Travel to the US: U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - International Programs and Services (2024)

Complete Entry Paperwork

In order to streamline passenger processing, U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has automated its arrival and departure process and eliminating the paper Form I-94 for air and sea travelers. You will be able to obtain your admission number and electronic I-94 record through the websitehttps://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/. Different versions of Form I-94 might still be issued by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies. If you are traveling by air, flight attendants should hand you a U.S. Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059). If you are arriving by land or sea, the immigration officer will provide you with the CF-6059 at the port of entry.

Port of Entry

Proceed to the Custom and Borders Inspection site near the terminal area. Be prepared to present your passport, I-20, and the CF-6059.

You will have to state your reason for entering the United States. You should tell the Customs and Borders Protection (CBP) officer that you will be a student. Be prepared to provide university address and additional information such as financial documents or your admission letter. Do not leave without getting your passport stamped, “F/1 D/S”

Secondary Inspection

If the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer cannot verify your information or if you do not have all of the required documentation, you may be directed to what is known assecondary inspection. The CBP officer will first try to check your status by using SEVIS. If the CBP officer needs to verify information with your school or program, please call (703) 993-2970.

If you fail to provide required documentation, the CBP official may give you aform I-515Awhich authorizes temporary admission into the United States. If you receive an I-515A, come directly to OIPS and speak with an advisor.

Travel to the US: U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - International Programs and Services (2024)

FAQs

Do you have to answer questions from CBP? ›

Even though you always have the right to remain silent, if you don't answer questions to establish your citizenship, officials may detain you longer in order to verify your immigration status.

Do I need to fill out the US customs declaration form? ›

Each individual arriving into the United States must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. Explanations and a sample declaration form can be found on the Sample Customs Declaration Form.

What is the CBP Global Entry Program? ›

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.

How many people fail the CBP entrance exam? ›

Although the tests are not admissible in court and have been banned by most private companies to screen employees, they have been mandatory for Border Patrol for the last 10 years. Nearly 50% of recruits fail the polygraph or lie-detector component, the vice president of the National Border Patrol Council said.

Is the CBP entrance exam hard? ›

The CBP Entrance Exam is Hard: Useful Tips 💡

Read and understand each question before selecting an answer. Pay attention to details and avoid rushing. Manage your time effectively by setting a specific time limit for each question. Use educated guesses when unsure about an answer.

What happens if you don't fill out a customs form? ›

If you don't, the customs officials in the receiving country may reject and return (or, in certain cases, may even destroy) your package. Note: If you're mailing First-Class Mail International® service envelopes containing only documents that don't require customs forms, these new rules don't apply to you.

Can I fill out a customs form online? ›

You have two main ways to fill out a customs form that can be used for mailing your item: 1 Customs Forms Online: Forms can be electronically generated and printed based on information entered in the application. Simply enter customs information and print customs forms that are appropriate for your mailpiece.

What documents are required for CBP? ›

U.S. Passport • U.S. Passport Card • Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST, or Global Entry Card) • State or Provincial issued enhanced drivers license • Children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other ...

Can CBP check your phone? ›

All persons, baggage, and merchandise arriving in, or departing from, the United States are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This search authority includes all electronic devices crossing our nation's borders.

What to say when entering the USA? ›

In real spoken English: /Whus duh purpose ov yur visit?/ /Whus duh purpose ov yur visit?/ Why are you visiting the USA? If it's just for vacation, you can say “Tourism.” “Tourism.” If it's business, it's good to give some details. For example “For business. I'm attending a conference in Manhattan.”

How long does CBP Global Entry interview take? ›

According to the majority of our Global Entry clients, the interview itself is relatively short and can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes (with most lasting approximately 15 minutes). If you have a criminal record though or have traveled to “flagged” countries, however, your interview might last longer.

What is CBP entrance exam? ›

Description: The Entrance Exam is the first step on an applicant's journey to becoming a Border Patrol Agent or a Customs and Border Protection Officer. The federal government uses the Entrance Exam to assess applicants on skills that these agents and officers use every day.

Can you refuse to answer immigration questions? ›

You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court.

Do I have to give CBP my phone? ›

All persons, baggage, and merchandise arriving in, or departing from, the United States are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This search authority includes all electronic devices crossing our nation's borders.

What not to say to a border patrol? ›

Never provide fake documents or say you are a U.S. citizen if you are not. Border Patrol may board buses and trains to question individuals about their citizenship. Other than at ports of entry, agents boarding buses and trains may not search or even pat down luggage without consent or probable cause.

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