Introduction to the experience of entry clearance in the United States

Introduction of American experience in entry and customs clearance. When foreigners arrive in the United States by plane, they must go through the entry formalities at the airport where they first land, and be inspected by immigration officials and customs officials at the airport. On the one hand, check the qualifications of visitors to the United States, that is, whether they can enter the country; On the other hand, check whether passengers' luggage should pay customs duties or whether there are prohibited items that should be confiscated. 1, immigration inspection procedures

(1) Passengers are guided to the entry inspection room and queued for inspection according to different entry visas. Non-immigrant visa holders should be non-residents, and immigrant visa holders or green cards should be citizens/residents.

(2) When it's your turn to be inspected, hand in your passport, I-20 or IAP-66, I-94 and customs declaration form to the immigration officer for inspection. You know, holding a passport and visa does not guarantee entry. Because the visa only grants the holder the right to request entry, it is up to the immigration officer to decide whether to allow entry. Immigration officers will check the "blacklist" to see if the foreigner is on the list. If he has a bad record in the immigration department in the past, it will be difficult for him to enter the country if he is deported.

(3) Traditionally, immigration officials will ask you some questions. The most important of these problems is to determine where you live after coming to the United States, the purpose of coming to the United States, and how much money to bring. Don't be nervous, just answer calmly.

(4) After asking questions, immigration officials will sign on I-20 or IAP-66 and I-94-stamp to indicate the date of entry, and sign to indicate the visa status and the period of legal re-entry. If you hold a (F- 1) visa, the United States will allow you to stay in the United States until you have completed the necessary years of study. Therefore, usually the immigration officer will stamp the column of I-94 with the D/S seal. If you have an exchange scholar (J- 1) visa, the United States only allows you to stay for a certain period of time. You must study the courses specified in IAP-66 to maintain your exchange scholar status. No matter whether you have an F- 1 or J- 1 visa, you should note that your passport must always be valid for more than six months when you enter the United States.

(5) The immigration officer will tear off the exit part of I-94, nail it on the passport and return the third page of I-20 or IAP-66 to you. You should immediately confirm that the information added is correct, and if there are any mistakes, please correct them immediately. Going back to ask or ask questions after leaving the counter will only increase your troubles. You must note that I-94 is the only document that proves that you entered the United States legally. Although it is only a small piece of paper, it must be put together with your passport during your stay in the United States. If you lose it, you must apply to the nearby immigration office for a replacement.

2, baggage claim, customs clearance.

(1) Follow the instructions on the aisle to the baggage claim area of the terminal, and find the baggage claim desk of your flight according to the computer screen or notice.

(2) Take the luggage off the turntable and check the luggage number carefully, because many suitcases look exactly the same.

(3) There are trolleys at the airport, each for one yuan. You can also ask a porter to do it for you, with a tip of one yuan each.

(4) The international airport is very large, so it is easy to find the wrong turntable when picking up luggage, and sometimes airlines will neglect the operation. Don't be nervous if you can't find your luggage. Check with the airline with the baggage registration stub on the boarding pass. If you still can't find it, you must fill out a loss report form and write down the name and telephone number of the airport service personnel for future inquiry.

(5) When queuing for customs clearance, you may wish to choose the shortest line to queue up for inspection. Don't glance left and right, hesitate, and don't look at the rapid and temporary changes in the other line, resulting in doubts and careful investigation. Smile, be sincere, answer questions, but don't talk too much, lest you ask for trouble.

(6) hand in the certificate when checking the baggage. If the customs requires unpacking inspection, open it immediately, don't hesitate. Don't doubt that the customs officer motioned to pass, and immediately put forward the luggage to leave.

(7) If any prohibited items are found in the luggage, they will be confiscated on the spot. The original packed luggage is in a mess, so it takes some effort to put things back in place. But sometimes if you are lucky, you can get through customs quickly.

(8) Pay attention to your luggage documents at any time and don't leave your body to avoid being stolen by others.

(9) If the amount brought into the country exceeds 1 10,000 USD, you should take the initiative to declare to the customs and fill in the 4790 form.

Step 3 Replace the machine

If you want to change planes after entering the country, you have to estimate the time and report to the airport counter of the airline you want to change as soon as possible. Of course, your luggage still needs to be checked again. If the airport is very big, you might as well ask someone for help to avoid going the wrong way. After completing the transfer formalities and finding the confirmed door, you can have a rest period. At this time, you might as well walk around, stretch your muscles or go to the toilet.

4. Talk about customs experience.

Customs, the most important thing is: don't look around, just walk by. Of course, if it's the first time you've been through the customs, you can't even find the north in the hall, so it's inevitable to look around. If you are in a good mood when you meet the customs officer, you will be allowed to pass; If they are in a bad mood, nine times out of ten they will stop you.

Stop, don't be nervous, usually they ask? Is there anything to declare? At this time, we should adopt the strategy of separating the East and the West, and honestly ask questions? I brought XX. Do I have to declare? XX can be a camera, notebook computer, expensive watch or something. Don't say anything that is not very valuable. Customs officials think you are making fun of them. Most of them will be taken out for you to see if you want to declare. You will take the initiative to show it to them and say it is for your own use. In the end, it doesn't matter whether you declare it or not (I took out my laptop and declared it several times, but I didn't go through customs clearance when I came back, and there will be no trouble in the future: P). The most important thing is to make them think that you are honest. Finally, they will ask regularly? Anything else to declare? Just answerno. If they still ask how much money they have withdrawn, just say the amount stipulated by the state. Don't feel guilty!

Some customs have X-ray baggage inspection, while others don't (not in guangzhou east railway station). If there is, it is necessary to adopt a strategy of avoiding the important and taking the light. You must put your luggage on the conveyor belt of the X-ray machine actively, but it is all big luggage, and important items are put in small bags that you carry with you. Generally, no one will let you pass the small bag through the X-ray machine, at least I haven't met it. Money is easier to handle. Just put tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket. You can't live alone, can you?