Welcome to the U.S.

Visitors usually arrive at one of many international airports in the United States. Immigration Officers will review your passport, visa, and I-94 arrival and departure card to verify you can be admitted to the U.S. The Immigration Officer will capture your photo and your fingerprints just like during the visa interview process. If you are approved, you will be directed to the baggage and customs inspection areas to collect your luggage. 

For detailed information on arriving in the U.S., please visit the following websites:

• See You in the U.S.A(1.77MB).
• Admission into the United States
• Filling Out Form I-94
• US-VISIT Program

The Immigration Officer may also direct you to the secondary inspection area for further questions or if you must undergo special registration procedures as part of the National Security Entry/Exit Registration System (NSEERS). During secondary inspection, a second Immigration Officer will review your case and ask you about your travel and background.

After you collect your luggage and are cleared through passport and visa inspection, you must clear any goods that you brought with you through the customs inspection area. For information on what goods you can and cannot bring into the country and the fees you may have to pay, please visit:

• Clearing Goods Through Customs(116KB)

When you are ready to depart the U.S., you should plan additional time into your departure for airline check-in and security screening. For up-to-date information on prohibited items, personal preparation for screening and the screening process, please visit:

• Our Travelers: The Screening Experience