Security Measures for Entering the United States

Receiving your visa is only the first step to entering the United States. A visa merely allows you to travel to a US port of entry — the border, a US sea port or a US airport — but does not, on its own, allow you to enter the country. The decision to allow a visa holder into the United States is determined by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officer at the port of entry.

After the terrorist attacks in 2001, the US tightened security at its borders and has since taken new measures to protect its citizens and visitors. These measures include collecting biometric data and creating the US-VISIT and NSEERS programs.

Biometric Information

As part of the visa application process, each applicant is required to submit an electronic or digital photograph and have his or her fingerprints digitally scanned. The photograph is normally required as part of the visa application, but the fingerprints will be taken at the US embassy or consulate. This data, known as biometric data, is then used to check the applicant's criminal history and cross-reference databases containing information on terrorists.

US-VISIT

The US-VISIT (US Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology) program uses the biometric data collected during the visa application process to verify the identity of the person using the visa to enter the country. The purpose of the program is to identify those attempting to use another person's visa to enter the United States illegally.

With limited exceptions, all non-citizens entering the US between the ages of 14-79 are required to submit biometric data to the US-VISIT program. This includes those visiting the country with nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, as well as those who are part of the Visa Waiver Program. Once visitors reach the port of entry, they will meet with a DHS official who will check their visa and other paperwork, ask questions about their stay in the US and check their biometric data.

NSEERS

NSEERS (National Security Entry Exit Registration System), or special registration, is run by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division of the Department of Homeland Security. Only nonimmigrant visa holders from certain countries are required to complete the special registration. Currently, this means citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan and Syria seeking to enter the US on nonimmigrant visas are required to register with NSEERS at the port of entry. Immigration officers also have the authority to identify others at the port of entry that will be required to register with NSEERS before being allowed to enter the country.

Those required to enroll in NSEERS must comply with all of the specifications of the program, or they face arrest, detention, fines and even removal from the US. This includes notifying ICE of any changes in address, employment and school enrollment.

Getting Ready To Apply for a Visa

To read and print out a copy of the checklist, please follow the link below.

Getting Ready to Apply for a Visa

You can download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader here.

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