U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Inspection Process 

What to Expect at the U.S. Port of Entry – Guidance for F-1 and J-1 International Students and Scholars 

Upon arrival at a U.S. international airport, seaport, or land border crossing, all travelers are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Anyone seeking to enter the U.S. must establish their admissibility to the satisfaction of a CBP officer. 

During primary inspection, a CBP officer will: 

If additional information is needed, you may be sent to secondary inspection, where CBP officers conduct further questioning and document review. Secondary inspection can be prompted randomly or if a CBP officer has concerns about your admissibility. It allows officers to verify information without delaying other travelers. 

During secondary inspection, CBP officers may: 

  • Ask detailed questions about your travel plans, immigration history, previous employment in the U.S. and/or prior drug use
  • Inquire about proof of financial ability to support yourself during your stay in the U.S.
  • Request proof of enrollment and/or information about your academic program to verify that you have previously maintained F or J status
  • Review any interactions with law enforcement, including arrests or DUIs
  • Conduct a thorough search of you and your belongings, including electronic devices 
  • Request passwords or access to locked electronic devices to review laptop files, phone data, and social media accounts 
  • Make copies of information stored on your devices

Refusing to provide CBP officers access to your electronic devices could result in your device being detained for further examination and may lead to a determination of inadmissibility. 

CBP officers have broad authority to: 

  • Search luggage and personal belongings without a warrant 
  • Question individuals to determine their eligibility to enter the U.S. 
  • Inspect electronic devices, including reviewing messages, emails, and social media activity 
  • Make admissibility determinations

Documents You Need at the Port of Entry 

F-1 and J-1 students and scholars must present these immigration documents at the port of entry to establish their admissibility to the U.S. 

Tips for a Smooth Entry Process 

  • Keep all required documents organized and easily accessible.
  • Remain calm and polite when speaking to CBP officers and provide clear, concise, and truthful answers.
  • Avoid jokes or misleading statements.
  • Marijuana and other recreational drugs legal in California remain illegal under federal law. Since all U.S. ports of entry operate under federal jurisdiction, possessing, transporting, or admitting past use of marijuana can result in denial of entry or other immigration consequences.

If You Experience Issues at the Port of Entry, Refer to the Emergency Contact Information Below: 

  • Office of International Services (OIS): Email ois@usc.edu 
  • USC Department of Public Safety (DPS): Students experiencing a true emergency at the U.S. Port of Entry can call DPS 24 hours per day at (213) 740-6000.
  • USC Immigration Clinic Emergency Hotline: Students detained by U.S. immigration officials at an airport, seaport or land border port of entry may call the USC Immigration Clinic Emergency Hotline at(213) 740-7435 and leave a detailed message, including name, date of birth, nationality, current location, airline and flight number, phone number, and email address. A representative from the Immigration Clinic will provide initial guidance. The USC Immigration Clinic only assists students detained by U.S. immigration officials. Please do not contact the Immigration Clinic for other OIS or immigration-related matters.