CBP Stampless Entry Program

In April 2022, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented a new “Simplified Arrival” program at airports, seaports, and pedestrian land entry points across the U.S. As part of that program, CBP is expanding a “Stampless Entry” policy to eliminate ink stamps in passports at entry.

CBP has indicated that officers can continue to stamp passport upon request, but officers at some ports of entry do not comply with these requests.

For immigrants, ink stamps in their passports can be critical proof for their immigration cases. Here is what we recommend for our clients:

• Each time you enter the U.S., make sure to download your I-94 form from CBP’s online system, as well as your I-94 history.
• If any of your information is incorrect, you must take action promptly to correct the record by contacting the local CBP office.
• If you are a permanent resident, your entries are not tracked in CBP’s online system.  That can become an issue when applying for citizenship, because the citizenship application requires you to document your time outside the U.S. At this time, we recommend that permanent residents request an ink stamp from CBP each time they enter the U.S. You should also keep other evidence of your travel outside the U.S., such as itineraries, flight status emails, and hotel receipts, in case you cannot get an ink stamp.

Immigration lawyer Inna Scott and her team at Global Law Advocates specialize in helping immigrants of all kinds gain legal status and other immigration benefits in the United States. To consult with an experienced attorney about your immigration options, call us at 206-774-8758 or send us an email at info@globallawadvocates.com.