The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to expand the US-VISIT program to cover some Canadians who work or study in the United States.
US-VISIT, which has been in effect since January of 2004, requires certain visitors to the United States to be fingerprinted and biometrically identified. The changes will make Canadians seeking certain non-immigrant visas, including those holding TN NAFTA professional visas and L or H class visas, subject to the program.
The changes will take effect on August 28, 2006.
The US-VISIT program is distinct from the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which was announced previously by the Department. If implemented, the Initiative will require Canadians to possess a valid passport by the end of 2006 for entry to the United States by air or sea and by the end of 2007 for entry by land.