After arriving in the United States on an international flight, travelers must pass through immigration inspection before entering the country. This process is conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Admission is determined by the inspecting officer at the port of entry.
What happens
When an international flight arrives in the United States, passengers are directed to immigration inspection.
During inspection, the officer typically:
- Reviews your passport and travel documents.
- Verifies visa or ESTA authorization if applicable.
- Asks questions about the purpose and duration of your visit.
- Checks immigration databases.
If the officer determines that the traveler is admissible, entry is granted and the traveler proceeds to baggage claim.
After collecting baggage, passengers usually pass through customs inspection before exiting the airport.
What determines the outcome
Admission decisions depend on several factors, including:
- Validity of travel documents.
- Visa status or visa waiver eligibility.
- Purpose of travel.
- Prior immigration history.
- Information available in government records.
Possession of a visa or ESTA approval does not guarantee admission.
The final decision is made at the port of entry.
What it may lead to
Common outcome:
- Traveler is admitted into the United States.
Possible escalation:
- Additional questioning during inspection.
- Referral to secondary inspection for further review. This situation is explained further in what happens if I’m sent to secondary inspection?
Worst realistic outcome:
- Refusal of admission. In some situations travelers may experience denied entry at a U.S. airport after immigration inspection.
- Cancellation of visa or travel authorization. This may occur during visa cancellation at a U.S. port of entry when officers determine the visa should no longer be used.
- Requirement to depart on a return flight.
Processing outcomes are determined at the port of entry.
Common escalation triggers
Situations that frequently lead to additional scrutiny include:
- Inconsistent answers during questioning.
- Missing or incomplete travel documentation.
- Prior immigration violations.
- Suspicion that the traveler intends to work without authorization.
Officers may request additional documents during the inspection process.
What this depends on
Immigration inspection outcomes vary based on:
- Visa category or travel authorization.
- Travel history and previous entries.
- Information available to border authorities.
- Circumstances observed during inspection.
Border inspection decisions are made individually for each traveler.
Who controls the process
Immigration inspection at airports is conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
CBP operates under federal authority and determines admission at ports of entry.
State or local authorities are not involved in immigration admission decisions.
Last reviewed: March 2026
This page describes typical operational outcomes. Individual cases vary.