Updated: November 2025
Reading Time: 10 minutes
Reading Time: 10 minutes
This article is part of our English for Immigration series by SmallTalk2Me – an AI-powered English Speaking Practice Platform designed to help you train English fluency through real-life conversation simulations.
Why Border Control English Matters for Immigrants
Arriving in a new country is an exciting but nerve-wracking experience, especially when you have to communicate with immigration officers in English. The border control interview is often your first official interaction in your destination country, and knowing the right vocabulary and phrases can make the difference between a smooth entry and unnecessary stress or complications.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn essential vocabulary for immigration and customs, key phrases to answer common questions confidently, practical dialogues for tourist and work visa interviews, and tips for making a positive impression at border control.
Looking for a complete resource? Check out our English for Immigration Guide.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn essential vocabulary for immigration and customs, key phrases to answer common questions confidently, practical dialogues for tourist and work visa interviews, and tips for making a positive impression at border control.
Looking for a complete resource? Check out our English for Immigration Guide.
Border Control Vocabulary in English
Before your trip, make sure you understand these common terms used in immigration and customs conversations.
Important Documents
Types of Visas
Purpose of Visit Vocabulary
People You'll Meet at Border Control
Important Documents
- Passport – your official travel document
- Visa – permission to enter a country
- Boarding pass – your flight ticket
- Return ticket – proof of your planned departure
- Itinerary – your travel plans and schedule
- Hotel reservation / Accommodation confirmation – proof of where you'll stay
- Travel insurance – coverage for medical emergencies and trip issues
- Invitation letter – a letter from someone inviting you to visit
- Employment contract – for work visa applications
- Bank statement – proof of financial means
Types of Visas
- Tourist visa – for leisure travel and sightseeing
- Business visa – for work-related visits and meetings
- Work visa / Work permit – permission to work in a country
- Student visa – for studying at educational institutions
- Transit visa – for passing through a country
- Medical visa – for receiving medical treatment
Purpose of Visit Vocabulary
- Tourism / Leisure / Sightseeing – traveling for pleasure
- Business trip / Business purposes – work-related travel
- Visiting relatives / family – seeing family members
- Medical treatment – receiving healthcare
- Studying / Education – attending school or university
- Conference / Seminar – attending professional events
- Job relocation – moving for work
People You'll Meet at Border Control
- Immigration officer / Border control officer – checks your documents
- Customs officer – checks what you're bringing into the country
- Security personnel – ensures safety at the airport
- Applicant / Traveler – you, the person being interviewed
Useful Phrases for Border Control
Memorize these expressions to sound confident when speaking with immigration officers.
Stating Your Purpose of Visit
Talking About Accommodation
Talking About Your Employment
Showing Your Intention to Return Home
Asking for Clarification
Stating Your Purpose of Visit
- "I'd like to visit [country] for tourism / business purposes / medical treatment / studying."
- "The purpose of my visit is tourism / business / visiting family."
- "I'm going to visit different places in [country]."
- "I'm planning to stay for [X] days/weeks."
- "It's my first time in [country]."
Talking About Accommodation
- "I've booked a hotel / Airbnb / hostel."
- "I'll be staying with relatives / friends."
- "Here is my hotel reservation."
- "A company is renting an apartment for me."
Talking About Your Employment
- "I work for [company name] as a [job title]."
- "My responsibilities include [description]."
- "I'm in charge of [department/tasks]."
- "My company wants to relocate me to [country]."
Showing Your Intention to Return Home
- "I have no intention of staying in [country] afterwards."
- "I'm planning to return home after my trip / holiday."
- "Here are my return tickets."
- "I have a job / family / property waiting for me back home."
Asking for Clarification
- "Could you repeat that, please?"
- "I'm sorry, I didn't understand. Could you explain?"
- "Sorry, I don't know." / "I'm not sure."
- "Could you speak more slowly, please?"
15 Common Questions at Border Control
Immigration officers typically ask these questions. Practice your answers before your trip so you can respond confidently.
- What is the purpose of your visit?
- How long are you planning to stay?
- Where will you be staying?
- Do you have a return ticket?
- How will you be financing your trip?
- Do you know anyone in this country?
- Have you been to this country before?
- What do you do for a living?
- Who are you traveling with?
- Do you have any intention of remaining in this country?
- How can you assure me that you will return to your home country?
- What company will you be working for? (for work visas)
- What will be your position and responsibilities? (for work visas)
- Are you married? Do you have children?
- What's the last country you traveled to?
Tips for a Successful Border Control Interview
Before the Interview
During the Interview
Body Language Tips
- Bring all required documents organized and easily accessible
- Practice answering common questions out loud
- Know your travel dates, accommodation address, and itinerary by heart
- Have hotel reservations and return tickets printed or easily accessible
During the Interview
- Be friendly and polite – immigration officers represent the country, so being respectful is crucial
- If you don't understand a question, ask them to repeat or clarify it
- If you don't know the answer, say "Sorry, I don't know" or "I'm not sure" – never make things up or lie
- Don't interrupt the officer – listen carefully, think about your answer, then speak clearly
- Speak slowly and clearly – don't rush your answers
- Never threaten or argue with a government official
Body Language Tips
- Make eye contact and smile politely
- Stand or sit up straight
- Keep your hands visible and relaxed
- Appear calm and confident, even if you're nervous
Practice Dialogue 1: Tourist Visa Interview
Applicant: Hello!
Immigration officer: Hello! Hand me your documents please.
Applicant: Here they are.
Immigration officer: Thank you! What is the purpose of your visit to the US?
Applicant: I am a tourist. I'd like to visit different places in America.
Immigration officer: Who are you going with?
Applicant: My wife Alice is coming with me.
Immigration officer: OK. What states are you planning to visit?
Applicant: We are going to travel along the East Coast. Here is our itinerary.
Immigration officer: Hmm, good. Have you booked any accommodation?
Applicant: Sure. I've booked several hotels, motels and hostels. You can find our reservations among other documents.
Immigration officer: Yes, I see them. Do you know anyone in the US?
Applicant: No, unfortunately, not.
Immigration officer: And how will you be financing your trip?
Applicant: We've already booked the flights, hotels, health insurance. I'll pay for all the rest like car rental, food and entertainment on the spot by my card. Alice and I have some savings. We are going to take some cash too, but not much.
Immigration officer: OK… How long are you planning to stay in America?
Applicant: Our return flight is planned for the 21st of July. So, it's totally 12 days.
Immigration officer: And what's the last place you travelled to?
Applicant: We went to Jamaica 2 years ago. And before that we travelled around Europe.
Immigration officer: OK. What do you do for a living?
Applicant: My wife and I are professional musicians. I'm a composer and she's a singer. We have a contract with an international music company.
Immigration officer: Do you have any intention of remaining in the US?
Applicant: No, we are planning to return home after our holiday.
Immigration officer: How can you assure me that you will return to your home country?
Applicant: We have our return tickets and we are renting an apartment which is prepaid till the end of the year. Also our dog is staying with the neighbors till we are back. We won't leave it alone.
Immigration officer: OK. I have no more questions. You can come back on the date that's on this slip and you'll get your passport back with an approved or refused visa.
Applicant: Thank you. Have a good day!
Immigration officer: Hello! Hand me your documents please.
Applicant: Here they are.
Immigration officer: Thank you! What is the purpose of your visit to the US?
Applicant: I am a tourist. I'd like to visit different places in America.
Immigration officer: Who are you going with?
Applicant: My wife Alice is coming with me.
Immigration officer: OK. What states are you planning to visit?
Applicant: We are going to travel along the East Coast. Here is our itinerary.
Immigration officer: Hmm, good. Have you booked any accommodation?
Applicant: Sure. I've booked several hotels, motels and hostels. You can find our reservations among other documents.
Immigration officer: Yes, I see them. Do you know anyone in the US?
Applicant: No, unfortunately, not.
Immigration officer: And how will you be financing your trip?
Applicant: We've already booked the flights, hotels, health insurance. I'll pay for all the rest like car rental, food and entertainment on the spot by my card. Alice and I have some savings. We are going to take some cash too, but not much.
Immigration officer: OK… How long are you planning to stay in America?
Applicant: Our return flight is planned for the 21st of July. So, it's totally 12 days.
Immigration officer: And what's the last place you travelled to?
Applicant: We went to Jamaica 2 years ago. And before that we travelled around Europe.
Immigration officer: OK. What do you do for a living?
Applicant: My wife and I are professional musicians. I'm a composer and she's a singer. We have a contract with an international music company.
Immigration officer: Do you have any intention of remaining in the US?
Applicant: No, we are planning to return home after our holiday.
Immigration officer: How can you assure me that you will return to your home country?
Applicant: We have our return tickets and we are renting an apartment which is prepaid till the end of the year. Also our dog is staying with the neighbors till we are back. We won't leave it alone.
Immigration officer: OK. I have no more questions. You can come back on the date that's on this slip and you'll get your passport back with an approved or refused visa.
Applicant: Thank you. Have a good day!
Practice Dialogue 2: Work Visa Interview
This dialogue demonstrates a conversation for a work visa application. Notice the vocabulary used to describe employment and relocation plans.
Applicant: Hello! Here are my documents.
Immigration officer: Hello. Thank you. Could you tell me please why you wish to visit Germany?
Applicant: My company wants to relocate me to Germany, so that I stay closer to my clients.
Immigration officer: What company are you planning to work for in Germany?
Applicant: It's Software Engineering AG.
Immigration officer: What will be your position and responsibilities?
Applicant: Actually, my position and job responsibilities will be the same as now. I'll work as a project manager and will cooperate with the same clients, but hopefully from Germany. They are located in Hamburg as well as our main office. So I'll be able to meet them personally whenever needed.
Immigration officer: What will be your gross salary?
Applicant: 6500 euros.
Immigration officer: Have you been to Germany before?
Applicant: No, I haven't but I've travelled a lot around neighbor countries like France, Austria, Switzerland. I'll be happy to see Germany as well.
Immigration officer: Do you have relatives or friends currently in Germany?
Applicant: No, I don't. I have only some colleagues and clients there.
Immigration officer: Where will you be residing in Germany?
Applicant: A company is ready to rent a flat for me not far away from the office.
Immigration officer: Are you married? Do you have children?
Applicant: I'm divorced and I don't have any children.
Immigration officer: How long will you be working in Germany?
Applicant: The contract is for 2 years.
Immigration officer: OK. I have no more questions. You can come back on the date that's on this slip and you'll get your passport back with an approved or refused visa.
Applicant: Thank you. Have a good day!
Applicant: Hello! Here are my documents.
Immigration officer: Hello. Thank you. Could you tell me please why you wish to visit Germany?
Applicant: My company wants to relocate me to Germany, so that I stay closer to my clients.
Immigration officer: What company are you planning to work for in Germany?
Applicant: It's Software Engineering AG.
Immigration officer: What will be your position and responsibilities?
Applicant: Actually, my position and job responsibilities will be the same as now. I'll work as a project manager and will cooperate with the same clients, but hopefully from Germany. They are located in Hamburg as well as our main office. So I'll be able to meet them personally whenever needed.
Immigration officer: What will be your gross salary?
Applicant: 6500 euros.
Immigration officer: Have you been to Germany before?
Applicant: No, I haven't but I've travelled a lot around neighbor countries like France, Austria, Switzerland. I'll be happy to see Germany as well.
Immigration officer: Do you have relatives or friends currently in Germany?
Applicant: No, I don't. I have only some colleagues and clients there.
Immigration officer: Where will you be residing in Germany?
Applicant: A company is ready to rent a flat for me not far away from the office.
Immigration officer: Are you married? Do you have children?
Applicant: I'm divorced and I don't have any children.
Immigration officer: How long will you be working in Germany?
Applicant: The contract is for 2 years.
Immigration officer: OK. I have no more questions. You can come back on the date that's on this slip and you'll get your passport back with an approved or refused visa.
Applicant: Thank you. Have a good day!
Ready to Practice Your Border Control English?
Reading vocabulary lists and dialogues is a great start, but real fluency comes from practice. SmallTalk2Me is an AI-powered English Speaking Practice Platform that helps you train English fluency through realistic conversation simulations with instant feedback.
Start practicing now — try our English for Immigration course to role-play border control conversations with instant AI feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and fluency. Practice answering interview questions, explaining your travel purpose, and build confidence before your real trip.
Start practicing now — try our English for Immigration course to role-play border control conversations with instant AI feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and fluency. Practice answering interview questions, explaining your travel purpose, and build confidence before your real trip.
More Articles in the English for Immigration Series
This article is part of our comprehensive English for Immigration series. Explore other essential topics to prepare for life abroad:
📖 For a complete overview of all immigration topics, visit our English for Immigration Guide – your one-stop resource for mastering English in real-life immigration situations.
- English for Immigration: Vocabulary and Phrases for Lost Luggage – Know what to say if your bags don't arrive
- English for Immigration: Renting or Buying a Home – Master housing vocabulary and conversations
- English for Immigration: Vocabulary and Phrases for Banking – Open accounts and manage your finances
- English for Immigration: At the Doctor's – Describe symptoms and understand medical advice
- English for Immigration: Renting a Car or Bicycle – Get around your new city easily
- English for Immigration: Starting a Business Abroad – Launch your entrepreneurial journey in English
📖 For a complete overview of all immigration topics, visit our English for Immigration Guide – your one-stop resource for mastering English in real-life immigration situations.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What English phrases should I use at border control?
Key phrases include:
- "The purpose of my visit is tourism/business,"
- "I'm planning to stay for [X] days,"
- "I've booked a hotel,"
- "Here are my documents."
How do I explain my purpose of visit in English?
Use clear, simple sentences like:
- "I'd like to visit [country] for tourism,"
- "The purpose of my visit is business,"
- "I'm here to visit my relatives."
What should I do if I don't understand the immigration officer?
Politely ask them to repeat or clarify:
- "Could you repeat that, please?"
- "I'm sorry, I didn't understand. Could you speak more slowly?"
How do I prove I will return to my home country?
Show evidence of ties to your home country: return tickets, employment contracts, property ownership, family responsibilities, or ongoing commitments.
Say: "I have my return tickets," "I have a job waiting for me," or "My family is back home."
Say: "I have my return tickets," "I have a job waiting for me," or "My family is back home."
How can I improve my English for immigration interviews?
Practice with AI-powered conversation simulators like SmallTalk2Me, study common interview questions and answers, watch immigration interview videos on YouTube, and role-play scenarios with friends or family. The more you practice speaking, the more confident you'll feel.
