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Custom Search VISITORS TO THE UNITED STATES ATF Form 6NIA Guidance provided by Joe Potosky, the Lost Target Quick Page Links ATF Imports Branch Target Shooters Shoot Invitation Hunter Ammunition Exempt Club Membership Renting Border Problems Departing Firearm Repairs Passport Updates & Problems Completion Tips Other This page is directed to target shooters and hunters who want to enter the states with firearms for sporting purposes.  This page provides guidance only. Nonimmigrant aliens are required to have an approved ATF Form 6NIA for entry into the states with firearms and/or ammunition. Firearms and ammunition listed on the permit may be repeatedly brought into the states for twelve months from the date the permit is approved. The Process The application can only be approved by the ATF Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch located in West Virigina.  You may mail or fax the application.  It's recommended you fax. - Download ATF Form 6NIA application. - Complete the form. - Attach shoot invitations, registrations, or state side hunting license. - Fax (304) 616-4551 It may take eight weeks for the application to be approved. Make sure provided information is legible.  If not readable it will not be processed! List correct model, not O/U or Semi.  Contact the Manufacturer if not sure List all firearms, to include backup gun. To add a firearm at a later date, you must submit a new application, listing all firearms. When the space provided on the ATF Form 6NIA, items 14.a thru h. is not sufficient to list all the articles you wish to import, as in your latest submission, please note solely the words “see attachment” on the face of the ATF Form 6NIA, under block 14.a.. Then use a separate sheet of paper to precisely describe and list the articles following the identical column format items 14.a.-h. List all ammunition your importing, include shoot-off and practice ammunition. Ammunition not listed, cannot be taken into the states. To add ammunition at a later date, you must submit a new application, listing all firearms and ammunition. You can mix and match firearms and ammunition on one permit i.e., rifle, pistol, shotgun. All items listed on the permit need not be in your possession when entering, as your allowed multiple entries. Fax: Provide a telephone number and fax number (including country code). Insure the information can be read at the other end.  If not sure, run a test by faxing to yourself for readability. When faxing a hunting license, insure it's readable.  Could be a problem if your name and address was written in. Some are providing faxes which are blocked when the equipment does not recognize the fax Õ phone number.  This can be prevented by taking your blocks off when your fax number is provided for processing. Fax only one copy of each document.  Fax: (304) 616-4551. You will normally receive an approved or disapproved application from the ATF in six or eight weeks.  It's recommended you submit the application 90 days prior to the date you need it. A shoot brochure/flier is not a Shoot Invitation!

 

Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch   Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch 244 Needy Road Martinsburg, West Virginia 25405 Phone: (304) 616-4550 Fax: (304) 616-4551 NIA Fax: (304) 616-4554 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (except federal holidays) Regulations & Forms for Nonimmigrant Alien Imports Branch - Web Site Regulations for Nonimmigrant Alien Regarding Firearms & Ammunition - FAQ  Regulations for Nonimmigrant Alien Regarding Firearms & Ammunition Application for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition ATF Form 6NIA - PDF Nonimmigrant Aliens Purchasing Firearms and Ammunition - ATF Pamphlet - PDF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms - Quarterly Bulletin: Volume 1 - 2002 Implementation of Regulations for Nonimmigrant Alien - Background Information Free PDF File Reader The ATF Office will answer any questions: Phone (304) 616-4550 (8am - 5pm EST) Top

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Target Shooters When submitting the ATF Form 6NIA for approval, also submit shoot invitations/registrations to all events you will be attending for the next 12 months. The approved ATF Form 6NIA you receive will authorize enter to the states with firearms and ammunition listed on the permit, repeatedly for 12 months, from the date the permit is approved, as long as the invitations/registrations attached to the permit are for future events. A permit supported with shooting invitations can only be used to enter the states to attend such events. A shoot brochure/flier is not a Shoot Invitation!  When a club mails a shoot brochure/flier they should include a brief Invitation to attend. We (ATF) will need an official invitation or registration, preferably on the organizations letterhead, to attend a competitive target shooting event or sports or hunting trade show sponsored by a national, State, or local firearms trade organization devoted to the competitive use or other sporting use of firearms. A processed registration form in your name will meet our requirements. If you can not provide the above referenced documents, then a copy of the envelope showing your name, address, and postmark along with the senders will also work. The ATA and a number of clubs put out a very good shoot invitation letter that seem to pass mustered with both the Firearms Branch and Customs.  Saying that, such letters are technically only to be used for attending shooting events and not just dropping in for a club visit. If you have doubts on the validity of your invitation, contact West Virigina ATF to insure it's acceptable, as if rejected, you may not be notified for 6 - 8 weeks. Hunting License Exception: If you do not expect to receive invitations / registrations for future competitions until shortly before the competitions, you may want to rely on the hunting license exception to the nonimmigrant alien prohibition. If you attach a hunting license to your application, you will be able to bring in the firearms and ammunition listed on the permit repeatedly for 12 months after the date the permit is approved, as long as you have a valid State hunting license to present to the Customs Inspector at the time of entry. You may rely on this exception even though you are coming to the United States for competitive shooting events, and not to hunt. The use of this exception is used by a large number of Canadian target shooters who enter the states frequently and also by Snow Birds. Guidance provided on the ATF Form 6NIA application: If you are attending a shooting event or trade show and are not sure if it qualifies for the exception, please contact ATF's Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch prior to submitting your application.  ATF can tell you whether the event qualifies.  If it does not qualify, you may instead support your application with a hunting license or permit from a State within the United States. The hunting license/permit DOES NOT have to be from the State where you will be importing and/or using the firearm(s) and ammunition.  See question #18 of the application, if using the hunting license option. Top

 

Shoot Invitations A shoot brochure/flier is not a shoot invitation!  When a club mails a shoot brochure/flier they should include a brief personalized invitation to attend. It's recommended that in the body of the invitation, it's addressed to the shooter, on letterhead with organization logo. I received this guidance from the ATF on Apr 17, 2007: To NIA Applicant: We will need an official invitation or registration, preferably on the organizations letterhead, to attend a competitive target shooting event or sports or hunting trade show sponsored by a national, State, or local firearms trade organization devoted to the competitive use or other sporting use of firearms. A processed registration form in your name will meet our requirements. If you can not provide the above referenced documents, then a copy of the envelope showing your name, address, and postmark along with the senders will also work. If the club you want to visit is unsure on how to format a shoot invitation, feel free to forward this page link or have them contact the ATF. SHOOT MANAGEMENT - PREPARING SHOOT INVITATIONS Local organizations devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms can issue shoot invitations. From past experience, ATF expects to see a club logo and/or national logo on the invitation. Club's should consider setting up shoot invitations with a mail merge program, to ease the use of producing such documents. Club's may add multiple club shoots to one invitation, to include league shooting and fun shoots. Sample Shoot Invitation - PDF Sample Shoot Invitation - DOC Regional/state organizations are encouraged to compose a comprehensive shoot invitation listing all shoots/events held in its jurisdiction.   Top

Hunter An approved ATF Form 6NIA with a stateside hunting license (any state), gives unlimited entry for valid reasons, not necessarily hunting. You must always have a valid license in your possession! The hunting license submitted with the ATF Form 6NIA application can be from any U.S. state.  It does not have to be from the state that you will be hunting or visiting. Non-resident shooting preserve license Non-resident small game hunting Non-Resident Non-Game If not sure of your hunting plans, or attending speciality hunts, and permits are not drawn until a late date, you may want to submit an ATF Form 6NIA with a hunting license from another state, in order to have an approved ATF Form 6NIA in your possession. It's recommended you purchase an inexpensive license, if the state your hunting has not yet issued a license for the period you will be visiting.  Of course, you will require a hunting license from that state, at the time of the hunt. Non-Hunters For shooters using the license option for target sports other then hunting, it's recommended you purchase an inexpensive license. The license does not have to be from the states you will be shooting in! Hunting License - Reasonable Priced - Internet Purchase Non-residients who require a hunting license to support ATF Form 6NIA: Alaska/ Small Game Hunting (Jan - Dec)   $20 (US)  Instant Download. North Dakota / Non-Game Hunting (Jan - Dec)   $17 (US)  Instant Download. Indiana / Shooting Preserve    $8.75 (US). 50 State License Information - Lost Target * Prices subject to change. When non-hunters use the hunting license option, it's recommended they give some thought on how they will convince custom officials they are entering the states for legitimate reasons i.e., shoot fliers, club membership, etc. Renewal You can use any hunting license to renew your ATF Form 6NIA, as long as it is valid at the time submitted. You submit in Dec. and your license expires Jan 1.  That is acceptable. When you receive your approved ATF Form 6NIA you will need a vaild license when crossing the border. Top

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Ammunition You can purchase ammunition when in possession of an ATF Form 6NIA or stateside hunting license. Ammunition, as well as firearms, can be listed on the ATF Form 6NIA. When Importing ammunition, as many Canadian shooters do, you must take into account all ammunition requirements. Be generous on your ammunition allowance and consider practice rounds, bad shells, and shoot off's. If coming into the states to attend three skeet shoots without departing, at a minimum you would require 1,500 shells. As the approved ATF Form 6NIA can be used for multiple trips, include factory ammunition requirements and reloads for the various shoots/hunts you will be attending. What is the the number of shells you will be bringing into the states at one time for each discipline; 50 9mm, 200 .22, 1700 shotgun shells? Your NOT required to bring all shells listed, when entering the US. Ammunition not listed on ATF Form 6NIA, cannot be brought into the states. Your required to return to your own country any unfired ammunition you initial brought into the states. If you have 10 boxes (one case, 250 rounds) of factory Winchester 12 gauge ammunition listed, and did not shoot it, your required to leave with it. 2. Aquired Ammunition: If in possession of an ATF Form 6NIA or stateside hunting license, you can purchase ammunition, but you CANNOT leave the states with the purchased ammunition, unless you have an export permit. Ammunition won as a prize, given to you, etc., CANNOT leave the states, unless you have an export permit. Top

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Exempt Importation If your don't live in the US disregard... Guidance provided on the ATF Form 6NIA application:  An approved ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D) import permit also is not required for firearm(s) or ammunition brought into the United States or any possession thereof by a nonimmigrant alien who can establish to the satisfaction of the U.S. Customs Service that such firearm(s) or ammunition was previously taken out of the United States or any possession thereof by such person.  See 27 CFR § 178.115(a). Sec. 178.115 Exempt importation. (a) Firearms and ammunition may be brought into the United States or any possession thereof by any person who can establish to the satisfaction of Customs that such firearm or ammunition was previously taken out of the United States or any possession thereof by such person.  Registration on Customs Form 4457 or on any other registration document available for this purpose may be completed before departure from the United States at any U.S. customhouse or any office of an Director of Industry Operations. A bill of sale or other commercial document showing transfer of the firearm or ammunition in the United States to such person also may be used to establish proof that the firearm or ammunition was taken out of the United States by such person. Sec. 178.115 Exempt importation Note, even if you do not need an import permit because of this exception, you must fall within an exception to the general prohibition on nonimmigrant aliens possessing firearms and ammunition.  See paragraph 17 below. Paragraph 17: In general, nonimmigrant aliens are prohibited from possessing or receiving firearms or ammunition in the United States. There are exceptions to this prohibition, including: (1) a nonimmigrant alien in possession of a valid hunting license or permit issued by a State within the United States, and (2) a nonimmigrant alien in possession of an invitation or registration to attend a competitive target shooting event or sports or hunting trade show sponsored by a national, State, or local organization devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms. Top

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Club Membership ATF WILL NOT issue a ATF Form 6NIA because you belong to an American club, or wish to visit an American club for casual shooting. ATF is recommending you obtain a hunting license (from any state), and they will issue a ATF Form 6NIA, good for one year. The holder of the ATF Form 6NIA must have a valid stateside hunting license for the issue period, or the ATF Form 6NIA is not usable. Top

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Renting or Borrowing If not bringing firearms and/or ammunition into the states, but plan on renting or borrowing a firearm, you DO NOT require a ATF Form 6NIA, but you do need a valid hunting license (any state), to rent and/or possess firearms, and to purchase ammunition. Top

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If You Experience a Problem at the Border Attention Canadians! If in possession of an approved ATF Form 6NIA and it's not honored by U.S. Customs, contact the Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs Canada. The Consular Affairs Bureau, provides assistance and has the resources to have your complaints answered in regard to any problems you had at the border. Without registering a formal complaint, their is little that can be done to resolve border crossing issues. First, request to see the supervior on duty and try to resolve the issue.  If that fails and you are denied entry with a firearm; record date, time, border entry location, badge number and/or name of official, and nature of incident. Fax (304) 616-4551 the information to the ATF, and follow it up with a telephone (304) 616-4550 call to ATF within 72 hours. Citizens should also contact the Counsular office for their country and provide the same information sent to the ATF. Canada:  The Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs Canada assists thousands of Canadians each year in dealing with problems in foreign countries. The Consular Affairs Bureau in Ottawa, working through more than 270 offices in other countries, provides assistance and support to all. Consular Affairs Bureau - Ottawa. Without the shooter registering a formal complaint, their is very little that can be done to resolve border crossing issues with firearms.  Most problems seen at vehicle border crossings has to do with local customs officials not fully aware of ATF firearm policies and paperwork requirements. Top

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Departing the United States You are allowed to export all unused ammunition that you brought into the states.  It must have been listed on your ATF Form 6NIA. Ammunition purchased, won, or given to you while in the states cannot be taken out of the United States without you first receiving an export permit.  Such a permit may take several months to obtain. Your firearms must be removed from the states, as you imported them using a temporary import permit. Top

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Importation of Firearm for Repairs Q5. I am a nonimmigrant alien temporarily bringing a firearm into the United States for repair.  Should I complete the Form 6NIA? A. Yes. This is the one other situation (besides a temporarily import for hunting or other lawful sporting purposes) where a nonimmigrant alien should complete the Form 6NIA. I contacted the Firearms Branch for clarification in regard to firearm repairs, asking a number of related questions, to include modifications. Comments at the end of paragraphs in the response are my own. This email is in response to your letter to the F&E Imports Branch dated March 2, 2008. There is a fine line between the repair of a firearm and the manufacturing of a firearm.  For the most part, gunsmithing is the replacement of parts.  Manufacturing is the addition of firearms parts.  My suggestion would be to call your local ATF office if you need additional clarification.   (I had also asked about modifications to a firearm, not just a repair). The person conducting firearm repairs should be licensed by ATF to do so.  They should either be a licensed gunsmith or a licensed manufacturer.  A letter from the gunsmith is sufficient documentation in order to apply for an ATF F6NIA.  (This was in regard to supporting documentation when submitting your ATF Form 6NIA). Under an ATF F6NIA, the importation is just temporary and when the owner leaves, they must take the firearm(s) with them.  (You cannot depart the states without the firearm). An ATF F6 is not the right vehicle for a temporary importation.  ATF F6’s are only for permanent importations.   (Asked about using the ATF Form 6 to temporarily import for repairs, instead of the ATF Form 6NIA). If you wish to temporarily import a firearm, and cannot wait for the repair, your only other avenue is apply for a DSP-5 temporary import through the US State Department. The importation of barrels also requires an approved ATF F6.  If you apply for an ATF F6NIA, you would just record the information about the barrel on the form and explain it is for repair.  (I asked about barrel repairs and modifications such as installing chokes.   You cannot leave the barrel in the states when you depart.  You may have to inquire on choke installation, as that is not a repair.  Selling your barrel in the US requires a ATF F6, not to be confused with the ATF Form 6NIA) You cannot leave a repaired firearm in the states when an ATF F6NIA is used.  An ATF F6NIA cannot be used for shipping a firearm. (I asked a direct question on the possiblity of leaving the firearm in the US and shipping) I hope that I have answered your questions. If not, please call our main Imports number at (304) 616-4550 and ask to speak to an Imports Specialist. Kevin L. Boydston Department of Justice Bureau of ATF&E Chief, F&E Imports Branch Martinsburg, WV 25405 Question on this subject should be directed to the ATF - Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch, (304) 616-4550. Top

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Updates & Problems Lost Target Forum This Section of the Forum Does Not Require Registration Post Your Question and/or Provide Feedback A section of the forum dedicated for questions and/or feedback in regard to crossing the border with firearms.  Have a question, post it here and/or let others know of your border crossing experience. In the past year problems with the application process and crossing the boarder have dropped dramatically, as the ATF has streamlined the process and border agents are current with regulations.   Top

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Completion Tips 1. Fax one copy of the ATF Form 6NIA with: One copy of a current U.S. hunting license from any state within the U.S. If you submit a ATF Form 6NIA with hunting license, you don't submit shoot invitations. An application for a hunting license/permit does not qualify for the exception.  A Canadian hunting license/permit also does not qualify. OR Invitations/registrations to attend target shooting competitions or sports or hunting trade show sponsored by a national, State, or local organization devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms. 2. ATF recommends you photocopy attachments before faxing them to ensure they are legible. If they cannot read it, they will not approve. Print clearly or type the form. A copy of this form will be returned to you, stamped and marked accordingly. 3. Question 10.   If you do not have one, answer "N/A". 4. Questions 11 and 14h are for Canadians only.  If not Canadian, leave block 14h blank. 5. Questions 14 Discreption of Firearms and Ammunition:   Provide the name given the firearm by the Manufacturer: For example: Manufacturer-Browning, Type-SG Model, Designation-Citori (NOT PUMP OR OVER/UNDER). Include the barrel length and overall length (And for Canadians, firearms registration number). 6. Include your backup firearm. You cannot ask to have a firearm or ammunition added to your permit.  A new application must be submitted, to include all firearms and ammunition. You ARE NOT required to bring all firearms listed, when entering the US. 7. Postal mail may not be your best option if you need quick turn around for your application.  It's become the norm to Fax.  It's recommended you submit a cover letter and ask that the approved application be Faxed. 8. At present, ATF WILL NOT notify you when they receive the application. 9. If you have not received an approved form after six weeks, you may want to call or e-mail ATF and ask for the status of your application.  A small number of sportsmen have reported their applications were not in the system or they were told they had already been sent out weeks ago.  Your only option may be to re-submit. Top

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Other ATF Interpretation Puts Canadian Gun Owners 'Through Hoops'   News Article - 2002 All information subject to change. Visit the BATF website or call BATF for clerification: Telephone (304) 616-4550 Write and let me know of any problems you may have experienced Top Posted By: Joe Potosky The Lost Target A web-based news service for gun enthusiasts                     You Can Post Your Shoot Photos to this Site Click Here To Find Out How Please consider making a small donation if you wish to help with the cost of maintaining this site