Multiple Entry visa question

[PBEnglish 4]

Hi all,

 

First time here with a first time question.
My wife, a Chinese citizen holding Canadian permanent residency, also holds a multiple-entry US visa. Mainly because of the pandemic, she hasn't been back to the United States in a few years. Before the pandemic though, we travelled to China out of Detroit Metro Airport. At the time of our crossing into Detroit, (January 2018), she was pulled into secondary screening because until that particular time she hadn't been into the United States for over a year. I can't quite remember what the exact phrasing was, but it definitely had something to do with the length of time between entering the country, and that to avoid delays in being processed at the border, she could pre-register in future for any other US trips.
 In a few weeks time, we are hoping to go to Detroit for a concert. We absolutely can not remember what this pre-registration was/is. I've tried Google and am unable to find anything. I've tried contacting various customs related numbers and that's been a dead-end as well.
 Would anyone here know what this pre-registration is? Again, she has a multiple entry visa, (which doesn't expire until June 2025) and has never been denied entry into any country. We just can't afford to be delayed at the border this particular time as we're attending a timed event.

Thanks in advance for any hints or help!

Paul
 

[Dashinka 24,591]

I have never heard of pre-registering a trip with CBP.  Also people with multi-entry B2 visas don’t always come frequently.  Based on you last experience, I would budget extra time just-in-case.

 

Good Luck!

[powerpuff 6,727]

13 minutes ago, PBEnglish said:

that to avoid delays in being processed at the border, she could pre-register in future for any other US trips.

I think what was meant here a pre-clearance port. There are a handful of airports around the world that have CBP pre clearance so you go through immigration there and when you arrive in the US, you arrive as a domestic flight because you already cleared Immigration. I went through pre clearance in Dublin many times.

[Dashinka 24,591]

12 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

I think what was meant here a pre-clearance port. There are a handful of airports around the world that have CBP pre clearance so you go through immigration there and when you arrive in the US, you arrive as a domestic flight because you already cleared Immigration. I went through pre clearance in Dublin many times.

Except it sounds like the OP is crossing by land at the Detroit/Windsor border.

[powerpuff 6,727]

5 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

Except it sounds like the OP is crossing by land at the Detroit/Windsor border.

Hmm then I’m also not aware of what pre-registering is.

[PBEnglish 4]

21 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

I have never heard of pre-registering a trip with CBP.  Also people with multi-entry B2 visas don’t always come frequently.  Based on you last experience, I would budget extra time just-in-case.

 

Good Luck!

Hi!

Thanks for this. Looking in to it on another forum, it looks as if it might be the EVUS program that was brought in in 2016. My wife is a Chinese citizen, with Canadian residency, and EVUS is just for Chinese B1,B2 or B1/B2 visa holders.
Other issue we just realized is that her passport expires in early 2024, so it seems as if we're out of luck since the EVUS program needs at least a year's validity in the passport to apply for.
But I appreciate your advice. Thank you!:)
 

[PBEnglish 4]

2 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

Hmm then I’m also not aware of what pre-registering is.

We are indeed crossing Windsor/Detroit.

 I'm almost positive it's a visa program that's just for Chinese passport holders. But I appreciate the advice!
Thank you!

[SalishSea 17,921]

20 minutes ago, PBEnglish said:

Hi!

Thanks for this. Looking in to it on another forum, it looks as if it might be the EVUS program that was brought in in 2016. My wife is a Chinese citizen, with Canadian residency, and EVUS is just for Chinese B1,B2 or B1/B2 visa holders.
Other issue we just realized is that her passport expires in early 2024, so it seems as if we're out of luck since the EVUS program needs at least a year's validity in the passport to apply for.
But I appreciate your advice. Thank you!:)
 

Even having something like that is no guarantee of admission, nor does it mean she would not have to go through inspection at the border.   It’s not like a NEXXUS card.

Edited September 4, 2023 by SalishSea

[SalishSea 17,921]

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/electronic-visa-update-system-evus/frequently-asked-questions

Apparently it is required.