Beginning July 1, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will transition to issuing electronic Crewman’s Landing Permits, Form I-95. This change reflects CBP’s broader modernization efforts and is intended to simplify inspection processes and reduce reliance on paper documentation for crew members entering the United States.
Under the new system, CBP will create a new electronic Form I-95 for each encounter with a crew member. This eliminates the current practice of reusing paper permits across multiple entries, ensuring that each admission is individually recorded and up to date. The shift aims to enhance accuracy in recordkeeping while streamlining processing at ports of entry.
Crewmembers will be able to access their electronic I-95 in a flexible and convenient manner. The document can be displayed on a smart device or printed as needed from the official I-94/I-95 website or through the CBP Link mobile application. However, only the most recently issued I-95 will be available for retrieval, making it important for crew members and employers to save copies for their records when appropriate.
CBP has noted that paper Forms I-95 may still be issued at certain locations where data connectivity is limited or unavailable. As a result, vessel owners, masters, and agents should coordinate closely with their local port of entry to determine whether paper documentation will still be required.
Businesses in the maritime and transportation sectors should prepare for this transition by becoming familiar with CBP’s digital tools and updating internal processes to ensure ongoing compliance.
