Visa Entry Experiences in the USA

Visa Entry Experiences in the USA

As we continue to gather valuable insights about the experiences of international travelers entering the USA, we invite you to participate in our anonymous survey. Whether you’re a visa holder or simply curious about the entry process, your data can contribute to a better understanding of the admission landscape. If you prefer to fill out the survey privately, feel free to message me for assistance. Here’s the link for the survey: Survey Link. Each week, I will publish a report based on the data collected, keeping you updated on the trends and experiences of other travelers.

Survey Insights: A Look at Recent Entry Experiences

As of August 17th, we have received nearly 571 responses in the past three months, reflecting various visa categories and experiences. The breakdown of responses reveals that:

• 401 responses were from F visa holders (including 324 with a 5-year visa and 77 with a 1-year visa).
• 38 responses were from J visa holders.
• 66 responses were from H visa holders.
• 48 responses were from B visa holders.
• 5 responses were from L/O visa holders.
• 4 responses were from individuals with other documentation.
• 9 individuals held a U.S. Green Card.
• 14% of respondents (82 individuals) reported being first-time entrants.

A remarkable 83% of respondents (474 individuals) experienced a smooth entry process, facing minimal questions from customs officers. However, 7% mentioned being asked many questions, and 10% found themselves in secondary inspection but were ultimately allowed to enter the country.

Detailed Breakdown of Entry Experiences by Visa Type

F Visa Holders

Among the 228 F visa holders who had not yet graduated, 88% reported a seamless entry. Out of 74 F visa holders in master’s programs, 86% noted similar ease. Interestingly, those in STEM-sensitive fields did not report significantly lower rates of smooth entry.

J and H Visa Holders

Of the 38 J visa holders surveyed, 82% experienced smooth entry. Similarly, among the 66 H visa holders, 88% reported a glitch-free process.

Other Visa Categories

For the 48 B visa holders, 71% found their entry to be relatively easy, with the remaining experiencing varying degrees of scrutiny. The rates of entry into secondary inspection were consistent across the major visa categories.

Importantly, it was noted that the secondary inspection rates for F visa holders who have not yet graduated were lower at 6-7%, while F visa holders on OPT status showed higher rates (12-14%). Comparatively, J and H visas maintained consistent secondary inspection rates of 8-10%.

Concluding Thoughts

Your experiences and insights are valuable! By participating in the survey, you contribute to a broader understanding of the entry experiences faced by international travelers in the USA. Remember, this content is based on shared experiences and does not constitute travel advice. If you plan to travel, carefully consider your personal circumstances and risks. Feel free to share this information appropriately!

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