DHS Press Release on US-VISIT Program

DHS Fact Sheet on US-VISIT Program

DHS Questions & Answers

The US-VISIT (United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology) Program is a system used at ports of entry for questioning and in conjuction with processing the documents of non-immigrants* entering and exiting the United States.  The entry procedures are in effect in 115 airports, 14 major seaports, and 50 land ports of entry.  The exit procedure is currently in 12 airports and 25 seaports, and will be phased in gradually at other ports. 

The data collected from F and J visa holders will be forwarded to SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), showing that the person has entered or exited the U.S.

Many of the current inspection procedures will remain the same.  The US-VISIT adds the following aspects to the process of entry and exit:

Entry:

• U.S. Customs & Border Protection Officers will review travel documents and ask questions about your stay in the U.S.
• You will scan your fingerprints of both index fingers on an inkless scanner.
• You will have your picture taken while your fingerprints are scanned.

Exit:

• You will use a self-service kiosk to scan your travel documents, be fingerprinted and have your photo taken.
• Exit confirmation will be added to your travel records to demonstrate compliance with the process and to record your status for your return to the U.S.

* Please note that citizens of Canada are exempt from US-VISIT.

For more information on US-VISIT, go to the Department of Homeland Security.

Revised March 2, 2006 (MJ)