Admission to the United States: An Overview

The US government issues millions of visas annually. For nonimmigrant visas, the Department of State issued 6.8 million in 2022. Since there is a cap set by the Immigration and Nationality Act, the issuances for immigrant visas should not exceed 675,000 per year.
Getting your visa approved is a joyous moment but the immigration process does not end there.

It is best to also prepare for the admission stage.

Entering United States

Noncitizens have to be admitted at a US port of entry to lawfully enter the country. An immigration officer will be there to inspect them. During the admission stage, present the following:

  • US passport
  • US visa
  • Immigration document, for example Form I-20 for F-1 students
  • Fees receipt
  • Proof of funds

Depending on your visa, the immigration officer may require other documents for inspection.

Basis for Denial of Admission

Even with complete requirements, there is a possibility that your entry will be denied by the immigration officers. Here are the most likely reasons:

  • Health issues
  • Incomplete vaccination
  • Illegal employment
  • Criminal record
  • Travel bans
  • Bring of suspicious items

It is best to have an immigration lawyer on standby to address potential legal problems right away.

ALG Lawyers Will Help You Stay on Top of Everything

You do not have to handle everything on your own when applying for a visa or green card. Having support from a team of immigration experts can definitely lessen your burdens and help you focus on other equally important matters. ALG Lawyers is here for you. Our lawyers and legal assistants are ready to assist you at any stage of the immigration process.

(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)