When entering or reentering the United States by land, sea, or air, all travelers — whether U.S. citizens, green card holders, visa holders, tourists, or refugees — must undergo inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at ports of entry. In this article, we’ll break down the common questions asked during a customs interview and how to prepare for them.
Purpose of Questioning at Ports of Entry
CBP officers conduct inspections at U.S. ports of entry to safeguard national security and public safety, ensuring compliance with U.S. laws and regulations. This thorough screening helps maintain the integrity of U.S. borders and prevents potential threats.
The primary goals of interviews at ports of entry are to:
- Verify travelers’ identities and citizenship or immigration status.
- Confirm the legitimacy of travel purposes and adherence to visa conditions.
- Prevent the entry of individuals who may pose security threats or violate U.S. laws.
Being well-prepared to answer CBP officers’ questions truthfully can expedite the inspection process, reduce delays, and minimize the likelihood of additional scrutiny or secondary inspection.
Common Questions Asked by CBP Officers
For All Travelers
Regardless of your immigration status, CBP officers are likely to ask you some standard questions, including:
- “Where do you live?”
Provide your city, state (if applicable), and country of permanent residence. You may also offer your street address. - “What is the purpose of your travel to the United States?”
Clearly state your reason, such as tourism, business, education, visiting family, or returning home. - “Are you traveling alone or with others?”
Officers may ask this to understand your travel context and identify inconsistencies in group declarations. - “How long do you plan to stay in the U.S.?”
Provide specific dates or duration. - “Where will you be staying?”
Share the location and address or name of your hotel or residence. - “Who will you be visiting during your visit?”
Offer the names of the people you will be seeing and your relationship to them. - “Have you traveled to any other countries recently?”
Officers may inquire about recent travel, particularly if there are health or security concerns related to specific regions. - “Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?”
Applicable to all travelers, particularly non-citizens. Criminal history may impact admissibility. - “Do you have anything to declare?”
This refers to items you’re bringing into the country that may be restricted, prohibited, or subject to duty such as large amounts of cash, food, alcohol, tobacco, agricultural products, or expensive goods. - “Are you carrying any food, plants, or animal products?”
This is part of the declaration process and may be asked separately if you’re traveling from agricultural regions.
For Legal Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
CBP officers may ask questions to confirm your continued eligibility for permanent residency and to ensure you haven’t abandoned your U.S. residence. Common questions include:
- “How long have you been outside the U.S.?”
Extended absences may raise concerns about abandonment of residency. Be prepared to explain long stays abroad. - “What was the purpose of your trip?”
Officers may ask whether the trip was temporary and for a specific purpose such as vacation, family care, or work. - “Do you have your green card with you?”
You must always present your valid permanent resident card (Form I-551) when reentering the U.S. - “Where is your primary residence?”
You may be asked to confirm that your permanent home is still in the U.S. and provide proof if needed. - “Have you worked outside the U.S.?”
Working abroad for extended periods may raise red flags. Be ready to explain employment circumstances.
For International Students (F-1, M-1, or J-1 Visa Holders)
International students are expected to comply with specific visa conditions tied to their academic programs. Common questions include:
- “Which school are you attending?”
Be ready to state the name of your school and the program you’re enrolled in. - “What is your major or course of study?”
Officers may ask about your academic focus to verify consistency with your visa type. - “Can you show your Form I-20?”
This is a required document issued by your school. Ensure it is signed and up to date. - “Do you have proof of SEVIS fee payment?”
Carry a copy of your SEVIS fee payment receipt when entering the U.S. for the first time. - “Are you returning to resume classes?”
If reentering during a school break, be prepared to show proof of enrollment such as a class schedule or letter from your institution.
For Employment Visa Holders (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.)
Employment-based visa holders are typically asked about their job roles, employer, and intent to follow visa conditions. Common questions include:
- “Who is your U.S. employer?”
Share your employer’s name and your job title. - “What will your job duties be?”
Briefly explain your role and responsibilities, particularly if it’s a first-time entry. - “Do you have your approved petition?”
Carry a copy of your approval notice and related documentation. - “Where will you be working?”
You may be asked for the worksite address or confirmation that you’re not employed outside of your petitioned location. - “What is the duration of your assignment?”
Officers may confirm the validity period of your visa and expected length of stay.
For Tourist and Business Visa Holders (B-1/B-2)
Visitors entering the U.S. on tourist or business visas must demonstrate that their visit is temporary and consistent with visa terms. Common questions include:
- “Have you visited the United States before?”
Officers may ask this to understand your travel history and whether you’ve complied with U.S. immigration rules on past visits. - “How often do you come to the United States?”
Frequent visits may prompt additional questions about your travel purpose and ties to your home country to rule out unauthorized long-term stays. - “What do you plan to do during your stay?”
Be specific. Tourists might mention sightseeing or visiting family; business travelers might reference meetings or conferences. - “Do you have a return ticket?”
Having a round-trip itinerary supports your claim of a short-term stay. - “What is your occupation in your home country?”
CBP officers may ask this to assess your ties to your country of residence and ensure your intention to return after your U.S. visit. - “How are you funding your trip?”
You may need to show evidence of financial means to cover your expenses. - “Do you intend to seek work or study while in the U.S.?”
These activities are prohibited on a B-1/B-2 visa. Answer clearly that your visit is temporary.
For Refugees and Asylees
Travelers with refugee or asylee status should be prepared to answer questions about their legal status and travel details. Common questions include:
- “Do you have documentation proving your status?”
Bring your Refugee Travel Document and other official paperwork that confirms your U.S. immigration status. - “Where have you been traveling?”
Be prepared to explain the countries you’ve visited, especially if you’ve traveled to your home country, which can raise legal concerns. - “What is your current U.S. address?”
Officers may ask to confirm your place of residence and verify that it matches immigration records. - “Are you returning permanently?”
Refugees and asylees are expected to maintain permanent residence in the U.S. and should not establish residency abroad.
Note:
If you fear persecution in your home country and are unable or unwilling to return, you have the legal right to seek asylum at a U.S. port of entry, whether you’re arriving by air, land, or sea. Inform the CBP officer that you are afraid to return to your home country and would like to request asylum. This should trigger a formal process, which may include a credible fear interview with an asylum officer. It’s important to clearly express your fear of persecution or harm and be honest in your responses. If possible, be ready to present supporting documents or evidence. However, due to the Trump administration’s recent challenges to longstanding asylum policies, asylum may currently be more difficult to attain.
Additional Considerations
- Be Prepared: Have all your documentation ready, including your passport, visa, and any supporting documents.
- Answer Truthfully: CBP officers are trained to detect inconsistencies. Always provide honest and direct answers.
- Stay Calm: Remember that these questions are routine. Remain polite and composed throughout the process.
- Know Your Rights: While CBP has broad authority, you still have rights.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re a U.S. citizen returning home or an international traveler visiting the United States for the first time, preparing for your customs interview can make a big difference. Understanding the purpose behind CBP questioning and knowing what to expect ensures a smoother, faster, and less stressful entry experience. By arriving with the right documentation, answering questions truthfully, and staying informed about your rights and responsibilities, you can enter the U.S. with confidence and clarity.