The National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) also known as Special Registration which was put into effect after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 was terminated as of April 27, 2011.
Foreign nationals who registered with NSEERS upon entering the US are no longer required to register upon leaving the US as previously notified. All you have to do now is to submit the I-94 at the airport agent. If you are going back to Canada by land transportation, you have to submit it to the border agent.
All visitors are still subject to inspection; however the criteria for a possible secondary inspection is no longer due to the fact that your home country is on the NSEERS list. Criteria for secondary inspection include possession of wants/warrants history, first time immigrant, and declaration of big sum of cash/commercial goods. Random inspections are also actively enforced.
The Department of Homeland Security and Department of State implemented Student and Exchange Visitor Program and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System in 2002 to better keep track of students and exchange visitors. Payment for SEVIS I-901 is mandatory in order to apply for F-1, M-1 and J-1 visa. ($200 for F-1/M-1, $180 for J-1).
The holders of these visas are also required to notify the authorities of their change of address through the SEVIS system which is an online system which monitors all student and exchange visa holders and their dependents. Visit http://www.ice.gov/sevis/.
