How to Enter the United States

The Department of State issues visas in two broad classes to foreign nationals traveling to the United States:

• Immigrant Visas - Apply for an immigrant visa if you want to live and work in the U.S. You must apply for an immigrant visa in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate; in limited cases, you can apply for an immigrant visa online.
• Nonimmigrant Visas - Apply for a nonimmigrant visa if you want to visit the U.S. temporarily. You can apply in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or apply for a nonimmigrant visa online, and schedule an interview at the embassy or consulate.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver - If you are an international traveler seeking to visit the U.S. under the VISA Waiver Program (VWP), you must submit an application through Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

You may need a transit visa if you are traveling through the U.S. to another country.

Once you have entered the U.S., you do not need a visa for travel within the United States and its territories. However, you may need a visa to visit the following Freely Associated States:

• Federated States of Micronesia
• Republic of the Marshall Islands
• Republic of Palau

When you go to the embassy or consulate, bring all the required documents and fees, including any applicable reciprocal issuance fees.

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When you arrive in the United States, you must show valid travel documents as part of the entry procedure. The document(s) required depend on the country you are arriving from and your citizenship or status.

Arrival from Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative covers travel by land, sea or air from Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda:

• American citizens entering the U.S. must show a valid passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license. If you have any questions, contact your carrier to find out if they require a specific document.
• Permanent residents and foreign nationals living in the U.S. need their passport, and they may need to show, if applicable, their U.S. visa and/or alternate or additional travel documents; you must apply for these before you start your trip.

Arrival from Other Countries

• All travelers entering the United States from all other countries need a passport upon arrival (regardless of their country of citizenship).
• Permanent residents and foreign nationals may also need a U.S. visa; you must apply for a visa before you start your trip.
• Learn more about bringing food, pets and medication to the U.S. 

Entry Denials

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers conduct arrival inspections using the same criteria for all foreign nationals visiting the U.S. They have sole discretion concerning your admission to the United States, even if all your travel documents, including your visa, are in order.

Note: While there are no rules prohibiting pregnant visitors from entering the United States, doing so to give birth is not one of them. A CBP officer will consider your pregnancy when deciding on your admission.

For more information, contact Customs and Border Protection:

• In the United States: Call 1-877-CBP-5511 (1-877-227-5511); TTY callers dial 1-866-880-6582
• Outside the United States: Call 1-202-325-8000

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Refugees

Refugees are people who fled their homes for a variety of reasons, including persecution (or the fear of persecution) and war, to find protection elsewhere.

If you believe you need protection as a refugee, contact the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), or another international nonprofit volunteer agency. If these organizations are unavailable to you, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The refugees' entry process into the U.S. involves many government agencies as part of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, which explains the resettlement and a refugee's arrival.

Asylum

Asylum is a form of protection available to refugees. You must meet certain conditions to request asylum in the United States. After getting asylum in the U.S., you:

• Get permission to bring your spouse and children to the U.S.
• Become a permanent resident.

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