U.S. port of entry procedures for families

U.S. port of entry procedures for families - Signboard showing direction of underground station

I will be traveling to the United States soon with my wife and children (less than 5 years of age). My wife is not a U.S. citizen, but my children and I are.

How should we approach the immigration officer at the point of entry: individually or together as a family?



Best Answer

If you are travelling together, I suggest always staying together as a family. Hand the immigration officer all your passports, and he or she will probably ask "Are you a family?" before opening them. Say yes of course, and they should have no problem processing you all together.

Since you are a US citizen, you and your family can use the line for US citizens. I have always done this (my wife is American and I am not), and have never had a problem. In fact, the one time we tried it the other way we were told to go use the US citizen line instead.




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Quick Answer about "U.S. port of entry procedures for families"

  • Step 1 – US Visa, Passport Check by Airline. ...
  • Step 2 – Fill out Customs Declaration Form. ...
  • Step 3 – (Optional ) Fill out I-94 Arrival / Departure Card. ...
  • Step 4 – Arrive at Airport, Seaport – Stand in Immigration Line.


How does port of entry Work?

In general, a port of entry (POE) is a place where one may lawfully enter a country. It typically has border security staff and facilities to check passports and visas and to inspect luggage to assure that contraband is not imported.

What questions do US customs officers ask?

Be Prepared for Questions From CBP Officials
  • Why are you visiting the United States? ...
  • Where will you be staying? ...
  • Who will you be visiting? ...
  • How long will you be staying? ...
  • How much money do you have available for this trip? ...
  • Have you visited the United States before, and if so, how long did you stay?


What do US immigration officers see on their screen?

Information on the crossing\u2014such as name, date and country of birth, and other biographical information; the dates and locations of previous border crossings; citizenship or immigration status; and a host of other related information\u2014is stored in the TECS database, which contains a master crossing record for every ...

How do you get through US customs?

Complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B
  • Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise.
  • Complete the online form at a Global Entry kiosk. (Only preapproved Global Entry members are allowed to use these kiosks.)
  • Complete the online form at an Automated Passport Control kiosk.




  • How to fill out US Customs Forms | Arriving in USA in 2021




    More answers regarding u.S. port of entry procedures for families

    Answer 2

    Just approach as a group.

    My family (same basic composition) and I flew into Atlanta a couple of months back. We were directed to the APC machines. Those of us that had US passports put our data page on the scanner, my wife put her B1/B2 visa on the scanner.

    Of course we got the big X on our slips and had to get in the line, but it was quick, a few questions about what we are doing, how long and we were on our way.

    If it is your wife's first time to use a visa, you may get some more questioning, as my wife did the very first time.

    But this is if your wife has a B1/B2 visa. If she is traveling on an ESTA or Visa Waiver, then procedures maybe different. Though you should still approach as a family.

    Answer 3

    The rule is that family members (especially if residing at the same address) can be processed together, so you should go together in the US citizens queue.

    At most major airports, this will mean using an APC kiosk, which can also be used by VWP nationals, and at the very most major airports also by B visa holders.

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