Entry With or Without Inspection

Entry with inspection or entry without inspection describes the manner in which an individual entered the US. All aliens entering the US are required to present themselves to a USCIS officer for inspection, demonstrate the right to enter the country and obtain approval prior to entry. Entering the US with inspection approval is referred to as entry with inspection.  It is also commonly called legal entry or having come with papers.  If the right to enter is not demonstrated, the person who seeks entry may be removed from the US.  Generally, aliens who entered with a valid visa through an airport, harbor, or point of entry, entered with inspection so long as they were seen and interviewed by a USCIS officer. A person who enters  the United States any  way other than “with inspection” is entered without inspection. As such, those who came across the border without the approval of a USCIS officer entered without inspection.  This may result in the 3/10 year bar when the alien seeks to legalize his/her status.