How to Access US Immigration Crossings
Entering the United States is relatively easy, provided you are equipped with the proper documents. Since the terrorist attacks of September 2001, the United States has increased national security, specifically in the area of border protection. To legally enter the United States as a citizen, an immigrant or a visitor, all individuals must pass through a United States Customs and Border Protection kiosk, located along the Canadian and Mexican borders, as well as all international airports and seaports.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Accessing U.S. Immigration Crossings
-
1
Collect passport and authorized travel documents--immigration visa, NEXUS card, SENTRI card, FAST card and global entry card. Your travel documents will vary based on country of origin and location of immigration crossing. All non-U.S. citizens must present a passport or secure travel document when entering the United States.
-
2
Present necessary travel documents to the Customs and Border Protection agent, then all non-U.S. citizens must proceed to the US-VISIT kiosk. The US-VISIT kiosk will collect information to create or update your biometrics profile, including fingerprints and a photograph.
-
-
3
Place fingertips on right hand on the biometrics scanner. Place thumb on right hand on the biometrics scanner.
-
4
Place fingertips on left hand on the biometrics scanner. Place thumb on left hand on the biometrics scanner.
-
5
Proceed to photograph station, where a photograph will be taken and assigned your US-VISIT biometrics profile.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Occasionally a Customs and Border Protection agent may request an additional screening if she has reason to believe that an individual may pose a threat to national security. If this happens to you, and you are not hiding anything, answer all questions truthfully and you should clear the screening. Sometimes this may just be that you share a similar name to an individual on a watch list.
With immigration procedures and regulations changing frequently, always check ahead of time with your preferred immigration crossing to ensure that you have all proper documents to proceed.
