H4 visa: Questions asked at the port of entry
March 3rd, 2010 | by Ridhima Suri |An overwhelming response to the posts related to H4 visa prompted me to write this small post on questions that I was asked at the port of entry in the U.S. Please note that each case is different and the line of questioning varies for every individual.
Recently I went to India for my H4 stamping. I got a new visa stamped in my passport. Here is the conversation between me and the interviewing Immigrations Officer at San Francisco International Airport. Hopefully it will help people coming to the U.S. on the H4 visa.
Officer: Good evening, how are you today?
Me: Hi. I am doing great. Thanks.
I handed the passport along with the Customs form/I-94 (we received these documents on board).
Officer : Thank you. Why did you visit India?
Me: I was visiting family.
Officer: Could you please verify your husband’s name?
Me: Yes. His name is ——-
Officer: Where does he work?
Me: He works in (name of company).
Officer : Where is place of work?
Me: Well, he goes to Mountain View for work.
Officer: Mountain View, huh, its a great place to work!
Me: You are so right (smile).
Officer: Are you carrying any food items?
Me: No.
The Officer asked me to do finger & thumb printing and eye scanning. This took less than 20 seconds. He then clicked a photo.
Officer: Do you have your husband’s I-797 ?
Me: No. I do not have it.
Officer: Please carry it next time.
Me: Sure. I will. He came 3 weeks before me. He was carrying his I797. I will certainly keep a copy with me next time. Thanks!
I 94 Arrival record is stapled to my passport. I quickly glance at the date of the I-94. It matches the expiration date of my visa. All is well..:)
Officer: OK. Ms. Suri. You are all set. Welcome to the United States. You can now head towards baggage claims.
Me: Thank you. I appreciate it. You have a great day!
The interview was pretty straightforward. Since I already had another H4 visa stamped the conversation went well otherwise not carrying the I797 could have been an issue (if you have read this far, please make sure that you carry the I797 given to your spouse).
Please be calm and honest during the questioning. The officer wants to make sure that every person entering United States has valid documents to to so. If he is not convinced with your answers, you will be sent for secondary screening.
Note: This is not legal advice. Please consult an attorney for specific immigration related advice.
Tags: H4, H4 visa, h4 visa interview, H4 visa port of entry
5 Responses to “H4 visa: Questions asked at the port of entry”
By mrsstranger on Mar 29, 2010 | Reply
Hi,
Iam planning to go for H4 visa or renewal stamping with my I 797 approval which is valid till 2011. (My I 94 expired on aug 2008 but got an approval I 797 before my expiry and valid till jan 2011)
I came to India in Nov 2009 and still here. Will there be any problem of being steyed these many days?
By akki on Mar 29, 2010 | Reply
Hi,
I got new h4 visa stamp till dec 2010 as per my wife i797 as i will be traveling near by may 1st week.
my question is my wife employer location is Florida and she is working at client location Chattanooga so i will be landing to Atlanta and it will be a my POE…so will it be any problem during my POE because of employer location and client location and what are question will they ask?
please do needful ?
By Ridhima on Mar 29, 2010 | Reply
Mrsstranger: No, it will not be a problem. Please get your H4 visa renewed/stamped and carry the I797 at the time of entry to the U.S.
Akki:There should not be a problem per se. Explain your situation if asked and carry relevant documents with you. If you can get a letter from the employer about the client location it would be great. As such the H4 visa holder must have:
1. copy of I-797 approval notice
2. employment letter from company stating his continued employment.
3. H4 visa stamped on the passport.
Usual port of entry questions for H4 visa holders:
1. What is your spouse doing in the US ? You can briefly explain the nature of work.
2. Where is your spouse’s office? Tell the office address.
3. Where are you going to live in U.S.reside ? Tell your home address (client office location in your case).
Hope this helps.
Ridhima
By shewta on May 13, 2010 | Reply
Hi,
My husband went to US in feb 2010 and his point of entry was at place X(west coast) as his parent company is situated there. Then he moved to location B(east coast) as his client is situated there.
I am on H4 and will be travelling to US in july. I will be coming to east coast. Will there be any issues regarding my point of entry? What documents I need to carry in order to avoid any trouble?
By Ridhima on May 13, 2010 | Reply
Hey Shweta,
I am not a lawyer but I do not think there should be any problem. You must however carry sufficient documents to prove your case, like a letter from the company about the client site or a letter detailing your husband’s current project on B.
Just tell the officer the details like you have
mentioned on this forum. I think you should be fine.
Good luck and welcome to the U.S…:)
-Ridhima