LPRs: New Travel Requirements for LPRS - US VISIT Final Rule Issued.Filed Under: Uncategorized, Visas
LPRs Prepare your Fingers!
On Thursday, December 18, 2008, Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule that will subject US VISIT requirements to nearly all immigrants, including Lawful Permanent Residents. The rule was introduced on August 31, 2004 when DHS issued an interim rule, and was finalized after receiving comments to the interim rule. The Final Rule takes effect January 18, 2008.
Currently, all “international visitors” including those travelling on a non-immigrant visa or visa waiver travelers, are required to submit biometrics at the visa issuing post (consulate) or port of entry. Biometrics are fingerscans, photographs, or other biometric identifiers taken at the port of entry. After January 18, 2009, LPR’s and nearly all other aliens will also be subject to the US VISIT requirements.
Exceptions:
- Canadian citizens seeking short-term admission for business or pleasure under B visas
- Individuals traveling on A and G visas
The following individuals were exempt in the 2004 Rule and are still exempt:
- Visitors admitted on an A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 visa
- Children under the age of 14
- Persons over the age of 79
- Classes of visitors the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security jointly determine shall be exempt
- An individual visitor the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Director of Central Intelligence Agency jointly determine shall be exempt
- Taiwan officials who hold E-1 visas and members of their immediate families who hold E-1 visas.
Helpful Links:
The Final Rule published in the Federal Register
DHS Announcement of Final Rule
AILA Response Regarding Concerns about Final Rule
Tags: Final Ruling
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- Batya
- 21 Dec 2008 10:22 AM
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