INS Passenger Accelerated Service System

The (INS) Passenger Accelerated Service System (INSPASS) is an automated immigration inspection system that eliminates the live inspection interview for frequent business travelers and significantly reduces traveler processing time. The INSPASS kiosk uses a hand geometry biometric image to validate the identity of travelers, query requisite databases, and record the results of the inspection. Instead of waiting in line to be interviewed by an Immigration Inspector, INSPASS travelers go directly to a kiosk and complete the inspection process within 15-20 seconds. If the identity is validated, a Form I-94/receipt of the inspection is printed by the kiosk, a gate opens, and travelers can proceed. If this check is not successful, a screen message refers travelers to an Immigration Inspector in a nearby inspection booth.

INSPASS is currently operational at international airports at: Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York (JFK), San Francisco, Washington-Dulles, and the U.S. preclearance sites at Vancouver, and Toronto in Canada.

Other North American airports identified to eventually receive INSPASS are: Seattle, Honolulu, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Detroit, Houston, Minneapolis, Montreal, Orlando, Ottawa, St. Louis, and one location not identified.

There is no fee for INSPASS enrollment at this time, the enrollment is valid for one year. Participation in INSPASS is voluntary and open to citizens of the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and Visa Waiver Pilot Program (VWPP) countries who travel to the U.S. on business three or more times a year for short visits (90 days or less). Eligible travelers must enroll in advance at airports where INSPASS kiosks are located.

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Bermuda, legal permanent residents of the United States, most landed immigrants in Canada, and Visa Waiver Pilot Program (VWPP) countries with visa classifications B-1, D-1, TN, WB; and some nonimmigrants in classes A, E, G, and L who travel to the U.S. on business three or more times a year, or who are diplomats, representatives of international organizations, or airline crews from the VWPP nations may voluntarily enroll in the INSPASS Program.

Access to INSPASS is not available to anyone with a criminal record or to aliens who require a waiver of inadmissibility to enter the U.S.

To enroll in INSPASS, eligible travelers must complete INS Form I-823, which can be obtained from an INSPASS enrollment office or downloaded from the INS website (http://www.usdoj.gov/ins/forms). All applicants, including Canadian citizens, must present a valid passport to support their INSPASS application. The completed form and required supporting documents must be returned in person to an enrollment center. After appropriate background checks are completed, if approved, the applicant is issued a PortPASS card and instructions on using an INSPASS kiosk.

The PortPASS card is valid only for use in an INSPASS program kiosk, and is not a substitute for valid travel documents that travelers must have to enter the United States, for example, a passport and a visa.

For more information on where to enroll and requirements please visit the INS website at: http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/lawenfor/bmgmt/inspect/inspass.htm

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