WASHINGTON – The Immigration & Naturalization Service’s (INS) has announced that the Canadian Border Boat Landing Program shall be resumed with additional security enhancements.

The INS suspended the Canadian Border Boat Landing Program after the terrorist attacks of September 11. Due to enhanced security measures along our borders, both the Canadian Border Boat Landing Permits (Form I-68) and the Outlying Area Reporting Stations (OARS) programs have been modified for the 2002 boating season.

Only the current Form I-68, revised January 31, 2002, will be accepted this season. The Form I-68 will not be renewable by mail. Each applicant must appear in person for inspection, interview, and a name query against the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS). The names and dates of birth of children less than 14 years of age must be listed on one or both parents’ Form I-68. If approved, a three-part Form I-68 will be issued to each applicant age 14 years and older. Each part of Form I-68 will bear the photograph and fingerprint of the applicant. The fees for both individuals and families will remain the same.

Under the Form I-68 program, applicants for admission into the United States by small pleasure boats are inspected and issued a single boating permit for the entire boating season. This permit enables them to enter the United States from Canada for recreational purposes without the need to report to INS for further inspection. United States citizens or lawful permanent residents and Canadian citizens or landed immigrants of Canada are eligible to apply for Form I-68. For those who are not United States Citizens (USCs) or lawful permanent residents of the United States, Form I-68 authorizes admission within the immediate shore area of the United States for no more than 72 hours at a time.

Boaters not in possession of a valid Form I-68 must either report in person for inspection at a port-of-entry or utilize one of the 33 OARS videophone stations each time they apply for admission to the United States. Under the OARS program, videophones installed at public marinas along the Canadian border provide an automated inspection service enabling two-way visual and audio communication between the inspector and the applicant for admission. Any non-USC who does not comply with these procedures will be subject to adverse actions under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Further information on the northern border small boat inspections program may be obtained from the INS Internet site located at http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/lawenfor/bmgmt/inspect/oars.htm or by calling a local port-of-entry.