What happens if I’m questioned at the airport?
FAQ.
Answered by Jennifer Glass, Immigration Coordinator at the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: July 2026
What happens if I’m questioned at the airport?
Extra questions or being sent to secondary inspection is common for international students and usually nothing to worry about. Stay calm and answer honestly. The most common outcome is approved entry.
During secondary inspection
Secondary inspection is a standard procedure. Generally, individuals are sent to Secondary when a Customs officer needs more information than they are able to quickly get in the main Customs line. Being sent to Secondary is not an indication that there is anything wrong; just that the officer you were speaking with wasn’t able to get what they needed quickly enough. Secondary can take a while though, so it’s always wise to give yourself a significant layover when making your travel plans if possible, just in case. Try to be patient, and answer questions honestly.
Have your school's international office contact info ready for verification. If the CBP officer asks you questions you would like assistance with, you can ask the officer to please contact your school. Note - make sure to get an ‘after-hours’ phone number, in addition to the regular number for the international office.
Possible outcomes
Approved entry — the most common result.
Conditional admission (Form I-515A) — CBP admits you for 30 days while awaiting documents. If you get one, contact your DSO/ARO immediately to respond before your conditional admission expires.
Entry denied — rare; your visa may be cancelled and you'd need a new one before re-entering. Contact your international office.
Tip: Carry your school's international office contact information so CBP can verify details if needed.
