What is the CBP One App?

On October 28, 2020, CBP, or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, developed an app called CBP One to allow individuals entering the U.S. to access certain CBP functions via their mobile devices. Over the last two years, the application’s functionality has expanded. Now, migrants who wish to seek asylum by crossing the Mexican border into the U.S. can schedule appointments in advance and ensure their eligibility for asylum through the CBP One app.

The purpose of this app is to allow individuals to pre-register, thereby speeding up face-to-face processing, reducing the time border officials spend entering biographical data, and shortening the time individuals are held in custody for questioning. On May 11, 2023, new features were added to the app, enabling individuals crossing the Mexican border to request appointments for eligibility inspections and ensure their eligibility for asylum. With these enhancements, individuals can schedule their appointments without needing a third party.

Since May 11, 2023, those entering the U.S. from the border can only schedule appointments through this app, which has been criticized for disadvantaging those without access to a mobile device.

What’s Included in the CBP One App?

Users can log into the CBP One app between 11:00 AM and 10:00 AM the next day, within a 23-hour window, to request appointments. The appointment dates are determined by CBP, considering the waiting periods of the individuals.
The app also includes features that allow users to view information related to the I-94 form. The I-94 form, issued by the DHS, allows travelers to access their entry and exit records and their planned departure dates from the U.S. Additionally, users can voluntarily share their location via GPS through the app.

Impact of the CBP One App on the Asylum Process

It’s important to note that asylum interviews are not directly scheduled through CBP One. Those who schedule appointments through CBP One first undergo a security check. If they pass these checks, they are admitted to the U.S. under “parole” and receive a Notice to Appear (NTA). The NTA is a notification that the individual will appear in an asylum court. So, while CBP One does not directly resolve asylum claims, it does initiate the asylum process through these appointments.

How to Use the CBP One App

Download the CBP One App:

Search for and download the “CBP One” app from your smartphone’s app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).

Allow Notifications from the App:

Click “Allow” on the pop-up box to enable notifications from the app.

Create an Account:

Tap the “Login or Sign Up” button.

Click “Accept” on the Terms of Use screen.

Tap “Continue” on the next prompt.

Tap “Create an Account” at the bottom of the page.

Enter your email address in the “Enter your email address” field.

Click the box to accept the “I read and accept the Login.gov” terms.

Click “Submit.”

You will receive a confirmation email. Follow the link in the email to complete the steps.

Log In with Your Account:

Open the app again. This time, log in with the account you created.

Tap “Login or Sign Up” and accept the terms again by clicking “Accept.”

Enter your email address and password, then click “Sign In.”

Create a Profile for Appointment:

Tap the “Traveler” option at the top.

Then tap “Land” and “Continue” (for border crossings).

On the next page, click “Submit Advance Information.” If using the app for the first time, click “Edit Profile” when prompted.

Enter your first name, last name, and a recovery email address, then click “Save.”

Select “English” as the form language. Allow the app to access your location by selecting “Allow While Using The App” or “Allow Once.” This helps CBP verify that you are at least one mile away from the U.S.

Continue by tapping “Continue” and “Register Travellers.”

Click “Add Traveller.”

Tap the “Take A Photo” button with the camera icon to upload your photo. Ensure the photo clearly shows your face, as it will be used for identity verification.

After successfully uploading your photo, tap “Submit Photo.” If you have access to your passport, you can upload it by selecting “Scan Passport.”

Fill in the “Biographical Information” section, including your first name, last name, date of birth, place of birth, country of birth, nationality, country of residence, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and native language. Once completed, tap “Continue.”

Answer questions about your employment and travel history, and provide information about your parents.

If traveling with others, repeat these steps for each traveler by clicking “Add traveler,” then tap “Continue.”

Enter the address where you plan to stay in the U.S. and the phone number of the person you plan to stay with. Fill in the address, city, state, zip code, and phone number fields. If the phone number is international, select “Yes” for the “Is this an international phone number?” question. Click “Continue” to proceed.

Enter your previous address information. If you submitted the information yourself, select “No” for the “Did someone assist you in submitting this information?” question.

Choose the border you plan to cross into the U.S. from. You can change this information when requesting an appointment. Click “Continue.”

Confirm your information by clicking “Yes, Submit” and “Ok.”

Request an Appointment:

Tap “Ask For An Appointment” on the screen.

If you do not want to change the entered border information, tap “Yes, Ask” to continue.

Your appointment request is now submitted. Click “Ok.”

Appointments are announced between 11:00 AM and 10:00 AM the next day. If CBP approves your appointment, you will receive an email and a notification. Be sure to check your email frequently and confirm your appointment without delay.

Confirm and Schedule Your Appointment:

Once your appointment is approved, log back into the app as you did during registration to check the status of your appointment. Follow the steps: “Traveler,” “Land,” “Submit Advance Information,” “English,” and “Continue.”

If your appointment is confirmed, you will see “APPOINTMENT PENDING CONFIRMATION” on the screen. Tap on it.

Click “Accept Appointment.” A face scan screen will appear to verify your identity. Ensure your face is fully captured by the camera.

Confirm your appointment by tapping “Schedule,” “Yes, Schedule,” and “OK.”

Prepare the Necessary Documents:

Ensure that all necessary documents are ready for your appointment day.

If your passport is lost, bring other identification documents and supporting documents explaining your situation.

What to Do on Appointment Day:

Be present at the border crossing you selected at the scheduled date and time.

Bring the appointment details and QR code from the CBP One app.

Important Notes

• If you encounter any issues with the app, refresh the page and do not exit.
• Ensure that the first photo you upload is of high quality and taken in a well-lit environment. If the photo is of low quality, the app may fail to verify your identity, requiring you to delete your account and start the process from scratch.
• Keep your documents with you and ensure you are at the nearest border crossing on your scheduled appointment date and time.