August 27, 2003

Special Registration Alert - Remember to Register at Departure

This is a reminder for nonimmigrants subject to Special Registration that they must register at the time of departure from the United States. Visitors such as temporary workers, visitor for business or pleasure, students, scholars, etc., who fail to do so risk facing difficulties entering the United States after a visit abroad. Reports say some have been turned away and had their visas cancelled because of failure to register prior to departure.

To comply with this requirement and avoid potential trouble at the next entry to the United States, nonimmigrants subject to Special Registration must register with the BCIS at the time of departure. Registration takes place at the airport/border crossing, and they can only exit from certain designated ports. Most major airports are designated.

  List of designated ports and details on exact location for registration (PDF/865 kb, 23 pages)

For additional information on Special Registration, please see our article on Special Registration.