If you withdraw your application for admission at a U.S. port of entry, you are allowed to leave the United States without receiving a formal removal order. This option may be offered by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer when a traveler is found inadmissible during inspection.
Withdrawal allows the traveler to depart voluntarily instead of being formally removed.
What happens
When arriving at a U.S. airport or land border, travelers must undergo inspection by CBP officers. In some situations travelers may be directed to secondary inspection at the airport for additional questioning.
If the officer determines that you may not be eligible for admission, several outcomes are possible.
In some situations, the officer may offer the option to withdraw the application for admission.
If withdrawal is accepted:
- You formally request permission to withdraw your entry request.
- The officer records the withdrawal decision.
- You are returned to your point of departure or placed on the next available flight out of the United States.
Withdrawal typically occurs before a formal removal order is issued.
What determines whether withdrawal is allowed
The decision to permit withdrawal is made by the inspecting officer and depends on factors such as:
- The reason for inadmissibility.
- The traveler’s prior immigration history.
- Whether the issue appears to involve fraud or misrepresentation.
- Whether the traveler cooperates during inspection.
Withdrawal is not guaranteed and is granted at the discretion of CBP.
What it may lead to
Common outcome:
- Departure from the United States without a removal order.
- Future travel may still be possible after addressing the issue.
Possible escalation:
- Cancellation of the current visa. In certain cases CBP may proceed with visa cancellation at a U.S. port of entry before allowing the traveler to depart.
- Requirement to apply for a new visa before future travel.
Worst realistic outcome:
- Entry refusal followed by expedited removal instead of withdrawal. In more serious cases CBP may initiate expedited removal from the United States, which carries additional legal consequences.
- Temporary reentry bar associated with a removal order.
Withdrawal avoids the legal consequences associated with expedited removal.
Common escalation triggers
Situations that may lead to entry refusal include:
- Inconsistent answers during inspection.
- Evidence suggesting unauthorized work intent.
- Prior immigration violations.
- Misrepresentation on travel or visa documents.
Certain findings may prevent withdrawal from being offered.
What this depends on
Outcomes vary depending on:
- The facts discovered during inspection.
- The traveler’s immigration history.
- The discretion of the inspecting officer.
- Applicable immigration law.
Inspection decisions are made case by case at the port of entry.
Who controls the process
Admission decisions at U.S. ports of entry are handled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a federal agency.
CBP officers determine whether a traveler is admitted, allowed to withdraw their application, or placed into removal procedures.
Last reviewed: March 2026
This page describes typical operational outcomes. Individual cases vary.