All guys are going to have to undergo ‘special registration’ when they enter the USA. After passing through immigration, you will be directed to another room where you will be asked to wait. You won’t be alone! There will be many other similar people waiting for their turn. After a wait (which can sometimes be quite lengthy), you will be interviewed. The first time you visit the USA, the process may be on the lengthy side as your data will need to be inputted into their computers. Next time you enter, the process goes faster. What you’ll be asked really depends on the mood of the official who interviews you. They may sometimes burst with questions. On the other hand, they may not ask you anything at all (this will not be the case on your first visit!) Whatever happens, it is not a time to stress out. A big hype is usually created regarding this process, however, it is quite straightforward. Admittedly, there have been some nasty incidents, but, these are rare. You are entering the USA for a perfectly good and legal reason. Your home country US Embassy has had no issues with your entering. You should not have any problems in the USA either. Just make sure that you are well documented. They like documents and will compliment you if you have them. Have your exam permits, venue and date details available; have a list of the places that you have applied for interviews; have copies of emails which offer interviews; have print outs of the amount of money that you have spent in preparation for this trip; etc. You don’t need to be as prepared as you were for your interview in Islamabad, but, the more confident and well documented you are, the easier you’ll make it for everybody. And since everything you say affects your permanent immigration record, a good start is likely to do you good later on. Again, IT IS NOT A BIG DEAL.
It is here that you can even make requests to give you a six month stamp instead of a three month stamp provided, of course, you can give a good enough reason. I know a person who had already been stamped for three months, but, on request, the stamp was cancelled and exchanged for a six month stamp. Again, the officials there are not out to get you. They can actually be very nice.
Another point regarding which there was some confusion. Just because you have entered the USA and undergone special registration at a certain airport, it DOES NOT mean that you have to leave via that same airport. When you initially undergo special registration, you will receive a list of airports from which you can exit the USA. Any of these will do.
On your way out, if you have undergone special registration, you will have to register again. This time, registration is very short and sweet. However, you may have to look for the place. Once you have checked in and crossed security, find out where to go by using the courtesy phones available at the airport. You will get a stamp marking your exit on your passport, then, you’ll be free to go. NOTE: People who have not undergone special registration (women) will not receive a stamp on their passports when they are exiting the USA. The final proof of exiting the USA is the return of the I-94 / I-94W (the white or green card that you got at immigration). This card is to be returned to the airline people in the departure lounge when you are boarding the aeroplane. They will gather them all up and hand them in to the airport officials so that everyone’s departure is recorded. DO NOT FORGET TO GIVE IN THE CARD. If you forget, there will be no record of your departure, and it will be as if you never left the USA. This goes for both guys and girls.
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