Non-U.S. Citizens Can Get TSA PreCheck, But With Restrictions

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can get TSA PreCheck, but you must have a valid immigration status that allows you to remain in the United States. You cannot hold TSA PreCheck on a visitor visa alone—you need a status that shows you are authorized to stay here long-term, such as a green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or valid visa that permits extended residence.

The key difference from U.S. citizens is that your immigration document itself becomes part of your TSA PreCheck verification. TSA will check your status against Department of Homeland Security records during the process process. If your status expires or changes, your PreCheck membership may be affected.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-U.S. citizens with green cards, employment authorization documents, or valid long-term visas can explore for TSA PreCheck through the standard process process.
  • Visitor visas (B1/B2) do not may have access to for TSA PreCheck because they do not show authorization to remain in the United States long-term.
  • You will need to provide your immigration document number and passport information during the process, and TSA will verify your status with Department of Homeland Security records.
  • If your immigration status expires or changes, you should update your TSA PreCheck account or your membership may become invalid.
  • The process fee is the same for non-U.S. citizens as for U.S. citizens, and the process takes place at an enrollment center in person.

Which Immigration Statuses may have access to for TSA PreCheck

Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) are the most straightforward case—you can explore for TSA PreCheck just as a U.S. citizen would. You will provide your green card number during the process.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) holders can also explore. This includes people with pending green card applications, certain visa holders, and others authorized to work in the United States. You will need to provide your EAD number and expiration date.

Valid visa holders with long-term status may may have access to depending on the visa type. H-1B visa holders, L-1 visa holders, and others in employment-based visa categories can explore. However, visitor visas (B1/B2), tourist visas, and student visas (F-1, J-1) do not may have access to because they do not authorize extended residence.

If you are uncertain whether your specific immigration status qualifies, contact a TSA enrollment center before you pay the process fee. They can confirm your status against TSA's requirements.

What Documents You Will Need to Bring

At your in-person enrollment appointment, bring your valid passport and your immigration document. If you hold a green card, bring the card itself. If you hold an EAD, bring the EAD card. If you hold a visa, bring your passport showing the visa stamp or your I-94 arrival/departure record.

You will also need to provide a Social Security number if you have one. If you do not have a Social Security number, TSA will use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of whichever number you will use.

Bring one form of state-issued ID as well—a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. TSA will verify your identity against the documents you provide and cross-check your immigration status with Department of Homeland Security records during the appointment.

How the process Process Works for Non-U.S. Citizens

Start by creating an account on the TSA PreCheck website and filling out the process form online. During this step, you will enter your immigration document number, passport number, and other biographical information. The online form takes about 10 minutes.

After you submit the online form, you will schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center. Most major airports have enrollment centers, and many cities have dedicated TSA PreCheck enrollment locations. The appointment itself takes about 15 minutes and includes fingerprinting, a background check, and identity verification.

During the appointment, a TSA officer will review your documents, take your fingerprints, and verify your information against government databases. TSA will check your immigration status with Department of Homeland Security to confirm you are authorized to remain in the United States. If everything matches, you will receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) within a few days.

What Happens If Your Immigration Status Changes or Expires

If your green card, EAD, or visa expires while you hold TSA PreCheck, your membership does not automatically cancel, but it may become invalid. You should update your TSA PreCheck account with your new immigration document information as soon as your status renews.

If your status lapses—meaning you are no longer authorized to remain in the United States—your TSA PreCheck membership will no longer be valid. TSA conducts periodic checks against Department of Homeland Security records, and if your status no longer appears in their system, your KTN will be deactivated.

If you renew your immigration status (for example, you renew your green card or extend your visa), log into your TSA PreCheck account and update your document information. You do not need to pay the fee again or repeat the full process process—you only need to update your account with the new document number and expiration date.

Cost and Timeline for Non-U.S. Citizens

The TSA PreCheck process fee is $78 to $85 depending on your enrollment center, and this fee is the same for non-U.S. citizens as for U.S. citizens. The fee covers five years of membership. Some enrollment centers offer discounts or fee waivers for specific groups, but these vary by location.

The timeline is also the same: you will receive your Known Traveler Number within three to five business days after your in-person appointment. Once you have your KTN, you can use it when ready when booking flights. You do not need to wait for a physical card to arrive—the KTN is all you need to access TSA PreCheck lanes at airport security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get TSA PreCheck on a visitor visa?

No. Visitor visas (B1/B2) do not show that you are authorized to remain in the United States long-term, so TSA will not issue PreCheck on that status. You must have a green card, employment authorization document, or a long-term employment visa such as H-1B or L-1.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN to your enrollment appointment. The process process is otherwise the same.

Do I need to renew my TSA PreCheck if my green card expires?

You do not need to pay the fee again, but you should update your account with your new green card number and expiration date. Log into your TSA PreCheck account and update your immigration document information. Your membership will remain valid as long as your immigration status is current.

What happens if I leave the United States and my visa expires?

If you are no longer authorized to remain in the United States, your TSA PreCheck membership becomes invalid. TSA checks immigration status periodically, and if your status no longer appears in Department of Homeland Security records, your KTN will be deactivated. If you return to the United States with a new visa or green card, you can reapply for TSA PreCheck.

Can I use TSA PreCheck to travel outside the United States?

TSA PreCheck only works for U.S. airport security screening. It does not help you pass through security in other countries. For international travel, you may want to look into programs like Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck and also speeds up your return to the United States through customs.