ORDER TO APPEAR FOR DEFERRED INSPECTION
When CBP cannot make an immediate immigration decision because required documentation or information is missing, the traveler may be scheduled to report later to a Deferred Inspection Site. CBP identifies Form I-546 as the document explaining what must be produced.
Current CBP guidance states that a traveler whose inspection is deferred may be given an Order to Appear-Deferred Inspection, Form I-546.
The form explains what information or documentation is required to resolve the discrepancy that could not be resolved at the original port of entry.
Deferred Inspection means the immigration inspection is not fully finished. The traveler should treat the reporting requirement seriously and preserve the original I-546.
CBP states that Deferred Inspection Sites are used when an immediate decision concerning the immigration status of an arriving traveler cannot be made because documentation is lacking.
On a case-by-case basis, the traveler can be directed to present the missing evidence later.
CBP explains that the office handling the follow-up does not necessarily have to be the original port where the traveler first arrived.
There are Deferred Inspection Sites throughout the United States and outlying territories.
The later inspection can resolve the missing-document problem, result in correction or issuance of admission documentation where appropriate, or lead to further immigration action if the traveler cannot establish eligibility for admission.
The result depends on the actual issue identified by CBP.
Secondary inspection usually occurs while the traveler remains at the port of entry. Deferred Inspection moves the unresolved inspection issue to a later date and location.
The immigration posture should be determined from the actual documents issued. Deferred Inspection means that CBP has postponed final resolution of an inspection issue.
Ignoring the reporting requirement can create serious immigration problems. The traveler should comply with the I-546 instructions or obtain appropriate legal guidance.
CBP states that in many instances the discrepancy can be resolved at a Deferred Inspection location associated with the traveler’s final destination rather than the original port.
These government materials provide the principal inspection and admission framework discussed on this page.
The Form I-546 should be reviewed together with the documents presented at the original inspection and the evidence needed to resolve the discrepancy.