Special Registration Program Modified

On December 2, 2003, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a rule that modifies several requirements of the Special Registration program.  Please note however that Special Registration has not been eliminated.

Changes to Special Registration include the following:

• There will no longer be a 30-day or one-year re-registration requirement.

• Instead of the 30-day or one-year re-registration requirement, DHS at its discretion may notify individual non-immigrants to appear for follow up interviews.

• Students with records in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) are no longer required to report address changes using Form AR-11SR provided that they are doing so through SEVIS.

What is Special Registration?

Special Registration is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) program administered by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Special Registration in NSEERS (National Security Entry-Exit Registration System) is a system that requires certain non-immigrants who enter the U.S. to register with DHS.   Special Registration takes place at a port of entry or at a designated DHS office for those who are required to appear for in-person interviews.

Who is Subject to Special Registration?

Special Registration affects non-immigrants from various countries.  Please visit the ICE website for up to date information on this program. 

What are the requirements of Special Registration?

Individuals subject to undergo Special Registration are required to:

• Undergo fingerprinting, photographing, and an interview at port of entry during initial registration.

• Report for follow-up interviews only upon Department of Homeland and Security (DHS) notification.

• Depart the U.S. only through designated ports of departure. If you are subject to Special Registration you must exit the U.S. only from a designated port of departure and report to an ICE inspecting officer prior to leaving that same day.  Please refer to Special Registration Procedures for Visitors and Temporary Residents for a listing of designated ports of departure (pages 7-8 and 9-26).

Where can I find more information?

With the launching of the US-VISIT program, some of the requirements of NSEERS were changed.  However, those nationals subject to NSEERS are still required to appear in person before an immigration official at a designated port of departure.

For up-to-date information on Special Registration please visit the ICE website.  You may also call the ISO at 312-362-8376 for additional information, questions and/or advice.



Updated 02.2005