Traveling to the United States or returning from a trip? A sudden change in the immigration process for arrivals may catch you off guard. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has officially ended the long-time tradition of stamping passports, following an announcement on October 1, 2026. Outlined in a bulletin, the decision is part of a broader change aimed at improving travelers’ experience on arrival in the US.

USA ends passport stamps for inbound travelers; Why 

CBP, a federal law enforcement agency, described passport stamping as an obsolete practice in view of facial biometric and automation technology. It unnecessarily consumes time and incurs costs. The decision to eliminate passport stamping from the arrival process aims to reduce operating costs and save time for CBP officers during busy travel times of the year. This is one of the thoughtful initiatives by CBP to modernize operations and optimize resources.

Do passport stamps disappear entirely from US airports?

No. Admission stamps on the arriving travelers’ passports cease only during primary screening – the first CBP checkpoint that you go through on arrival. The CBP confirmed that you may still get admission stamp during secondary screening if you go through further checks. Even some unprecedented situations at the initial stage of CBP inspection may get your passport stamped.

Passport stamps are still crucial for US immigrants and visa holders

Though passport stamping is a routine procedure, it physically records the arrival of Green Card and visa holders after a period of travel and/or stay abroad. Precisely, it is physical proof of their legal entry into USA. At the same time, the CBP’s electronic I-94 system automatically records their entry and exit.

With the phased elimination of passport stamping, the electronic I-94 Form becomes the main proof of entry into the US, exit from the US, and authorized duration of stay in the US for B1/B2 tourists, non-immigrant visa holders, Green Card holders and other US immigrants. Not visa validity, but Form I-94 decides your length of stay in the US, and shows how long you have been outside the US during an international trip.

What if CBP’s I-94 system does not log your US entry timely or accurately due to electronic failure or some other reason? In such unprecedented events, passport stamps are required as physical evidence of your admission into the US. For instance, a Green Card holder returns to the US after 158 days of stay abroad. If the I-94 system does not log your entry on time, your absence from the US will accrue beyond 158 days – which is likely to put your LPR status at risk according to Green Card Travel Rules, said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor at IndianEagle.com.

Can you request a passport stamp when entering the US?

While making the official announcement to end passport stamping, the CBP said that personal requests for a stamp would be honored. If you want to keep a physical record of your entry to USA, a CBP officer will stamp your passport on request.

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The post USA Ends Passport Stamps for Travelers; What It Means for Green Card and Visa Holders first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post USA Ends Passport Stamps for Travelers; What It Means for Green Card and Visa Holders appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

After having updated the immigrant photo validity rules in December 2025, the Department of Homeland Security is tightening the signature rules for USCIS forms for H1B visa, Green Card, work permit, status adjustment/extension, etc. Under the new USCIS signature rules 2026, your signature can make or break your US visa application or immigration filing. The latest USCIS update has already raised concerns among US employers, immigrants, and visa applicants because filing fees will not be refunded in most cases.

What is the new USCIS signature rule?

The new US visa signature rule for H-1B, Green Card, and other immigration filings was introduced by the US Department of Homeland Security through an interim final rule that will take effect on 10 July 2026. Earlier, unsigned or incorrect forms were usually rejected during the intake stage and returned for correction. Now, USCIS officers have broader authority to deny an application later during adjudication if the signature is found invalid.

This means your case could stay under review for months before being denied because of a signature issue. USCIS says the updated policy is intended to improve filing integrity and reduce fraudulent submissions.

List of USCIS-approved signatures for US visa and immigration  

USCIS still accepts traditional handwritten (wet-ink) signatures for most paper filings. The existing immigrants, new applicants, and employers are being advised to carefully follow the updated signature guidelines before submission. The valid ways to sign USCIS forms are:

• Original handwritten signatures
• Clear scanned copies of wet-ink signatures
• Faxed or photocopied signatures in some cases
• Electronic signatures only where officially permitted by USCIS

What signatures are invalid and unacceptable to USCIS in 2026

The latest USCIS update clearly states that questionable, copied, or improperly generated signatures will not be approved starting 10 July 2026.

• Typewritten names instead of hand-written signatures
• Copy-pasted signatures
• Software-generated signature images
• Virtually created signature images
• Signatures by unauthorized individuals
• Poor-quality scanned signature
• Signature stamps in paper filings

USCIS’ new signature policy to impact the following

The latest update applies to US visa and immigration processes, including

• H-1B visa petitions
• Employment-based Green Card applications
• Adjustment of Status filings
• Work permit applications
• Change or extension of status requests
• Family-sponsored immigration petitions

Forms like I-129 and I-485 are among the most important documents affected by the new visa application signature policy.

How it affects US immigrants and H1B visa applicants

The likelihood of approval delay or rejection increases even after the USCIS accepts a filing, under the new signature rule in 2026. It would significantly affect Indian-origin H1B Visa and Green Card holders/applicants, as they make up the largest group in the employment-based US immigration category. Many H-1B and Green Card filings involve remote signing between applicants, employers, and immigration attorneys, leaving space for signature-related errors.

As per the USCIS update, even a small issue in signature could lead to approval delay, loss of filing fees, rejection (in the worst case), and additional stress for Indians who are currently facing long Green Card backlogs and visa processing timelines.

The post USCIS Update 2026: New Signature Rules for H1B, Green Card Petitions Starting 10 July first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post USCIS Update 2026: New Signature Rules for H1B, Green Card Petitions Starting 10 July appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

You have not subscribed to the Global Entry program for expedited entry formalities in the US. No worries! Mobile Passport Control App is your free guide to faster immigration clearance and customs screening for seamless re-entry to USA after an international trip. Some savvy travelers call MPC App CBP’s best kept secret, as only 8% of inbound travelers used this in 2024, though it is the best alternative to Global Entry, and that too for free.

What is Mobile Passport Control App 

Mobile Passport Control works as a digital “fast lane” through immigration and customs at US airports. A free official app from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), MPC helps streamline your arrival in the US and quicken your entry into the country. It eliminates the need to make customs declaration in paper. Rather, you can easily submit your passport information and customs declaration to the CBP through the Mobile Passport Control App on your phone. It gives you access to dedicated express lanes at more than 50 airports across the US.

Mobile Passport Control vs Global Entry 

Both Mobile Passport Control and Global Entry are designed to expediate the US entry process, but they are poles apart in several aspects. Firstly, MPC App is absolutely free whereas Global Entry is a premium program for $120 for 5 years. Unlike the Global Entry Trusted Traveler program, Mobile Passport Control App requires no application process, no in-person interview, no fingerprinting, basically no prior approval. You can easily download the app on your phone for immediate use. While Global Entry and TSA PreCheck come together, MPC is a convenient alternative for those seeking a complimentary solution.

Where You can Use Mobile Passport Control

As of December 2025, you can use CBP’s MPC App at 53 US entry points, including 35 international airports, 14 US preclearance facilities abroad, and 4 seaports (cruise ports). Precisely, this covers almost all the major gateway airports in the United States and several international transit hubs overseas. Using MPC APP, you can breeze through US immigration and customs clearance at major airports like NYC JFK, Los Angeles LAX, San Francisco SFO, Chicago ORD, Atlanta ATL, Houston IAH, Detroit, and Miami MIA.

If you travel on Etihad flights to USA from India, you can clear US immigration and customs through MPC App at the designated preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi Airport. The US entry preclearance facilities in Canada and Ireland do also support the app for eligible international travelers.

How to use Mobile Passport Control App

CBP’s MPC App is compatible with iPhones and Android mobile devices. You can download the app before you travel back to the US. Once installed, you need to create a profile by scanning your passport or entering the passport details manually. The app stores the information securely. You can add to the profile maximum 12 people traveling with you. No background check, fingerprinting, or pre-approval is required.

The app can be used to further the process only within 4 hours before landing or immediately after landing in the US. You need to click and upload a selfie through the app for identity verification followed by a few standard customs declaration questions. Hit ‘Submit’ once you answer the questions. Your information is shared with the CBP over a secure connection, and you will receive confirmation, either as a QR code or a receipt on the screen.

As you deplane and head toward immigration, look for signs for “Mobile Passport Control” or ask an airport staff where the MPC lane is. Major US airports have clear signage directing MPC app users to designated lanes.

You’ll hand over your actual passport and show the CBP officer the confirmation QR code or receipt that you receive through the app. The officer scans your passport and/or the QR code to verify the info that you submit through MPC App. He might ask a couple of routine questions or simply verify your identity against your selfie. And that’s it! You are all set to enter the country or take a domestic flight without the paper work and probably in a fraction of the waiting time for other passengers.

Who can use Mobile Passport Control App

According to the CBP, US citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) can use Mobile Passport Control App for seamless arrival and fast entry in the United States. It is also available to Canadian citizens visiting the US on B1/B2 visa, and Visa Waiver Program travelers with pre-approved ESTA. In plain terms, nationals of the countries eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are privileged to use the app.

Can B1/B2 visa holders from India use MPC App for hassle-free arrival at US airports?    

No, B1/B2 visa holders from India are not eligible to use the Mobile Passport Control App. However, if you are an NRI holding a US Green Card (lawful permanent resident), you are eligible to use MPC for a quicker and more convenient immigration experience at supported US airports.

The post Mobile Passport Control App: A Free Alternative to Global Entry for Quick US Immigration & Customs Clearance first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Mobile Passport Control App: A Free Alternative to Global Entry for Quick US Immigration & Customs Clearance appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.