What do they check at airport immigration?
Daniel Kim
Updated on June 07, 2026
Immigration at Destination Airport An immigration officer will verify details of the passenger, his/ her travel documents and the issued visa. The filled customs form by a passenger is also checked by the official.
Where does immigration check take place in USA?
The first U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer you meet will verify your identity, then direct you to a designated secondary inspection area for new immigrants. This inspection normally takes place at the first U.S. airport at which you land, even if your ultimate destination is somewhere else.
Did you enter the United States lawfully through a U.S. port of entry?
Lawful entry means that you were admitted or paroled into the United States. For most people, this means that you entered the United States with valid documentation and made face to face contact with a U.S. immigration officer and that officer acknowledged your entry to the United States.
What do they check in US immigration?
As part of the medical examination for immigration, all immigrants, depending on their age, are required to be vaccinated against the following vaccine-preventable diseases: COVID-19, mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, rotavirus, hepatitis A.
How long does immigration take at airport?
There are many factors that impact how long it may take travelers to complete the immigration and CBP process, but on average it takes no more than two hours. Passengers connecting to another location must recheck their luggage (Skip to Step 5).
What questions do US immigration Ask at airport?
Be Prepared for Questions From CBP Officials
- Why are you visiting the United States?
- Where will you be staying?
- Who will you be visiting?
- How long will you be staying?
- How much money do you have available for this trip?
- Have you visited the United States before, and if so, how long did you stay?
Who is the applicant in immigration?
Applicant: A foreign citizen who is applying for a nonimmigrant or immigrant U.S. visa. U.S. Embassies and Consulates: Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, nearest your residence abroad, where you will apply and be interviewed for your U.S. visa.
Can immigration search your phone?
Yes. The government policy states that electronic devices “must be disconnected from the internet before a search is performed,” and that officers can only search information that is stored on the phone itself (and not, for example, only available on the cloud). This applies to both basic and advanced searches.
How do I get rid of immigration hold?
Removing an Immigration Hold When local law enforcement receives an immigration hold, it must notify ICE before releasing an inmate. If ICE doesn’t assume custody of the inmate within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays), then law enforcement must release the individual.