Practice Pointer: CBP Stampless Entry and Other Technological Initiatives

Admissions & Border, Business Immigration, H-1B & H-1B1 Specialty Occupation, L-1 Intracompany Transferee, Naturalization & Citizenship

Happy 2024! This article will highlight several recent technological changes including a very significant change in that the Department of Homeland Security, Custom and Border Protection (CBP) has fully implemented the Simplified Arrival program at all U.S. airports. Simplified Arrival is an enhanced international arrival process that uses various technologies which automate the manual and paper-based inspection process. Stampless entry is a part of Simplified Arrival and first started as a pilot program in which CBP eliminated the issuance of ink entry stamps. It is a major initiative as part of the agency’s technological advancement toward a totally paperless system. CBP continues to introduce new technologies to control and process travel. This practice pointer reviews the stampless entry program and outlines CBP applications that are expected to enhance or replace previous paper-based programs.

Samples entry

As part of the larger Simplified Arrival program, CBP stopped placing ink stamps in passports to document entry into the United States. Most foreign nationals must now rely solely upon their electronic I-94 to verify the authorized duration of stay and use CBP travel history in conjunction with their own travel records as evidence of entries to and exist from the United States.

Mobile Applications

CBP has also introduced several mobile applications to attempt to streamline various documentation and admission processes. Members are encouraged to report their user experience to AILA CBP/OFO Liaison Committee. All of the below mobile apps can be downloaded directly via CBP’s Mobile Apps Directory.  

CBP One is a mobile application that allows travelers to apply for and view their I-94s, and to check land border wait times and schedule appointments at the Southwest Border land ports of entry. CBP encourages all travelers requiring an I-94 to use this app to apply for their I-94. Note that provisionally applying for I-94 does not guarantee admission.

CBP Roam (Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile) is part of a pilot program for use in certain areas that allows pleasure boaters and other eligible travelers who arrive at remote locations to report their arrival online. 

CBP Border Wait Times (BWT) app gives users the estimated wait times for reaching the primary inspection booth when crossing the US/Canada and US/Mexico land borders. Each border location updates its estimated wait times hourly.  

Mobile Passport Control is available to U.S. citizens and Canadian citizens coming to the United States as B1/B2 visitors and allows users to submit their passport information and customs declaration information via the app and bypass the regular line to enter the United States.  MPC is only available at certain airports in the USA and Canada.

Global Entry Mobile App gives active Global Entry members the ability to report their arrival at any of the seven supported airports instead of using the stationary Global Entry kiosks: SEA, LAX, MIA, MCO, IAD, PIT, and IAH. The app does not allow registration for Global Entry.

ESTA Mobile App enables travelers to enter under the Visa Waiver Program to submit ESTA applications easily and quickly from their smartphones, mobile devices or tablets. It is available in 24 different languages and was designed to serve travelers in all 40 countries whose citizens are permitted by DHS to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.

For further information or questions you may have, please do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Michael H. Markovitch.