New BATF Form For Nonimmigrant Aliens

"BATF has created a new form for nonimmigrant aliens temporarily importing firearms and ammunition. These temporary importations must be to hunt or to attend a competitive target shooting event or sports/hunting trade show, sponsored by a national, state, or local firearms organization devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms. The new form is called ATF Form 6NIA (Application and Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Nonimmigrant Aliens). Nonimmigrant aliens must use this new form, rather than the ATF Form 6 Part 1 (Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War).

"The new form eliminates provisions from the ATF Form 6 Part 1 that are not applicable to nonimmigrant aliens making temporary imports for sporting purposes. It also includes provisions to ensure nonimmigrant aliens fall within an exception to the general prohibition on nonimmigrant aliens possessing firearms and ammunition in the United States. Accordingly, the new form should simplify the importation process for nonimmigrant aliens temporarily bringing firearms and ammunition into the United States for hunting or other lawful sporting purposes.

"If you are in contact with a nonimmigrant alien who wants to temporarily import firearms or ammunition for sporting purposes, please let them know about the new form. The form may be downloaded from the BATF website at www.atf.gov. The ATF Distribution Center also will mail out copies of the form upon request. (The Distribution Center number is 703-455-7801.) The ATF Web site has a Frequently Asked Questions section discussing nonimmigrant issues and the new form. If you have any questions regarding importation of firearms, please contact the ATF Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch at (202) 927-8320."