Border Interviews

Common border questions

Whether you enter the U.S. as a tourist, for business or to immigrate, you will be asked questions at the border. Although border guards tend to ask common questions, they are not restricted to a list and can ask anything they like. You will have fewer problems if you practice your answers before you arrive. Below are some typical questions to help you prepare.

Remember, if you cannot answer the officer's questions, if you contradict yourself or appear to be lying, the officer can deny you entry. This means you will be sent back to your home country and won't be able to return to the U.S. for five years.

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What kind of questions will I be asked?

Why are you visiting the United States ? Make sure your answers are appropriate to your visa. You will be refused entry if you have a tourist visa but say you want to find a job or go to school.
Where will you be staying? Be sure to have arranged a place to stay before you leave. Know the name of your hotel or, if you're staying with relatives, know their address.
Who are you visiting? Have a list of people you will be visiting. If you're just going to be touring, know what attractions or events you plan to attend.
How long will you be staying? Know your visa restrictions, and don't say you'll be staying longer than your visa allows.
How much money are you bringing? Be sure you know how much money you brought with you and have bank statements to prove you have funds back home.
How often do you come to the United States ? Some people live illegally in the U.S. by visiting continuously on non-immigrant visas. If you visit too often, officials might not let you into the country.

My visa says I can stay for a year, but the border guard changed it to six months. Can they do this?
The customs officer has the final say on how long you can stay. Even if your visa allows you to stay for a year, the officer might decide you can stay only six months. The officer will give you a card (I-94) which will tell you the date you must leave by.

Why all the questions? My visa is in order. Don't I have any rights?
Non-U.S. citizens who want to enter the U.S. have very few rights during the application and screening process. Expect to be questioned at:

The U.S. embassy or consulate issuing the visa
Your point of departure
The U.S. port of entry

Can I have an attorney present?
While you can consult a lawyer before you arrive, you are not allowed a lawyer when you arrive in the U.S. or during the border interview. Officials can search your bags, even if you refuse. They can also ask you almost any question.