Questions while reentering US
I recently went to canada for landing and came back to US thru the Detroit Windsor tunnel.
The following questions were asked by the officer at the US Port of Entry.
he checked by H1B Stamp and did not ask for other documents like I-797
Also he asked me questions like
what do you do for a living? reply: Software Engineer.
which company do you work for? reply: ABC
how long have you maintained your H1 status? reply: 2+ yrs.
where do you reside in US? reply: Michigan
(i was ready with my Michigan proof of residency.)
other problem i faced was that my car 's license plates shopwed California
and then started another round of questions
do you own this car ? (A 'Yes' triggers lot many other questons)
reply: yes
how did you bring it to michigan? (reply: moved it)
why did you go to canada? (reply: to visit a firend in toronto)
how long were you there? (reply: just 2 days for the weekend)
(asked with suspicion ...) hmm so you are telling me you just went there
to visit a friend all the way to toronto? reply: yes
what did you bring back with you? (reply: nothing... only my personal belongings)
and tell me when are you going to change the license plates?
reply: i am in the middle of it.
then i asked what other documents might be required to reenter next time? officer replied: I-797 papers.
Then i was let in
I would say if you are on an H1B, make sure you have your H1B papers,
i.e. I-797, Stamp., letter from employer, etc ready.
i would say also carry your paystubs and W-2 (just in case)
Also have some proof of residency in the state that you live in..
eg. license, other bills etc showing that you have been living in that state.
If you own the car, Also make sure your car plates/license are pointing to
a nearby state and not to a state very far off.
finally, these officers try to give you an impression that they think you are not speaking truth, so be firm on what you say.
Also dont argue a lot. be polite and well dressed.
hope this helps...
Valley guy
