How to go through customs if you're not good at English? What questions do US customs officers ask at the border?
Today I'm gonna share 7 MOST ASKED questions at the US border, the answer sample and some tips for going through the border.
⚠️ Please answer the questions based on your situation
"If you're travel to the USA, what questions will the US customs ask?"
Q1: What's the purpose of your visit?
This is usually the first question that you'll get when you are at the border. No need to panic, just tell the officer about the purpose of the visit. For example, I'm here for traveling.
Q2: Where are you going?
If you're planning to go to famous places, then you can simply tell the officer about the name of the place. If you're planning to visit a place that is not well-known by everyone, telling the name of the city or the states should be fine. For example, I'm planning to go to Disneyland/Vegas.
Q3: How long will you be here?
I recommend everyone to have the travel timeframe in mind so that you won't panic when you're talking to the officer. When you get this question, simply tell the officer the exact period that you'll be staying in the US. For instance, I'll be here for 2 weeks.
⚠️Reminder, if you're traveling with ESTA, the maximum period that you can stay in the US is 90 days
Q4: Where will you be staying?
Most of the people might stay in their friend's house or hotel. In this case, you can reply "I'll be staying at my family's house".
⚠️If you already booked the hotel, I suggest you to print out the confirmation email
"If you're planning to study in the USA, what questions will the US customs ask?"
Q1: What's the purpose of your visit?
This is usually the first question that you'll get when you are at the border. No need to panic, just tell the officer about the purpose of the visit. For example, "I was accepted to the MBA program at UCLA and I'm here for study."
Q2: How are you going to pay your education?
If you're planning to study in the US, the officer might ask you some financial questions. Some might be sponsored by their family members, while some might pay the expenses from their personal saving. Please answer the question based on your situation. For instance, "My parents will be paying my tuition and living expenses."
Q3: Where will you be staying?
Most of the students will either stay in school's residence or rent a house near the school. In this case, you can reply "I'll stay in school's residence" or "I'll rent an apartment near the school."
⚠️If you already confirm where you're staying, it'll be great if you can print out a receipt
Watch the video for the complete guide👇🏻
Lastly, I wanna share the some tips with you guys
1. DO NOT LIE! DO NOT LIE! DO NOT LIE! ✅
This is the most useful and the most important takeaway. I mentioned this in the "How to Apply ESTA?" video. It's very easy for the officer to know if you're lying or not, so DON'T LIE.
2. Use complete sentences to give them as much information as possible ✅
Try to avoid replying with a single word. The answer should be one or two sentences.
3. The purpose of entry and the purpose of your VISA should match ✅
For instance, you're using tourist visa or ESTA to enter the US, BUT planning to work there. This is a SUPER NO NO! PLEASE DON'T DO THAT. You might get in trouble or even be deported.
4. Prepare all of the documents ✅
Bring all of the travel documents is especially important for the people who is not fluent in English. I've mentioned what documents are needed in the video, hope everyone can enter the US smoothly. Safe flight ✈️
Hope you find this video helpful. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any question.
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