How Do I Apply for INSPASS?
What is INSPASS?
The INS Passenger Accelerated Service
System (INSPASS) is an automated system at airports that can significantly reduce
immigration inspection processing time for authorized travelers. 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.
How Does INSPASS Work?
Arriving at a Port-of-Entry, the traveler proceeds to an INSPASS inspection
queue. 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.
Who is Eligible to Enroll in INSPASS?
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. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection
and may be revoked or canceled at any time. Please
see INSPASS Enrollment Office Locations for more information.
Is There a Fee to Enroll in INSPASS?
There is no fee for INSPASS enrollment at present, although this may
change in the future.
How Long Is INSPASS Enrollment Valid?
Currently, INSPASS enrollment is valid for one year. Users are warned
of pending card expiration by the kiosk. When a card expires, the kiosk refers
the user to an Immigration Inspector when an expired card is used.
How Do I Enroll in INSPASS?
Visit or contact an INSPASS enrollment office and request Form I-823 (Application - Inspections Facilitation Program). Forms are
also available by calling 1-800-870-3676, or by submitting a request through
our forms by mail system.
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, please remember that 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 a 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.
Can Anyone Help Me?
Visit or contact an INSPASS enrollment office. You may also contact the Immigration Field Office District 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. Please see our field offices home page for more information on contacting immigration offices.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Do you want further information? Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
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