Ask a CBP Officer anything

220 Questions

Last Answer on April 22, 2019

Thanks for answering my previous Question, in continuation with previous question, how do i prove that i will return to India? I have bought house recently in India and family is not traveling with me does that help?

Asked by Abhishek over 9 years ago

Basically, you need to show that your whole life is in India. The deed to your home, or tax statements help. A letter from your employer stating that you are located in India and you will be working for your employer on your L1 visa in the United States until XXX date.

1023 Votes

I meant I have a student visa from Australia & I was in the US with a valid B2 multiple entry good for 10 years. I stayed for 5mo&5wks. It has been 2 mos since I left the US. I want to visit again before my class starts in August here in Thailand.

Asked by Travelbug about 10 years ago

You will probably be asked several questions as to why you were in the United States for such an extended period of time. It's not normal for a person to be on vacation for 6 months in another country. Be prepared to provide proof of economic solvency to justify your entry into the United States again.

1022 Votes

I have been traveling to the US (VWP) for the past 5 years about 3-4 times a year for 3-4 weeks at a time (American GF). Last time I was "advised" to get a B2 Visa. My Esta is still good and I am never staying for that long. What should I do?

Asked by Bergis81 over 9 years ago

It is always safer to have a physical B1/B2 visa over the Visa Waiver Program. You have slightly more protections (Not much). From what you stated, it doesn't sound like you spend much time in the US over the average person, however every officer is different.

It's really up to you if you want to get a Visa or not. I would just advise to bring proof of solvency every time you enter to make the officer feel more comfortable about allowing you into the country.

1011 Votes

After being refered to secondary almost every other time I go back to US, it really annoys me that CBP officers go through my phone. Can I refuse to provide password to it? What are the reprecussions of that?

Asked by tpbacon about 9 years ago

If you are an alien applying for admission to the United States, you can be removed from the United States if you cannot overcome the presumption of being inadmissible. This presumption is based on the Officer's discretion.

Under Border Search Authority, and for national security purposes, Officer's are legally allowed to search your phone (any electronic device) or use computer systems that can replicate the information contained within your phone. You are allowed to verbally deny them, but legally they can then formally seize it and return it to you at a later date if they determined it be necessary.

1007 Votes

Also on Jobstr...

HR Executive

How do you feel about employees working remotely?

SWAT Team Commander (Retired)

How do you decide whether to try and kill a hostage taker?

CBP Officer

Do you catch less marijuana at the border now that it's being decriminalized in some States?

Also, I am currently on active duty with about a year and a half left on contract. When would you recommend that I start the application process? Thank you.

Asked by Mando about 9 years ago

I recommend you submit your application today! It took me a little over 2 years to get hired. This time frame is very common for all law enforcement positions within the federal government. The process is a very slow and arduous one. For example, you will apply today, in 3 months they will call you to take the test, in 6 months they'll have you do the fitness test, in a year they'll have you take your polygraph, in another 6 to 8 months the second fitness test etc.

1006 Votes

Do fingerprints and photo still in your system? He married a us citizen. 15 years ago he entered the usa with a birth certificate of someone else officer let him entered but photo & Fngerprnts were taken. He wants to get a green card.

Asked by Monica about 9 years ago

I'm not sure of your question, but photos and fingerprints are in our system permanently. There may be an expiration date but none that I know of.

1003 Votes

Upon entry of a US Citizen or Permanent Resident (green card holder) from a trip abroad, what does the border protection officer check upon, himself, as well as on the computer system?

Asked by Morgan57 over 9 years ago

I cant exactly tell you what we see on the computer system, but we check for everything. We look at criminal history, travel patterns, we check your vehicle and person for narcotics.

1000 Votes

Showing 57 - 63

Show All

90 More Answers by CBP Officer

Last 7

6 7 8 9 10 11

...

Next 7 Answers

CBP Officer

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Thanks for answering my previous Question, in continuation with previous question, how do i prove that i will return to India? I have bought house recently in India and family is not traveling with me does that help?

I meant I have a student visa from Australia & I was in the US with a valid B2 multiple entry good for 10 years. I stayed for 5mo&5wks. It has been 2 mos since I left the US. I want to visit again before my class starts in August here in Thailand.

I have been traveling to the US (VWP) for the past 5 years about 3-4 times a year for 3-4 weeks at a time (American GF). Last time I was "advised" to get a B2 Visa. My Esta is still good and I am never staying for that long. What should I do?

After being refered to secondary almost every other time I go back to US, it really annoys me that CBP officers go through my phone. Can I refuse to provide password to it? What are the reprecussions of that?

Also on Jobstr...

Also, I am currently on active duty with about a year and a half left on contract. When would you recommend that I start the application process? Thank you.

Do fingerprints and photo still in your system? He married a us citizen. 15 years ago he entered the usa with a birth certificate of someone else officer let him entered but photo & Fngerprnts were taken. He wants to get a green card.

Upon entry of a US Citizen or Permanent Resident (green card holder) from a trip abroad, what does the border protection officer check upon, himself, as well as on the computer system?

CBP Officer

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

Thanks for answering my previous Question, in continuation with previous question, how do i prove that i will return to India? I have bought house recently in India and family is not traveling with me does that help?

I meant I have a student visa from Australia & I was in the US with a valid B2 multiple entry good for 10 years. I stayed for 5mo&5wks. It has been 2 mos since I left the US. I want to visit again before my class starts in August here in Thailand.

I have been traveling to the US (VWP) for the past 5 years about 3-4 times a year for 3-4 weeks at a time (American GF). Last time I was "advised" to get a B2 Visa. My Esta is still good and I am never staying for that long. What should I do?

After being refered to secondary almost every other time I go back to US, it really annoys me that CBP officers go through my phone. Can I refuse to provide password to it? What are the reprecussions of that?

Also on Jobstr...

Also, I am currently on active duty with about a year and a half left on contract. When would you recommend that I start the application process? Thank you.

Do fingerprints and photo still in your system? He married a us citizen. 15 years ago he entered the usa with a birth certificate of someone else officer let him entered but photo & Fngerprnts were taken. He wants to get a green card.

Upon entry of a US Citizen or Permanent Resident (green card holder) from a trip abroad, what does the border protection officer check upon, himself, as well as on the computer system?

Login

Forgot Your Password?

Register