What is the purpose of CBP Form 3124?
Form 3124 helps CBP to:
Identify the applicant(s) involved at CBP
Manage the processing of the applicant(s) during border processing
Develop an explanation of how to assist the applicant(s) through CBP processing
Provide a method for obtaining an applicant's decision after the applicant(s) has been reviewed, including a means of appeal process
This guidance is intended to serve as a reference to provide you with information and answers to the most common questions that you might have about this form.
When does CBP complete this form?
The CBP completes Form 3124 in response to an application for a U.S. visa or an application for a nonimmigrant visa from a foreign national.
The completed Form 3124 is submitted to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which processes the application using the information contained in the Form 3124.
For purposes of this guidance, we refer to the Form 3124 as the “Certificate of Removal.” You can submit the signed Certificate of Removal within 30 calendar days of receiving the certificate from CBP.
When does CBP send this Form 3124 to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Foreign Missions (OF), for processing?
CBP requests that OF send a copy of the completed Form 3124 along with Form DS-3070 to the United States' consular division (COS) of the U.S. State Department. You may choose to provide your own personal contact information and request that OF request U.S. citizenship status for you.
At any time after receiving the Certificate of Removal, you may obtain the following U.S. citizenship information form from OF. It can be faxed or emailed:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Office of Foreign Missions
2300 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20
How do I request my citizenship certificate?
If your application has been approved by CBP, you may request your Certificate of Removal from CBP by completing the Request CBP Certificate or Request Certificate of Removal (FORM D-3040-B). If all applications for foreign passports have been submitted, the certificate of removal is also included in your passport.
Who should complete CBP Form 3124?
CBP Form 3124 requires that an applicant will, among other things, provide proof that he or she is the actual owner of a firearm, a firearm is owned by his or her “suspected” spouse or spouse of his or her “suspected” spouse, an individual is the actual owner, or that the individual with whom he or she was in communication was the actual owner of a firearm before the date of the alleged violation. CBP Form 3124 also requires that the applicant provide proof of current residence in the United States as well as proof that the applicant is the actual owner of a firearm. If the applicant is on a U.S. Passport or the application indicates that the applicant is visiting the United States for other than tourism purposes, then the applicant should submit one of the following documents:
Letter from the foreign national passport authority showing that the foreign national holds the passport and was allowed to board a U.S. air or sea vessel in the United States. (Form 3122-A).
Letter from the U.S. consular officer or agent indicating that the foreign national does not have an alien or nonimmigrant visa, or evidence of the foreign national's nonimmigrant visa status. (The Consular Report of Travel Abroad, Form DS-260).
Certified copy of the foreign individual's visa (Form DS-261).
Certified copy of the foreign individual's document showing admission to the United States (Form DS-268).
A U.S. government official (preferably a USCIS officer) verifying that the applicant is in lawful status to travel to the United States. (Form D-842)
For an applicant with no U.S. passport, a U.S. government official should also verify that the applicant is the actual owner of a firearm or a firearm is owned by a relative, or that the individual who has been issued a firearm by the National Firearms Act (NFL) has completed and signed a Form 4473. The original/copies of the NFL forms may be submitted with the application if the applicant does not currently have a firearm and if the firearm is not being restored. See FAQ #4 above.
If the applicant cannot provide proof of the information listed in the applicable categories, an exemption from the information collection and reporting requirements (the “Safeguard” exemption) may be accepted.
When do I need to complete CBP Form 3124?
You must complete Form 3124 when filing your application. The form should be emailed to the CBP regional attorney in your area who will be responsible for forwarding the form to USCIS.
When doing an in-person interview at your local CBP office, or in a remote CBP office, you may be required to have your Form 3124 completed within a timely manner. If this is the case, call the nearest US Citizenship and Immigration Services field office or call to speak with a local office.
What if I am already interviewed and did my fingerprinting and immigration interview?
If you are already interviewed by CBP at your scheduled date, you were not required to complete an additional Form 3124. You may want to check with the field office that processed you for a copy of the Form 3124. We encourage applicants to have all Forms 3124 completed online prior to sending them to USCIS to expedite the processing of their application.
If I get an additional Form 3124 from my local office, can I complete that and resubmit it?
If you request an additional Form 3124, it will give USCIS additional information that it may need, for example, to prepare your I-797 petition. Although CBP will use the additional Form 3124 information to process your application, your application will no longer be referred to that form. USCIS will still use your entire application to determine your eligibility to stay in the United States. Therefore, you must submit your complete application to USCIS.
Can you provide an example of an additional form they require?
The Form 3124 includes three additional fields within the application that we have received from CBP for your convenience. The form is not limited to them. You can see examples of these additional fields in an online tool. The tool also lists additional questions that the form asks.
Can I use the information from my Form 3124 for an application?
You can use the additional information from Form 3124 or any of the other documents related to your status as of January 1, 2014, to support any application filed for immigration benefits. For example, you can use the information about your application for asylum or refugee status, your Form I-797 petition, or your ADP or TED application to prove your need for assistance. The form contains some “spillover” information that does not need to be reported on USCIS's website.
Can I create my own CBP Form 3124?
It is possible to upload images but if the format does not permit the use of images (a JPEG or PDF does), the text is not suitable for the Form.
What types of customs forms or information can I submit to Customs on my behalf? You need to have a custom form/contact information in your possession in the United States on which applicable fees should be included for processing. This is to facilitate the processing of your customs package. As a general rule, you are not permitted to issue a customs form to a customs broker for him/her to complete on his/her own. The Customs officer will issue you a standard form 3124 when it is determined that such a customs form is required for your customs package. If a customs broker is not available to complete the customs form for you, we urge you to submit your package to Border Services International (TSI) through an authorized agent. If you are in the United States and do not have a customs form in your possession, TSI will process your package in accordance with its Customs Procedures. To assist you, we have included with this guide a checklist to help you in completing a customs form if you need them.
If your item(s) require customs clearance you must submit your package to TSO for customs clearance. In the case of an item with a value of more than 600 USD, it will normally be required for TSO to be notified of a “Class 1” customs form or a “Specially Designated Nationals” (SDN) form. If your item does not fall under the “Class 1” or “SDN” forms, you should submit your package to a local U.S. Customs broker without requiring a customs clearance fee.
What do I do if the item(s) have a value of only 600 USD or less? If your item(s) have a value of less than 600 USD but do not fall under either the “Class 1” or “SDN” forms you need to submit your package to TSO for customs clearance. In the case of an item with a value of 600 USD or less that does not require a customs clearance notice, the standard customs form 3124 (without the signature template) is issued to you on completion of the customs form and will permit entry for a period of no less than 60 days on your behalf. You may be assessed a customs duty of 5% of the value of the item.
What should I do with CBP Form 3124 when it’s complete?
When you receive CBP Form 3124, make sure the information that it contains is correct — you will be required to sign and date the form. Do your homework on all parts of this form to provide accurate information. (See sample CBP Form 3124 below and learn more about form 3124.)
Form 3124: Summary of Information
Form 3124 does not require you to sign as part of the application for a visa, but you still need to do some filling out. Read the following topics and learn the information that you should have included:
Passport type: U.S. Permanent Resident
U.S. Permanent Resident Country: (choose the country name that best matches the one that you are applying for)
(choose the country name that best matches the one that you are applying for) Status: U.S. Citizen
U.S. Citizen Visa type: Permanent Resident Visa
Temporary Residence Visa
Temporary Work VISA
Temporary Protected Status
Permanent Residency (Green Card) Visa
You also need to learn more about visa regulations of the specific country where the visa applicants have a residence.
Note: If you are an applicant from the United States or Cuba, you must submit your completed Form 3124 to Customs in Puerto Rico. The following information may not apply if you are applying for a U.S. visa, but will be helpful in determining if you have a visa to enter Puerto Rico:
The visa you are applying for must be a nonimmigrant visa. The visa you are applying for is different from Temporary Protected Status. Temporary Protected Status cannot be extended. You must apply for a permanent visa. Temporary Protected Status may only be delayed, not ended, on specific dates according to the conditions set by Congress and the executive branch. The Department of Homeland Security will not issue Temporary Protected Status to anyone who has not complied with the conditions set forth in Public Law 114-87, Federal Register, or any other applicable statutes.
How do I get my CBP Form 3124?
You will need to have a DHS ID (driver's license, or Passport) or government issued photo ID, such as your state driver license.
2) You will need to make an appointment with a CBP officer. Your first appointment is FREE during the morning hours that you would make the request. After you make your appointment, you will be billed.
3) You'll be asked to bring your payment and proof of the name on the form.
Once you arrive to your first appointment, the officer will ask you to put a sheet of paper over the CBP seal to keep it off your record. He or she will verify that the information in the other document matches the information in the application and that you have the proper paperwork. It may take 3 or 4 interviews.
4) If you do not have a U.S. passport, the officer will also ask you to provide proof of your current address and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. If your Social Security Number is correct, the Form will issue a REAL ID Card (ID). A REAL ID is a document proving your identity and that you are of legal age to possess a particular type of personal identification. This can only be issued to you by DHS after you pay a fee. After you pay the fee and the paperwork is completed, you will receive a REAL ID card.
5) If you do not have a U.S. passport, the officer will also interview you and verify that:
• Your name matches the name on the form
• You are not on the list of people in jail awaiting deportation
• You are not on the list of people deported
• You are currently in the United States.
If any of these facts are not true, the officer will ask you to show this information again to clear it. If you cannot provide this kind of documentation and confirm that you are not on the list of people in jail awaiting removal and that you are not on the list of people who have been deported, then you will be denied a REAL ID card.
6) After your application has been approved, you must go to any U.S. CBP office to get your REAL ID:
• The name on the form must match the name on the DHS database.
What documents do I need to attach to my CBP Form 3124?
No. If you are applying for a Border Crossing ID Card you do not need documents that list your social or occupation information (unless you are applying for the International Driver's License).
Are the rules different for men and women?
No. For this purpose, CBP will compare the following information with a DHS-mandated list of qualifying individuals under the DHS Individual Master File:
Name, sex, gender, and date of birth.
U.S. citizen identification card.
Alien registration number.
U.S. Social Security number (SSN).
Any applicable visa(s) or documents, such as:
U.S. citizenship, passport(s), or national identification card; or
Permanent Resident Card; or
Green Card; or
U.S. Military orders and document(s) of entry or enlistment; or
U.S. nonimmigrant visa(s) and documents of entry or enlistment; or
International Driver's License; or
EAD identification card issued by Canada; or
U.S. Nonimmigrant Student Permit; or
Nexus Card; or
U.S. Employment Authorization Card; or
Certificate of Naturalization; or
U.S. Citizenship and Immigrant Services Card; or
U.S. Department of Defense identification; or
U.S. Permanent Resident Card, (or valid driver's license).
Note that the Department of Homeland Security has a separate U.S. citizen database, but no documents need be listed on the CBP Form 3124 to qualify for it. The list of documents that must be submitted for the CBP form 3124 is available below.
What documents must I submit to CBP (non-visa based) to qualify for a CBP card?
A passport. U.S. passport photo copies, or U.S. passport photocopies that indicate both photos are the same person without alteration.
Valid photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport), with the following information: First name and last name.
Social Security number and date of birth.
Address on the passport (or on your driver's license, social security card and the government issued document) to verify your home address for the CBP card.
CBP Form 3124: U.S.
What are the different types of CBP Form 3124?
You have three choices when it comes to the type of CBP Form 3124 you must fill out for your trip through or out of the United States. The most common is the standard Form 3124. These forms usually only cover the U.S. ports of entry (Peps) and have no additional requirements or requirements for other Peps.
If you do choose to fill out a Form 3124, you must follow these four steps:
Find your departure PEP or exit PEP. This can vary depending on the specific PEP you are using, the type of trip, and the type of passport you are traveling with. Note: You can use a secondary PEP at PEP ports of entry to enter the U.S. without a visa as long as you are not traveling from or to a PEP point other than the exit PEP. Ask for information about your individual PEP. You can find the information on your Form 3124 at the bottom of page 6 in the instructions that come with the form. Once you have the information, include it with your Form 3124. File the completed Form 3124 to your airline on the U.S. Department of State's website at this link. If you are traveling with a paper traveling companion, you can file your Form 3124 in person at a port of entry or PEP. Ask for your passport. Once you receive your Form 3124, you must immediately file your passport application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Some other travel options to consider are:
Air Canada and Wester offer a travel insurance program that will cover all of your international travel expenses, including your Form 3124. Click here to learn more.
Seat61, FirstCheapAir, and Wester offer low-cost fares between their U.S.-based hubs and Canada's cities of Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.
How do I check an address for free?
If you don't have a driver's license but can find a post office to mail your Form 3124 and address to, that is good enough for CBP.
A lot of people don't realize this. Check out this video.
It's possible for you to check an address without a driver's license, but you still need an address to be able to travel.
How many people fill out CBP Form 3124 each year?
Over the past five years, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has accepted fewer than 3 million Form 3124 applications.
As of February 1, 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Protection accepted a total of 3,078,063 applications for admission into the United States. Of these applications, we accepted 3,715,943 on February 1, 2015, alone.
CBP approved an individual's application on average 5.2 days quicker than we processed it.
If I apply on a week-round basis, won't I be able to process and approve my application faster?
Yes, you will have an application processed within 2 weeks of the deadline, provided that you are willing to submit a Form 3124 on a weekly basis.
Why is CBP reviewing form 3124 applications?
In recent years, many illegal aliens have abused the immigration system and obtained lawful permanent resident status through fraudulent means. The U.S. government does not honor or validate the Form 3124 as an immigration process. Many applications have been placed in processing backlogs simply because of the delay in processing them. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) considers these applications to be high risk. These applications are sent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for review. CBP conducts its review to determine if the applicant has any criminal convictions or if there are any national security concerns such as an investigation of terrorism or espionage.
Can you explain why your agency is choosing to approve fewer nonimmigrant visa applications due to the backlog of Form 3124 applications?
The increase in asylum applications as a result of recent terrorist attacks in Europe is a factor to consider; however our current processing and backlog issues have little to do with this. Currently, the United States receives more applications, as a percentage of total cases, for all types of visas other than immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. In other words, the number of applications for each type of visa is equal. Furthermore, the United States receives far more asylum cases than it does for any other category of nonimmigrant visa; however, it receives fewer applications for immigrant visas.
CBP is taking appropriate action to increase awareness of the importance of timely processing of Form 3124 applications. Specifically, CBP will be focusing on processing applications for the Moused Class A Nonimmigrant Visas at a faster rate and processing them within 14 days regardless of the application type.
Is there a due date for CBP Form 3124?
It is possible for CBP Form 3124 to be issued more than 60 days after an application is granted.
When do I submit my application with CBP?
If you are applying at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices, you are required and encouraged to submit your application no later than March 31 of each year. See How to Apply.
When is an initial interview with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer scheduled?
Initial interviews with CBP officers take place within 48 hours of your submission of Form 3124. Applicants' interviews are generally conducted during the early morning and late afternoon hours while their applications are being considered. There are no official CBP office hours on these weekends. However, interviews can take place when CBP and USCIS need additional time to review your application and/or processing.
Is the cost of filing and paying for a CBP Form 3124 for each individual in the household based on the taxpayer's filing status and citizenship status also based on the payer's filing status?
Yes. An applicant's payment of taxes is a part of the filing process. No specific Form 3124 forms are prepared for the different filing periods. Applicants must submit any forms required by their employment status in their tax return.
Is it possible to file a separate Form 3124 for each individual?
Yes. Each individual filing Form 3124 must be referred to by his or her name. When a taxpayer receives a Form 3124, he or she should enter his or her name in the space provided by the form.
Are there any exceptions to the filing date requirements or the payment deadlines?
Yes. Any tax-related activities or transactions may be required to be reported on the individual annual tax return.
May a U.S. citizen in the U.S. illegally be required to pay taxes on income earned for purposes of entering the U.S. illegally?
Yes. A person who has entered the U.S. illegally must pay all income taxes associated with the period of time for which the person was in unlawfully. This may include income from any sources on which the taxpayer was or is liable for U.S. taxes. The income should be reported, reported timely, and reported on Form 1040 or equivalent.
May a U.S. citizen in the U.S.