CBP (US Customs and Border Protection)
CBP, US Customs and Border Protection, is the Department of Homeland Security agency that inspects people and goods entering the United States at airports, land borders, and seaports, and patrols the borders between ports of entry.
What CBP does for travelers
A CBP officer decides whether to admit you and on what terms, even if you already have a visa. CBP creates your I-94 record, runs ESTA for Visa Waiver travelers, and handles Global Entry.
CBP officers can also admit Canadian and Mexican professionals in TN status at the border and decide some L-1 cases for Canadians. At many Canadian and some other foreign airports, CBP preclearance lets you clear US immigration before boarding.
CBP is different from USCIS (benefits) and ICE (enforcement inside the US). See our TN visa page and visiting the US.
Frequently asked questions
Can CBP deny entry with a valid visa?
Yes. A visa lets you travel to a port of entry, but the CBP officer decides admission.
How do I fix an error on my I-94?
Contact CBP's deferred inspection office or USCIS, depending on who made the error.
What is preclearance?
US border inspection done at certain foreign airports before you fly.
Official sources
- CBP: Travelcbp.gov
- CBP: I-94 websitei94.cbp.dhs.gov
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.