How Do I Apply for a PortPASS?

What is PortPASS?

PortPass (Port Passenger Accelerated Service System) is a generic term for programs developed to identify and intercept illegal aliens while reducing the processing time of legal travelers. Through technology, automation, and other means needing less personal attention by inspectors, PortPASS allows preapproved, frequent border crossers faster and easier passage, while freeing inspectors to focus on high-risk entrants. INSPASS, SENTRI, RVIS, and OARS are PortPASS Programs.

What is INSPASS?

The PortPASS program that helps frequent travelers pass quickly at airports is the INS Passenger Accelerated Service System (INSPASS).

What is SENTRI?

SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) facilitates admission at land ports of entry using automated dedicated commuter lanes. SENTRI allows the INS and the U.S. Customs Service to enforce the law and accelerate the inspections of certain low risk, pre-enrolled crossers. The system identifies travelers who pose little risk to border security, verifies their low risk status through extensive record checks, and electronically screens participants and their vehicles every time they enter the United States.

How Do I Enroll in SENTRI?

Participation in the SENTRI program is voluntary. To participate in the program you must complete an application, INS Form I-823 (Application - Inspections Facilitation Program), and submit it to the SENTRI Enrollment Center at the Port-of-Entry.

You will be fingerprinted, and criminal and immigration records will be checked to determine your eligibility. You will be notified if you clear the background check and arrangements will be made to get an inspection of your vehicle by a U.S. Customs inspector and an interview with an Immigration Inspector. After successful completion of this process, you will receive a PortPASS identification card and you will provided with a Radio Frequency (RF) transponder.

What is RVIS?

INS and the U.S. Customs Service developed the Remote Video Inspection System (RVIS) to enhance security, enforcement, and service along the northern border of the U.S. Using the latest in automation and video technology, RVIS improves the current primary inspection process in many small, rural border communities. The RVIS has been placed at low-volume, small, rural, part-time ports-of-entry (POEs) to extend their hours of operation to 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Now, Immigration and Customs Inspectors from larger 24-hour POEs (located many miles away) can remotely inspect travelers at the RVIS POEs using state-of-the-art surveillance and control equipment, and travelers may cross the border at any time of the day or night.

How Do I Enroll in RVIS?

The following INS District offices are participating in this program: Portland, ME; St. Paul, MN; Helena, MT; Buffalo, NY and Seattle, WA. United States citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States, Canadian citizens, Landed Commonwealth Residents of Canada, and nationals of designated Visa Waiver Pilot Program countries with a valid stamped Arrival/Departure Record (I-94 or I-94W), are eligible to participate in this program. To participate in RVIS, you must:

• Complete an application Alternative Inspection Service, INS form I-823, for everyone in the family; (Although RVIS can accommodate the non-enrolled traveler, the inspection time will increase);
• Present your completed application, supported by evidence of citizenship and/or legal residence, to your nearest Port Enrollment Center. Applications may also be submitted by mail to your nearest Port Enrollment Center for advanced processing; and 
• Participate in an interview with an immigration or customs inspector. 

What is OARS?

The Outlying Area Reporting Station (OARS) was developed as an alternative to the Canadian Border Boat Landing Program or, as it is commonly known, the I-68 program (seasonal permit). The I-68 program allows certain persons who enter the U.S. by small boat to be inspected once per year, and thereafter enter from time to time for recreational purposes without further inspection.

OARS provides a user-friendly, automated inspection to boaters with inspection time comparable to a land border inspection. The OARS program uses videophones, typically located at public marinas, which boaters may use to report to INS. The OARS units have been deployed to areas where the public has easy access to them, such as public gas docks, boating marinas, and state parks. Coupled with random compliance checks and used in appropriate low-risk locations, it effectively aids enforcement of immigration laws while providing convenience to the traveler.

How Do I Enroll in OARS?

United States citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States, Canadian citizens, Landed Commonwealth Residents of Canada, and nationals of designated Visa Waiver Pilot Program countries with a valid, stamped I-94 or I-94W, Arrival/Departure Record are eligible to participate in this program. For more information about participating in OARS please contact the following Districts: Buffalo, NY, Cleveland, OH, Detroit, MI, Portland, ME, Philadelphia, PA and St. Paul, MN.

Is There a Fee to Enroll in any PortPASS Program?

How Do I Get a PortPASS Application?

Visit or contact a PortPASS enrollment office and request INS form I-823. Complete the application according to the instructions provided. Return to an enrollment center with the required documents to support your application. The PortPASS card remains the property of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and may be revoked or canceled at any time.