ATF F 6NIA (5330.3 Application/Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms

OMB No. 1140-0084 (03/31/2024)

U.S. Department of Justice
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Application/Permit for Temporary Importation of
Firearms and Ammunition by Nonimmigrant Aliens

For ATF Use Only
(Submit in duplicate. Please print or type all responses, except signature.) An approved ATF Form 6NIA (5330.3D)
is valid for one year from the date of approval. (See Instruction 26.)
Permit No.
Section I - To Be Completed By Applicant
1. Applicant’s Full Name (Last, First, Middle)

3. Telephone Number (including country code)

7. Date of Birth
Month

Day

2. Residential Address (Number, Street, City, Country, any other applicable
information; cannot be a Post Office box)

4. Fax (Facsimile) Number (if any, including
country code) (See Instruction 17.)

5. E-mail Address

8. Place of Birth (City, Country)

9. Country of Exportation

6.

Male
Female

Year

10. Country of Citizenship (list more than one, if applicable.)

11. Current and/or Past U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Admission Number(s) or Alien Number(s) (if any) (See Instruction 22.)

12. Only complete this question if you are applying to temporarily import firearms from Canada. (See Instruction 23.)
Firearms Possession and Acquisition (PAL) License Number
13. Were you admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa? (See Instruction 1.)
If you answered Yes, go to question 14.
If you answered No, go to question 16.

Yes

No

14. If you were admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa, do you possess a valid hunting license or permit lawfully issued by a

State of the United States? (See Instructions 18-20.)
Yes

No

If you answered Yes, please attach a copy of the license or permit to the application and skip to question 16.
If you answered No, go to question 15.
15. Do you possess an invitation and/or registration to attend an upcoming competitive target shooting event or sports or hunting trade show in the United
States sponsored by a national, State, or local organization devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms? (See Instruction 21.)
Yes

No

If you answered Yes, attach a copy of any such invitation and/or registration to the application.
If you answered No, you likely are not in compliance with 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(5)(B) and therefore likely are prohibited from obtaining an approved
ATF Form 6NIA(5330.3D) temporary import permit. (Call 304-616-4550 for additional information.)
16. Description of firearms and ammunition (All the firearms and ammunition you seek to temporarily import may be included on this application.
If necessary, attach additional sheets of paper.) (See Instruction 24.)
Firearms (All items in columns a through g must be completed by the applicant.)
Name and Address
of Manufacturer
a.

Previous Editions Obsolete

Type
Caliber
(shotgun, rifle,
or
pistol, revolver) Gauge
b.

c.

Model

Barrel
Length
(inches)

Overall
Length
(inches)

Serial
Number

d.

e.

f.

g.

ATF Form 6NIA (5330.3D)
Revised March 2021

Ammunition (All items in columns a through d must be completed by the applicant.)
Type
Name and Address
Caliber or Gauge
(ball, shot, wad cutter, etc.)
of Manufacturer
c.
b.
a.

Quantity
d.

Certification: Under the penalties provided by law, I declare that I have examined this application, including the documents submitted in support of it,
and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete.
17. Signature of Applicant
18. Date
Section II - For ATF Use Only (Please do not make any entries in this section.)
The application has been examined and the temporary importation of the firearms and/or ammunition described herein is:
Approved
Partially approved for the reason(s)
indicated here or on attached letter

Denied for the reason(s) indicated
here or on attached letter

Withdrawn by applicant without action

Returned without action for reasons
indicated here or on attached letter

No permit required

19. Signature of the Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Returned without action for additional
information

20. Date

The following restrictions apply to your approved import permit:
The firearms and/or ammunition authorized for importation by this permit are not authorized for permanent importation. The firearms and/or
ammunition may not be transferred to another person within the United States. The holder of this permit MUST take the firearms and any unused
ammunition back out of the territorial limits of the United States upon the conclusion of his/her hunting or sporting activity.
Rifles must have a barrel of least 16 inches and an overall length of not less than 26 inches. This permit does not authorize the importation of a
shotgun with a barrel of less than 18 inches in length, or an overall length of less than 26 inches.
Not to include fully automatic firearms.
This permit does not authorize the importation of ammunition or ammunition components if they contain a tracer or incendiary elements.
This permit does not authorize the importation of the ammunition described thereon if: (1) it has a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a
handgun and which is constructed entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other substances) from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron,
brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or (2) a full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a handgun and
whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.

Previous Editions Obsolete

ATF Form 6NIA (5330.3D)
Revised March 2021

Instruction Sheet For ATF Form 6NIA (5330.3D)
(Please detach this instruction sheet before submitting your application)
General Information
1.

An alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa
includes, persons admitted to travel in the U.S. for business or pleasure,
persons studying in the U.S. who maintain a residence abroad, and
certain foreign workers. The definition does not include permanent resident
aliens or nonimmigrant aliens admitted without a visa, pursuant to a Visa
Waiver Program or other exemptions from visa requirements.

2. Generally, any nonimmigrant alien temporarily bringing firearm(s) or
ammunition into the United States for legitimate hunting or lawful

sporting purposes must first obtain an approved ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D),
Application and Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and
Ammunition by Nonimmigrant Aliens, from the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

3. A nonimmigrant alien who is temporarily bringing firearms and
ammunition into the United States for reasons other than legitimate
hunting or lawful sporting purposes should not submit an ATF F 6NIA
(5330.3D) application. However, the nonimmigrant alien may need to
obtain a DSP-61, Temporary Import License, from the Department of State,
Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). Please contact DDTC at

202-663-1282 or http://pmddtc.state.gov for further information.
4.

An approved ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D) import permit is not required for

temporary imports of firearms and ammunition by certain diplomats,
distinguished foreign visitors, law enforcement officers of friendly foreign

governments entering the United States on official law enforcement

business, and foreign military officers entering the United States on
official duty. See 27 CFR § 478.115(d)(2)-(5).

5.

An approved ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D) import permit also is not required for
firearms 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 and Border Protection (CBP) that such firearm(s) or
ammunition was previously taken out of the United States or any
possession thereof by such person. See 27 CFR § 478.115(a). 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 18 below.

6.

You may not temporarily import unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA)
weapons, such as machineguns, short-barreled rifles or shotguns, and
silencers. If you are not sure if the items you plan to import fall within this
category, please contact ATF’s Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch.

7.

Firearms that are of U.S. Government origin or that contain U.S.
Government origin manufactured parts or components generally may not
be temporarily imported into the United States. Moreover, firearms and
ammunition may not be imported from certain proscribed countries. For a
list of proscribed countries, see http://pmddtc.state.gov.

8.

9.

You must ensure there are no State or local laws in any State you will be
travelling in or travelling through prohibiting your possession of the
firearm(s) or ammunition you are seeking to import.
You will not need an export permit from the Department of Commerce or
the Department of State when leaving the United States with the firearm(s)
or remaining ammunition listed on your ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D) permit.

10. It takes approximately 8 to 10 weeks to process an ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D)
import application.
11. If you have any questions or concerns about temporarily importing
firearms or ammunition into the United States, please call ATF’s Firearms
and Explosives Imports Branch at (304) 616-4550 or email ATF at
[email protected].
12. Additional ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D) are available from the ATF Distribution
Center, 240-828-5316. The forms also can be downloaded at www.atf.gov.

Previous Editions Obsolete

Preparation
13. Generally, a nonimmigrant alien transiting the United States with a firearm
does not require an ATF F 6NIA or a DSP-61 issued by the Department of State.
If you will be in physical possession of your firearm, however,

you will need to meet one of the exceptions outlined at 18 U.S.C. § 922(y).
For example if you are a nonimmigrant alien and you will be driving through
the United States as a short cut to get from one part of Canada to another and
will have firearms with you, you do not need to file an ATF F 6NIA

because you are not temporarily bringing your gun in for hunting or other
lawful sporting purposes. You also do not need a DSP-61 import license
from the Department of State because there is an exception to their license
requirement that applies in this situation. However, if you were admitted under
a non-immigrant visa, you need to have a valid hunting license from a State
within the United States to lawfully possess your firearm while transiting

through the United States.
14. Nonimmigrant aliens may complete and submit the ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D)
themselves. You do not need to have a dealer or importer licensed by ATF
complete and submit the form.
15. If a nonimmigrant alien has another person (such as a lawyer or hunting
guide) complete the ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D) for him or her, the person who
completes the form must answer the questions with information about the
nonimmigrant alien (e.g., under “Residential Address,” the person should put
the address of the nonimmigrant alien, not his or her own address). In
addition, the nonimmigrant alien must sign the certification statement in

question 17.
16. The application must be prepared in duplicate. The signature required by
question 17 must be in ink on both copies. Other entries must be printed in
ink or be typewritten. All required items on the form must be completed or
your application will not be approved. The application should be submitted
to: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Firearms and

Explosives Imports Branch, 244 Needy Road, Martinsburg, WV 25405. It
also may be faxed to 304-616-4551 or emailed to [email protected].
17. If you are able to receive faxed or emailed documents, we encourage you to
provide your fax number (including your country code) in Item 4 or your
email address in Item 5. We often experience delays with international mail.
If we are able to fax or email you our response it will reduce the possibility of
delay.
18. In general, aliens admitted under a nonimmigrant visa 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.

19. Accordingly, aliens admitted under a nonimmigrant visa must attach
documentation to your ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D) application that establishes
you fall within exception 1 or 2 of paragraph 18 in order to demonstrate
your possession of the firearm(s) and ammunition in the United States

will be lawful. In order for your application to be approved, you must provide
ATF with a copy of either: (1) a valid, unexpired hunting license or permit

issued by 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), or (2) an invitation and/or registration

confirmation 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. If you fax

or email this documentation to ATF, please make sure the document ATF
receives is legible. We suggest you fax or email a legible photocopy of the
document.
20. Most States issue hunting licenses and permits to nonimmigrant aliens, often
over the telephone or through a website. If you need information about
obtaining a State hunting license or permit, we suggest you contact a State
government.
ATF Form 6NIA (5330.3D)
Revised March 2021

21. 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.
22. Question 11 requires the applicant to provide any known admission
number or alien number he or she has received from the U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services. Not every nonimmigrant alien
will have an admission number or alien number. In particular,
Canadians often will not have one of these numbers. If you do not have
one of these numbers or cannot recall a past number, answer question
11 “N/A.” For your information, an admission number is the number on
an USCIS Form I-94 or USCIS Form I-94W, the arrival/departure form
U.S. Customs and Border Protection completes at a port of entry. An

alien number is an U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services file
number certain nonimmigrant aliens are given, such as nonimmigrant
aliens with employment authorization documents.
23. Only nonimmigrant aliens seeking to temporarily import firearms from
Canada should answer question 12. This question requires all

nonimmigrant aliens seeking to import firearms from Canada to
provide their Firearms Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) Number.
24. You may list all the firearms and ammunition you seek to temporarily
import on one application. If necessary, attach additional pages to
provide the information requested in question 16. Write your full name
in the upper right hand corner of any additional pages.

Approval
25. If your application is approved, ATF will send you an approved ATF F
6NIA (5330.3D) import permit. Please note, the approved permit will

state that the firearm(s) and ammunition authorized for importation

must be taken back out of the United States when you leave the
country, excluding any ammunition that is used while in the United
States. It also will state that you may not transfer the firearm(s) or

ammunition to another person while in the United States. ATF also will
notify you if your application is denied (or partially denied) and the
reason(s) for denial. In some cases ATF will inform you that it needs
additional information to process your application.
26. An approved ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D) import permit is valid for one year
from the date of approval (the date listed in Item 20). During that year an
alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa can use the
permit repeatedly to import the firearm(s) and ammunition listed on the

permit, as long as you meet one of the exceptions outlined in paragraph 18
(18 U.S.C. § 922 9(y)).

Privacy Act Information
The following information is provided pursuant to Section 3 of the Privacy Act of
1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(e)(3)).
1.

Authority. Disclosure of the information requested on ATF F 6NIA
(5330.3D) is mandatory pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5)(B) and
925 for a nonimmigrant alien to obtain a permit to temporarily import
firearm(s) and ammunition.

2.

Purpose. To determine if a nonimmigrant alien can lawfully obtain a permit
to temporarily import firearm(s) and ammunition, and if the firearm(s) and
ammunition qualify for temporary importation.

3.

Routine Uses. The information will be used by ATF to make determinations
set forth in “Purpose” section above. In addition, information may be
disclosed to other Federal, State, foreign and local law enforcement and
regulatory agencies personnel to verify information on the application, to
conduct a background check on the applicant, and to aid other law
enforcement and regulatory agencies in the performance of their duties with
respect to the enforcement and regulation of firearms and/or ammunition
where such disclosure is not prohibited by law. The information may further
be disclosed to the U.S. Department of Justice if it appears that the furnishing of
false information may constitute a violation of Federal law. Finally, the
information may be disclosed to members of the public in order to verify the
information on the application when such disclosure is not prohibited by law.

4. Effects of Not Supplying Information. Failure to supply complete

information will delay processing and may cause denial of the application.
Paperwork Reduction Act Notice
This request is in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The
purposes of this information collection are: (1) to allow ATF to determine if
the firearm(s) or ammunition described on the application qualify for temporary
importation; (2) to certify that a nonimmigrant alien is in compliance with 18 U.S.C.
§ 922(g)(5)(B); and (3) to serve as the authorization for importation.
The estimated average burden associated with this collection of information is 30
minutes per respondent or recordkeeper, depending on individual circumstances.
Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden estimate and suggestions for
reducing this burden should be addressed to the Contracts and Forms Office, Office
of Science and Technology, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,
Washington, DC 20226.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

27. When you are ready to enter the United States with your firearm(s) or
ammunition, you must present your approved ATF F 6NIA (5330.3D) to the
U.S. Customs and Border Protection. If applicable, you also must
present U.S. Customs and Border Protection with documentation
demonstrating that you fall within an exception to the nonimmigrant
alien prohibition (i.e., State hunting license/permit; invitation and/or
registration).

Previous Editions Obsolete

ATF Form 6NIA (5330.3D)
Revised March 2021