Master the CBP Officer Interview – What Will He Ask?

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The entry interview with the CBP immigration officer takes place at the first airport in the USA where you land (unless you went through Preclearance abroad). It is mandatory for all foreigners, regardless of whether they have entered the country through the Visa Waiver Program using ESTA, or are holders of an American visa. The length of the immigration interview usually does not exceed 5 minutes, and its primary goal is to prevent entry by individuals who may pose a security risk or intend to work illegally. In this article, you will learn how the interview is conducted and what questions the CBP officer typically asks.

1. Table of Contents

   1. How the Immigration Interview Takes Place in the USA
   2. What Does the Immigration Officer Ask?
   3. What Happens After the Entry Interview
   4. Frequent Questions About the Immigration Interview

   How the Immigration Interview Takes Place in the USA

   ✈️ Interview at the Airport Before Departing to the USA

   You may encounter your first unofficial interview at the airport from which you board your flight to the USA. This is often conducted by security agency employees hired by specific airlines. The reasoning is simple: if you are denied entry into the USA upon arrival, you must be returned to your departure point at the airline’s expense.

   This preliminary screening is not part of the official immigration interview for entry into the USA.

   📋 Where Will the Interview Take Place?

   The official immigration (or entry) interview takes place at the first airport in the United States where you land. The interview is conducted by an officer from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

   For example, if you are flying from London to New York and then connecting to Dallas, you will go through the immigration interview in New York. Based on this interview, the officer will decide whether to admit you into the country or send you back home on the next available flight.

   After a successful interview, you will typically collect your checked luggage (even if checked through to the final destination) and proceed through customs control. Afterward, you will re-check your bags and board your flight to Dallas.

   ❓ Why Do I Need to Have an Interview?

   The objective of the immigration interview is to prevent the entry of individuals deemed undesirable by the USA. Most often, this applies to those intending to work illegally, commit criminal acts, or who have overstayed their permitted length of stay in the past.

   The golden rule during the immigration interview is: “Always tell the truth.”

   👮 How to Approach the Officer

   You may spend several minutes (or sometimes over an hour) waiting in line for the immigration interview. Current wait times at various airports and terminals can be found on the Customs and Border Protection website. To expedite the process, I recommend requesting a seat near the front of the plane.

   At some airports, you can choose the officer, while at others, you will be assigned one. Approach the officer with a smile and be polite. Nervousness is unnecessary and may raise suspicion that you have malicious intentions.

   If you have previously traveled to the USA on ESTA, you may be eligible to use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to speed up your entry.

   Based on my experience, as well as that of friends and readers, the interview generally takes place in a relaxed atmosphere. For instance, an officer with a stern expression once asked me if I planned to catch Pokémon during my stay in the USA.

   📚 What Documents to Present

   You must always present your passport to the CBP officer.

   You may also voluntarily present supporting documents to prove you have no malicious intentions. This might include a return ticket, hotel reservation, travel itinerary, event tickets, or a rental car reservation. You can also present a letter of invitation, though in most cases, it will not be required.

2. What Does the Immigration Officer Ask?

   The role of the CBP officer is to detect and prevent entry by individuals intending to work illegally, immigrate without a visa, or engage in criminal activity. This is not an interrogation; the officer simply needs to verify the purpose of your visit. The questions are standard for most travelers. Respond in English and truthfully.

   1️⃣ What is the purpose of your trip?

   Are you a tourist exploring the country, attending a business meeting, or simply transiting? How long do you plan to stay?

   2️⃣ Where will you stay in the USA?

   State where you plan to stay. If you only have a hotel reservation for the first night and plan to arrange accommodation as you travel on a road trip, mention that clearly.

   3️⃣ Do you know anyone in the USA? Do you have relatives here?

   State whether you have relatives, friends, or acquaintances in the country. If you do, be prepared for follow-up questions about them.

   4️⃣ What is your occupation?

   If employed, explain your job title and employer. If self-employed, describe your field of business. Similarly, state if you are a student, retiree, or unemployed. If you are unemployed, expect additional questions regarding how you can afford the trip.

   5️⃣ When will you return home? Do you have a return ticket?

   State your return date and confirm you have a return ticket. If you have only purchased a one-way ticket, the officer will almost certainly scrutinize your reasons (note: a return/onward ticket is mandatory for ESTA travelers).

   6️⃣ How much money are you bringing? Do you have a credit card?

   State the amount of cash you are carrying and confirm possession of a credit card. The purpose is to identify travelers who lack sufficient funds for their stay or intend to work illegally.

   7️⃣ Is this your first time in the USA?

   If you have visited before, tell the officer when and where.

   8️⃣ What are your plans in the USA?

   Briefly outline your itinerary. For example, mention a road trip to San Francisco or visiting national parks.

3. What Happens After the Entry Interview

   Once you have answered the officer’s questions, they will take your photo and scan your fingerprints.

   If everything is in order, your entry will be authorized. Physical stamps are becoming rare; your arrival is typically recorded digitally (I-94 record). You can then proceed to baggage claim. Suspicious individuals may undergo a more thorough interview (“Secondary Inspection”) or be denied entry.

   You can watch a video of the entry process or read reader experiences with the immigration interview.

   When traveling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program, do not forget to complete your ESTA registration well in advance.

4. Frequent Questions About the Immigration Interview

   I am traveling with family or friends. Can we go to the interview together?

   Ask the officer if you can approach the counter as a group. In most cases, specifically for families, this is allowed and preferred.

   At which airport does the immigration interview take place?

   You will undergo the interview at the first airport you land at within the United States. If flying London -> New York -> Dallas, the interview happens in New York.

   Do I have to undergo the interview if I am only transiting?

   Yes. The USA does not have a sterile international transit zone. All passengers must undergo the immigration interview and enter the country, even if just transferring to another international flight.

   I don’t speak English well. How can I handle the interview?

   Do not panic; many travelers face this language barrier. You can use a translation app on your phone or prepare printed answers to common questions. If you are nervous or do not understand, simply inform the officer or ask them to speak slowly. Officers handle these situations daily.

   What is the minimum layover time required, considering the interview?

   The required time depends on the airport size, terminal transfers, and immigration queue length. Generally, allow at least 2 to 3 hours for a comfortable connection. A tight connection might be 90 minutes, but that is risky.

   For example, on a trip from Chile, I had a connection in Houston for a flight to New York. Despite having only carry-on luggage, my friends had checked bags, and our inbound flight was slightly delayed. We missed the connection. I hadn’t even cleared security when they were paging me to pick up a replacement ticket.

   If denied entry, who pays for my return flight?

   The airline that brought you to the USA is responsible for transporting you back. Consequently, some airlines perform their own security interviews before departure (e.g., in Amsterdam) to minimize this risk.

   If denied entry, you are generally not entitled to a refund for your ticket, accommodation, or other expenses.

   Do I need to show the approved ESTA during the interview?

   Usually, no. The officer can view your status in their system. However, some airlines may ask for proof before boarding. It is best practice to keep a screenshot of your authorization number on your phone just in case.

   I don’t have a return ticket. Will this be a problem?

   If you are traveling on the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), a return or onward ticket is mandatory; without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. If traveling on a visa, a one-way ticket is technically permitted but will likely lead to detailed questioning about your intent to return home.