I have been traveling back and forth to the US for more than 30 years. I visit once or twice a year, usually in May and December.
I am not an authority on immigration laws and this is just from my personal experience that I want to share with those who are first-time visitors to the USA.
The questions that the US immigration officers ask visitors remain the same.
Sometimes they ask all these questions, sometimes only a few, or sometimes they don’t ask any question at all. For visitors traveling to America, one must know that these are the common questions.
— Why are you coming to America?
What is your purpose in coming here?
What’s the purpose of your visit?
NOTE: To spend Christmas, summer vacation, attend the wedding of my niece, death of a best friend. As long as it’s true, it’s okay to tell them. Or if you just want to visit and have a grand vacation for no reason, that’s okay too.
—- Do you have relatives here?
Where do they live?
Where will you stay?
NOTE: It’s okay to tell them the truth. I always tell them I am staying with my sister. Or if you’re staying in a hotel just give the hotel’s name and address. This is no big deal.
—- How long are you going to stay?
What are you going to do here?
NOTE: They are just asking to gauge more or less if you’re coming to have a short vacation and visit relatives or you have some hidden agenda like to have a vacation here forever.
—- How much money do you have?
How much money are you bringing?
Do you have ten thousand dollars?
NOTE: You are allowed to bring $10,000 and more but you have to declare it. Don’t hide the money in your jacket, pants, pockets, bags and think they will not find it. There is no reason for you to lie and hide. Just declare that you are bringing a lot of cash and negotiable instruments. But of course, you have to be able to explain WHY you need that much money during your visit.
Super important: The $10,000 is total for the whole family traveling together. Before leaving for the airport in Manila, count your money and ask your travel companions how much they have. If the total is $10k then you must declare it.
Better yet, don’t bring a lot of cash, just bring a lot of credit cards.
—- Where is your husband (or wife)?
Why is he not with you?
What does he do in Manila?
NOTE: They ask because they want to find out if there is still a reason for you to go back to the Philippines (family ties).
—- Do you live in Manila or here?
Do you work here?
What do you do?
NOTE: Again, they want to know if you have a good job or business in the Philippines, first to justify you having a vacation second, that you are financial capable of spending for your trip, that you still have a good reason to go back to the Philippines.
—- Are you bringing food, adobo, pansit, langgonisa?
Are you bringing gifts?
—- Are you bringing alcohol and cigarettes?
NOTE: Twenty years ago, Filipinos love to bring adobo, kalamansi, bagoong, langonisa, hopia, siopao, manggang hilaw, tocino, to their relatives here in the US as pasalubong. Those are not allowed, including dairy, plants, vegetable products. But now, there are many Filipino supermarkets and groceries selling those items here so no need to bring those things. Save yourselves the trouble, don’t bring those things anymore.
These are fairly simple questions and you don’t have to get nervous when you answer. If you are visiting your relatives, friends, family, nothing to fear. Remember, the immigration officers want to make sure that visitors coming to America are not bringing contrabands, illegal goods, drugs, undeclared items. They also want to determine if you have any intention to illegally live in the US or overstay. Most of them are nice and friendly. Just relax and be truthful.
The simple guide is if you are a holder of a B1/B2 visa (business/temporary visitor):
You are allowed to stay up to 30 days if you are traveling for business (B1).
If you are traveling for holiday or vacation (B2) you will be given up to 6 months to legally stay and enjoy your long vacation. But, you are not allowed to work or study unless you get a change of status.
Any extension of stay must be approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS. Apply for an extension prior to the expiry of the number of days you were allowed to stay.
Visitors who have been given 6 months to stay think that after 6 months they can immediately go back to the US. No, the immigration officer might suspect that there’s nothing going for you in the Philippines and there’s a good chance that you would eventually overstay in the US. Do not abuse their hospitality.
