Best Practices for Answering U.S. Airport Immigration Questions
- Prepare Your Documents: Before going to the Immigration counter, ensure that you have all necessary documents ready for presentation to the Immigration officer: passport with visa stamp, SEVIS Fee Receipt (I-901 Form), and the most recent DS-2019 form issued to you (see date on Box 7). Also, keep your Student ID and Cigna ID accessible in case you are asked for it.
- Be Honest and Direct: Always give true answers. Keep your responses simple and straightforward.
- Stay Calm and Polite: It is very important to remain calm. It will ensure that you have a nice encounter with the officer (even if they don’t smile!)
- Give brief and simple answers: Only answer what has been asked. For example, ‘What is the purpose of your visit?’ To study. They like short responses.
- Be Consistent: When responding to any question, make sure the information you give matches your documents, and any previous entries to the country.
- Get familiar with the Questions: Each question is focused on assessing your plans and meeting entry requirements.
Common Airport Immigration Questions.
Immigration and Border interviews are standard practice worldwide. So do not be nervous. You are an exchange student with valid documents and a legitimate purpose for entering the US. Practice your responses so you can be more confident. Sample questions and answers below:
1. Why are you visiting the USA? Why are you here? What is the purpose of your visit?
- I am here to study in high school and live with an American host family. I am a J-1 exchange student.
- For boarding school students: I am here to study at (boarding school name).
2. What is your intended length of stay in the USA? How long are you staying in the US?
- I will study for one year (or one semester) and leave in June 30 (or January 15) next year.
3. Where will you be staying in the US?
- Know your Host Family name and address.
4. What school are you attending?
- Know your school name and address.
5. What grade will you be?
- State the grade if you know it. Or, I will take an assessment test when I get to school and the school will assign my grade.
4. Do you have enough funds to support yourself?
- Yes, my parents will transfer money every month.
5. Do you have a return ticket?
- The ticket will be re-issued once the return date is in range.
- Where did you fly from?
- I flew from… (your city/country).
7. Have you visited the U.S. before?
- Remember approximate dates you visited before.
8. What do you do in your country?
- I am a student.
9. Do you have any family or friends in the USA?
- No or Yes, I have a cousin and/or friend in …..
- Answer honestly but remember to stress that upon completion of your visit, you will most certainly return to your country.
10. Do you have travel insurance?
- Yes, I have insurance with Cigna.
11. Do you have any items to declare?
- None or I don’t have anything to declare.
12. Are you traveling alone or with company?
- I am traveling by myself.
- I am traveling with my AFS group.
Unusual questions 🤔
Even if you feel very prepared, you should still expect unusual questions. Remember, as long as it relates to your travels, they can ask you anything regardless of how irrelevant or unusual it might seem. Just answer in an honest and polite way.
Procedures for Secondary Inspection 🔎
Sometimes, travelers are pulled aside for extra checks, known as secondary inspection. It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It’s a routine part of border control, and how you respond can help keep things straight forward. Let your AFS contact know where you are. Please refer to the emergency number at the back of your nametag.
What happens at secondary inspection?
You’ll be taken to a separate area for more detailed questions or document checks. They may also go through your bags or devices. Please be patient, secondary inspection can take a long time.
You may be required to present your devices (cell phone, laptop, camera, etc.), to allow for the examination of its contents. If the electronic device cannot be inspected because of a passcode, encryption or other security mechanism, you may face longer processing times to allow for CBP to access the contents of the device. Refusal to allow inspection of electronic devices may also negatively impact your US admission.
CBP may help you call AFS if you are unable to answer the question/s. Typically, the officer who signed the DS-2019 form will be called at the number listed in the form.
How do I respond?
Stay calm and respectful. Answer questions honestly and clearly. Don’t guess - if you don’t know something, say so. If you need a translator, you can ask for one.
What can I do?
You can ask why you’ve been selected for secondary inspection so you can share this with your AFS contact who in turn may need to contact the airline if there is a concern about missing a connecting flight. Reach out to your AFS contact to let them know where you are. Make sure you have your contact information on hand.
Remember to cooperate, stay calm, keep your tone steady, your answers short, and your paperwork ready.
Being selected for secondary inspection isn’t unusual, and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It’s just another step, and you’ll get through it faster if you stay composed and prepared.
Form I-515A
Under certain circumstances, the CBP officer may issue a Form I-515A "Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor," which authorizes temporary admission into the United States for 30 days while you obtain and submit the necessary documentation to SEVP. Contact your AFS Liaison without delay to submit the proper documentation required by the Form I-515A.
For Information regarding maintaining your visa/legal status while on program, please click here