How does US immigration clearance work?
Worried about passing through US immigration? Here's what to expect, step by step, so you can go through the process with confidence.
U.S. immigration can seem intimidating, and many first-time visitors to the United States worry about it. But don’t be concerned—all tourists who come to the U.S. for vacation pass through immigration without problems. I encourage you to read my 5 tips for getting through U.S. immigration. Here’s what happens, step by step, in 7 stages.
1/ Wait your turn behind the yellow line
- When you exit the plane, follow the other passengers and wait in line. Airport staff are always on hand to guide you if needed.
2/ Hand your passport to the officer
- When you reach the immigration officer, greet them with a simple “Hello” and give them your passport. The officer will first check that your passport is authentic and that the photo matches you.
3/ The officer enters your information
- The immigration officer will type your personal information into their computer to check whether you’re wanted by U.S. law enforcement or Interpol. If you’re a regular tourist, you have nothing to worry about. Just wait—it’s usually very quick.
4/ Answer the questions
- The immigration officer will ask you a few questions: why you’re visiting the United States, how long you’re staying, and so on. Check out my article on the 5 most common immigration questions for more details. Nothing complicated.
5/ Have your photo taken
- If everything checks out, the officer will ask you to look at a camera for a photo. Follow their instructions and don’t smile. This is a good sign—it means you’re on your way.
6/ Provide your fingerprints
- Next comes fingerprinting. Follow the officer’s instructions, stay quiet during the process, and avoid jokes. Just do what you’re asked so you can get on with your trip. 🙂
7/ Get your passport back
- The officer will stamp your passport and hand it back to you. Welcome to the United States! 🙂 Some officers even smile or say a friendly word at this point. Your vacation can now begin!
IMPORTANT
Do not take photos during immigration processing. The images in this article were provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Please respect this rule during your own immigration screening.