Entering the United States can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what questions immigration officers might ask at the Port of Entry (POE). Whether you’re traveling on a B2 visitor visa, H1B work visa, student visa, or Green Card, understanding what to expect can help ease your anxiety and ensure a smooth arrival.
This comprehensive guide shares real experiences from travelers who entered the US through major international airports in 2025, covering the most common questions asked and documents requested across different visa categories.
What is a Port of Entry?
A Port of Entry is your first point of contact with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you arrive in America. This is where immigration officers verify your documents, ask questions about your trip, and ultimately decide whether to admit you into the country. Major US airports serving as POEs include JFK in New York, LAX in Los Angeles, ORD in Chicago, and SFO in San Francisco, among others.
What to Expect at US Immigration
Understanding the POE process helps you prepare mentally and physically for your arrival. Here’s what typically happens:
Standard Immigration Process: The process begins when you join the immigration line after deplaning. Officers will review your passport, visa, and travel documents, take your photograph and fingerprints, and ask questions about your visit. For some visa categories like Green Card holders, automated kiosks such as Global Entry can expedite this process significantly.
Average Processing Time: Most travelers clear immigration within 30 to 60 minutes, though this varies by airport, time of day, and flight volume. Peak travel times can extend wait times, so factor this into your connecting flight plans.
Documents You Should Carry: Always have your passport, visa stamps, approval notices (like I-797 for H1B), return tickets, proof of accommodation, employment letters, and financial documents readily accessible. Don’t pack these in checked luggage.
Port of Entry Experiences by Major US Airports
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
B2 Visitor Visa Experience: Travelers on B2 tourist visas at Chicago reported straightforward questioning. Officers asked about visit duration and whether travelers planned to extend their stay beyond previous visits. One traveler was asked to show their return ticket, which satisfied the officer’s concerns about intent to return home.
H4 Dependent Visa: H4 visa holders experienced minimal questioning at ORD. One spouse of an H1B worker reported carrying all required documents but faced no significant questions. The entry process was described as smooth and efficient.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
B2 Tourist Visa: San Francisco immigration officers focused on basic questions for B2 travelers including the purpose of visit, length of stay, and confirmation of return travel arrangements. Having a printed return ticket readily available expedited the process.
H1B and H4 Entry: Work visa holders at SFO were asked to present their latest I-797 approval notices. Officers took photographs and processed both primary H1B holders and their H4 dependents without complications. The key is having current approval documentation.
Advance Parole (AP) Experience: Travelers using Advance Parole documents reported being asked only basic questions about their travel purpose. The process was notably smooth, with officers familiar with AP procedures showing no concerns.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Green Card Holders: Newark offers an excellent experience for Green Card holders using Global Entry. One traveler reported clearing both immigration and customs in under 35 minutes using the automated kiosk system, with no officer questions required.
H4 and B2 Visas: Both H4 dependent visa holders and B2 visitors reported smooth, question-free entries at Newark, suggesting efficient processing at this airport.
Employment-Based Visas: Employment visa holders were asked standard questions about time spent outside the US, purpose of travel, and whether they had anything to declare. Officers welcomed travelers professionally after document verification.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
H1B Work Visa: JFK officers asked H1B holders detailed questions including departure city, vacation duration and purpose, US residential address, whether travelers were carrying food items, and the amount of cash being brought into the country. Having your I-797 approval notice easily accessible is essential.
The questioning at JFK tends to be more thorough than some other airports, so be prepared with clear, honest answers.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
H4 Dependent Visa: H4 visa holders at Dulles reported minimal questioning, primarily focused on whether travelers were bringing any food items into the country. This agricultural concern is standard across all US ports of entry.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
B2 Visitor Visa: Seattle proved to be one of the smoothest entry points for B2 visa holders, with multiple travelers reporting no questions asked. Many parents of US residents traveled through this route successfully.
H1B Work Visa: H1B workers were asked to confirm their US address and present their I-797 approval notice. The process was straightforward with minimal additional questioning.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
H1B and F1 OPT: Immigration officers at Boston requested proof of employment and asked which company travelers worked for. Both H1B workers and F1 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) were processed efficiently once employment was verified.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Standard H1B Entry: Many H1B holders experienced quick entry at DFW, with officers simply verifying visa status and welcoming travelers without extensive questioning.
Secondary Inspection Experience: Some travelers were sent to secondary inspection, where officers asked detailed questions about employer details, nature of job responsibilities, client information, and residential address. Officers collected comprehensive documentation including I-797 approval notices, Labor Condition Applications (LCA), client letters, employer verification letters, paystubs, and W2 forms.
After thorough document verification, travelers were admitted with I-94 valid for one year. While secondary inspection takes longer, it’s a routine procedure and not cause for alarm if you have proper documentation.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
H1B Entry: Atlanta immigration officers asked H1B workers about their employer, US residential address, and whether they were carrying food or alcohol. The questioning was routine and processing was efficient.
Green Card Holders: Green Card holders re-entering after trips to India or other countries reported smooth experiences with no issues at Atlanta.
Common Questions Asked at US Port of Entry
For B2 Tourist/Visitor Visas
Immigration officers typically ask B2 visa holders questions designed to confirm the temporary nature of their visit:
- What is the purpose of your visit to the United States?
- How long do you plan to stay?
- Do you have a return ticket? (Be ready to show it)
- Where will you be staying during your visit?
- Who are you visiting? (if applicable)
- Have you visited the US before? Will you extend this visit?
- What is your occupation in your home country?
- Do you have ties to your home country? (job, property, family)
Why these questions matter: Officers want to ensure you intend to return home and aren’t planning to overstay your visa or work illegally in the US.
For H1B Work Visas
H1B holders face questions focused on employment verification:
- Where do you work? What company employs you?
- What is your job role and responsibilities?
- Who is your client? (for consultants)
- What is your US address?
- How long were you outside the US?
- Purpose of your trip?
- Are you carrying any food items?
- How much cash are you bringing?
Important: Always carry your most recent I-797 approval notice, LCA, recent paystubs, and employment verification letter. These documents prove your legal work authorization.
For H4 Dependent Visas
H4 visa holders (dependents of H1B workers) typically face fewer questions:
- Are you bringing any food items?
- What is your relationship to the H1B holder?
- Basic travel purpose confirmation
Tip: Carry your H4 approval notice and your spouse’s H1B documentation for reference.
For Green Card Holders
Permanent residents usually experience the smoothest entry:
- How long were you outside the United States?
- What was the purpose of your trip?
- Do you have anything to declare?
Global Entry benefit: Green Card holders enrolled in Global Entry can use automated kiosks, significantly reducing wait times to under 30 minutes in many cases.
For F1 Students and OPT Workers
Students and those on Optional Practical Training should be prepared to show:
- Proof of current enrollment or employment
- Company name and job role (for OPT)
- Valid I-20 document
- Employment authorization documents
For Advance Parole (AP) Holders
AP travelers typically face minimal questioning:
- What was your travel purpose?
- When did you depart the US?
Note: Advance Parole allows certain applicants for permanent residence to re-enter the US without abandoning their pending applications.
Essential Documents to Carry for Each Visa Type
B2 Visitor Visa Documents
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- B2 visa stamp in passport
- Round-trip flight tickets
- Hotel reservations or invitation letter
- Proof of financial means (bank statements)
- Employment letter from home country
- Property documents (if applicable)
- Travel itinerary
H1B Work Visa Documents
- Valid passport
- H1B visa stamp
- Most recent I-797 approval notice (critical)
- Labor Condition Application (LCA)
- Recent paystubs (at least 2-3 months)
- Employment verification letter
- Client letter (for consultants)
- W2 forms from previous year
H4 Dependent Visa Documents
- Valid passport
- H4 visa stamp
- H4 approval notice (I-797)
- Spouse’s H1B documents (copies)
- Marriage certificate (if recently married)
Green Card Documents
- Valid passport (from country of citizenship)
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Re-entry permit (if applicable for extended absences)
- Global Entry card (if enrolled)
F1 Student and OPT Documents
- Valid passport
- F1 visa stamp
- I-20 form (current and endorsed)
- Employment authorization document (EAD for OPT)
- Offer letter or employment verification (for OPT)
- School enrollment letter (for students)
Advance Parole Documents
- Valid passport
- Advance Parole document (I-512)
- Pending adjustment of status documents
- Employment authorization (if applicable)
Important Tips for Smooth Port of Entry Experience
Before You Travel:
Organize all documents in an easily accessible folder or envelope. Keep them in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. Make copies of important documents and store them separately. Review your visa conditions and employment details if applicable.
At Immigration:
Answer questions honestly, clearly, and concisely. Don’t volunteer unnecessary information beyond what’s asked. Remain calm and polite, even if questioning seems excessive. Never joke about sensitive topics like terrorism, drugs, or illegal activities. If you don’t understand a question, politely ask the officer to repeat it.
About Electronic Devices:
Officers can legally inspect your phone, laptop, or other devices. While searches are relatively rare, be aware this is within their authority. Don’t assume privacy on devices at the border.
If Sent to Secondary Inspection:
Stay calm – this is often routine and doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. Be prepared for more detailed questioning about your trip and status. Have all supporting documents organized and ready. Secondary inspection can take 1-3 hours but is a normal part of the process for certain cases.
Language Assistance:
If you’re not comfortable speaking English, you can request an interpreter. Most major airports have multilingual staff available.
What Can Cause Problems at Port of Entry?
Understanding potential red flags can help you avoid them:
Previous Visa Violations: If you’ve overstayed a previous visa, violated work authorization, or had other issues, expect additional scrutiny and questioning.
Suspicious Travel Patterns: Frequent trips to the US for extended periods on a tourist visa may suggest you’re actually living in the country, which violates B2 visa terms.
Inconsistent Information: Your answers must match what’s in your documents and what you told the visa officer during your visa interview.
Inadequate Documentation: Missing key documents like I-797 for H1B or current paystubs can lead to delays or even denial of entry.
Employment Issues: For work visas, if your employer hasn’t paid you properly or you’ve been on unpaid leave for extended periods, this can cause problems.
Customs Declarations: Failing to declare items you’re bringing into the US (food, large amounts of cash, etc.) can result in fines or more serious consequences.
Understanding I-94 and Duration of Stay
When you’re admitted to the US, CBP creates an electronic I-94 arrival/departure record. This document indicates how long you’re permitted to stay:
For B2 Visas: Usually granted 6 months, but officers can give less based on your stated plans For H1B Visas: Typically granted until the end date on your I-797, often in 1-3 year increments For Green Card Holders: No I-94 needed as you’re a permanent resident For F1 Students: Usually marked “D/S” (Duration of Status), meaning as long as you maintain student status
Check your I-94 online at cbp.gov/I94 within a few days of arrival to confirm your authorized stay period.
Special Considerations by Country of Origin
Travelers from India: Indian citizens represent a large portion of H1B and student visa holders. Officers are familiar with common documentation and employment patterns. Carry strong ties documentation for B2 visas, as temporary visa denials for Indians can be higher than some other nationalities.
Visa Waiver Program Countries: Citizens of VWP countries (most of Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, etc.) can enter for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. However, VWP cannot be extended, and you cannot change status while in the US.
Countries with Travel Restrictions: Some nationalities face additional vetting or restrictions. Check current policies before traveling, as these can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can immigration officers search my phone? Yes, CBP has legal authority to search electronic devices at the border without a warrant. While not routine, be aware this is possible.
Q: What if I’m denied entry? If denied admission, you’ll typically be given the option to withdraw your application (allowing you to keep your visa) or be formally removed (which goes on your record). You’ll be sent back on the next available flight.
Q: How early should I arrive for my connecting flight? Allow at least 3 hours for domestic connections and 4 hours for international connections when you’re clearing immigration at your first US port of entry.
Q: Do I need to go through immigration again for connecting flights? No, once you clear immigration at your first US airport, you won’t go through it again for domestic connections. You will go through security again though.
Q: What if my documents are in my checked luggage? This is a serious problem. Always keep all immigration documents in your carry-on. If this happens, explain to the officer, and they may allow someone to retrieve your bags, but this will cause significant delays.
Q: Can I bring food into the US? Most processed, packaged foods are allowed, but fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited. Always declare any food items to avoid penalties.
Final Thoughts
Port of Entry experiences vary based on multiple factors including your visa type, travel history, current events, and even the individual officer you encounter. While most entries are straightforward, being prepared with proper documentation and honest, clear answers ensures the smoothest possible experience.
Remember that immigration officers are doing their job to protect US borders. Cooperation, preparation, and honesty are your best strategies for a successful entry.
The experiences shared here reflect real traveler reports from 2025, but every situation is unique. Use this guide as preparation, but understand that your experience may differ. When in doubt about your specific situation, consult with an immigration attorney before traveling.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on traveler experiences and should not be considered legal advice. Immigration policies and procedures can change. Always verify current requirements with official US government sources before traveling.
