Although a visa is required to enter the U.S., it does not exempt you from having to pass before U.S. immigration officials, whatever your reason for coming to the U.S. (tourism, work, study).
The U.S. is stricter than in the past when it comes to border control, and immigration officers are likely to ask you a number of questions about your reasons for traveling, whatever your nationality. Here are the 5 main questions that U.S. immigration officers may ask you when you arrive in the U.S., so that you can prepare yourself calmly for this compulsory step.
Typical questions U.S. immigration officials are likely to ask when you arrive in the U.S.
The questions asked by U.S. immigration officials are not intended to make you feel guilty. They are asked as a preventive measure, to ensure that you will not represent a potential threat on American soil during your stay. All you have to do is answer truthfully, and the interview will go smoothly.
Why did you come to the United States?
This is the question that most interests American immigration officers, and it's often the one they'll ask you first when you arrive in the United States. The aim of immigration officers is to verify that you are not working illegally on American soil. Whether you're coming to the U.S. for tourism, business or study, make sure you have the necessary documents showing that you are entitled to stay in the U.S. (ESTA travel authorizationvalid passport).
Where will you be staying?
This question is an opportunity for immigration officers to check whether you have organized your stay properly, whether you are staying in a hotel or with someone you know who is already established in the United States.
Have you ever been to the United States before?
This question is designed to test your honesty, as immigration officers can verify this information by consulting your passport. In fact, if you've been to the U.S. before, your previous entries are recorded on your passport, and also appear in the U.S. immigration database. So answer frankly, specifying the reason for your return to the U.S. if applicable.
How long do you plan to stay in the United States?
This question is also frequently asked by U.S. immigration officials. Their aim is to make sure that you are not settling in the United States for an indefinite period. To prove that you're only here for a few weeks' sightseeing or a few days' business, simply show them your ESTA travel authorization (limited duration of stay), or your round-trip airline tickets showing your arrival and departure dates.
What kind of work do you do?
As with the previous question, the purpose of this question is for U.S. immigration officials to verify that you are not coming to the U.S. to work illegally. So answer honestly, knowing that U.S. immigration officials can verify the truth of what you say.
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