler
to proceed to U.S. Customs inspection. If this check is not successful,
a screen message refers the traveler to an Immigration inspector
in a nearby inspection booth. Processing times of 15-20 seconds
are typical, and times as low as 11 seconds have been observed at
existing INSPASS kiosks.
Is There a Fee?
There is no fee for INSPASS enrollment at present, although
this may change in the future.
How Long Is It Valid?
Currently, INSPASS enrollment is valid for one year. Users
are warned of pending card expiration by the kiosk. The kiosk refers
the user to an Immigration inspector when an expired card is used.
How Do I Enroll?
File USCIS Form I-823 (Application - Inspections
Facilitation Program) at an INSPASS Enrollment Office.
Forms are available online,
or at the Enrollment Office, or by calling 1-800-870-3676, or by
submitting an online request to receive forms by mail.
Complete the application according to the instructions provided.
Return to an enrollment center with the required documents to support
your application. Depending on local INSPASS enrollment center policy,
you may submit pre-enrollment information through the mail or by
facsimile. However, you must appear in person at an INSPASS enrollment
office to be interviewed and to have a card issued.
Applicants must be prepared to provide a valid passport to
support claimed citizenship and identity. The fact that
INSPASS enrollment is valid at all airports with INSPASS capability,
regardless of the foreign location the person is coming from, creates
the requirement for all applicants to provide a valid passport,
except those specifically exempted by law.
At your enrollment interview, an Immigration inspector will enter
your application data to a database system, and collect a digital
photograph, fingerprints, hand geometry, or other biometrics from
you. The inspector will interview you to determine your admissibility
to the U.S., and INSPASS enrollment eligibility. If approved, you
will be issued a PortPASS card and instructions on using an INSPASS
kiosk.
You can then use INSPASS on your next entry to the U.S. from a foreign
port of embarkation. Not all U.S. Ports-of-Entry have INSPASS kiosks.
If you enter the U.S. at a Port-of-Entry that does not have an INSPASS
kiosk, or if the INSPASS system is temporarily unavailable for your
use, you will have to wait in a queue for the next available Immigration
inspector as was the case prior to your enrollment.
The following provisions also apply to the INSPASS program or use
of a PortPASS card:
- Mere enrollment in INSPASS, or possession
of an INS PortPASS card, does not confer any special immigration
benefit or preferential immigration inspection status;
- The PortPASS card is not a substitute
for a passport or visa if one is required for you to enter the
United States;
- You must also have a valid travel
document (passport, visa, or U.S. alien registration receipt card)
on your person when you make an entry to the United States. In
certain situations, the list of acceptable travel documents that
may be carried includes a valid Border Crosser Card (BCC); and,
- All persons using automated inspections
kiosks provided at a Port-of-Entry in connection with an INSPASS
program are subject to automated random or discretionary compliance
reviews to ensure that U.S. laws are enforced, or for quality
control purposes for the various INSPASS programs.
HELP!
For assistance, visit or
contact an INSPASS
Enrollment Office. You may
also contact the USCIS District Office or Sub Office near your home for a list of people who
said they might be available to help applicants with advice and
help during their processing.
The information provided
in this website is not legal advice and should not be interpreted
as legal advice. This website is intended to provide a basic understanding
of this information in summary form. This information may not be
comprehensive, is subject to change, and may not apply to all individual
circumstances. Any information received here should be confirmed
with the appropriate government agencies or with an attorney, particularly
as it relates to your individual circumstances. Your use of this
website indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms
of Use.
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