01 / Before entry
Preparing for an arrival at SFO
Before arriving at SFO, confirm the visa or petition basis, employment or school records as appropriate, prior entries and facts related to any earlier CBP referral.
Discuss travel preparation ↗San Francisco International Airport · San Francisco, California
Detained, Questioned or Refused Entry at San Francisco SFO?
If CBP questioned, detained or refused you at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), or you are concerned about an upcoming US arrival, The Messersmith Law Firm can evaluate your immigration history, documents and potential options. Consultations are available by phone or in person by appointment.
Phone or in-person appointments · Immigration assistance before and after airport encounters
Two ways we can help
An airport problem already happened—or you want to prevent a surprise.
Reviewing the actual facts, immigration history and CBP paperwork is more useful than assuming every airport inspection has the same outcome.
02 / After the incident
After a CBP refusal or removal at SFO
After an SFO refusal, retain I-275 or I-860 if provided and copies of visa annotations. An attorney can assess the exact ground and possible response rather than assuming a specific waiver fits everyone.
Discuss what CBP decided ↗San Francisco, California · SFO
SFO arrivals for technology, higher education and visitor travel
Get advice before your next travel decision ↗San Francisco International Airport is a West Coast gateway for international visitors, students and professionals. Some travelers are arriving for Bay Area jobs, education or business meetings; each purpose involves different admission questions and permissible activities.
An H-1B worker returning to an employer may need to demonstrate a valid petition and actual employment. An F-1 student can have separate I-20 and SEVIS concerns. A B-1 visitor’s activities should be reviewed to ensure that the proposed business visit does not amount to unauthorized US employment.
After CBP questioning at SFO, do not assume that long secondary inspection means removal or that return travel always creates a reentry bar. Our firm can examine the record, any misrepresentation allegation, visa cancellation or expedited removal paperwork, and advise on potential lawful next steps.
How our firm assists
Focused immigration counsel for SFO travelers
We provide telephone or in-person consultations by appointment and can assess issues before travel, during some inspection situations, or after a denial.
Pretravel analysis
Assess prior immigration history, visa or ESTA eligibility, arrests, travel plans and supporting documentation.
Possible live assistance
When practical and permitted, explore communication with the traveler or CBP during secondary inspection. Family members can also contact us.
Review of CBP decisions
Examine an I-275, I-860, visa cancellation, statements and other records to identify the action actually taken.
Next-step strategy
Evaluate new visa applications, waivers, permission to reapply or other responses where legally appropriate.
Can an attorney help during secondary inspection?
Yes, assistance may be possible. Depending on the circumstances and CBP procedures, we may be able to communicate with the traveler or CBP officers. If someone is being questioned at SFO, call (305) 515-0613 so we can discuss the available assistance.
Important legal distinctions
An inspection, withdrawal and removal order are different outcomes.
The appropriate remedy depends on the specific CBP determination and immigration history, not simply whether the traveler returned home.
Secondary inspection
Additional questions or document review. Referral alone is not a finding of inadmissibility or a removal order.
Withdrawal of admission
CBP may permit a traveler to withdraw an application for admission and depart. This is discretionary and may still affect future travel.
Expedited removal
A formal removal order under INA §235(b)(1) in applicable cases. A statutory reentry bar or further consequences may apply.
Visa or inadmissibility findings
Alleged misrepresentation, a canceled visa, or criminal and immigration grounds require separate examination.
A documented immigration practice
Consult with a firm focused on US immigration law.
The Messersmith Law Firm has represented immigration clients since 2002. Review published case results and speak with the firm about your own circumstances.
Questions about SFO
Airport entry and CBP questions
Talk to us about the actual documents, legal findings and travel plans before deciding what comes next.
Can an H-1B employee face additional questioning at SFO?
Yes. CBP may verify the basis of work-authorized admission. The specific petition, employment situation and supporting records matter.
What about a returning F-1 student at San Francisco airport?
CBP may examine a valid visa, Form I-20, school participation and related issues. Prior status problems should be assessed before travel.
If CBP canceled a visa at SFO, can I immediately apply for a new one?
The visa cancellation and any inadmissibility finding must first be reviewed. Eligibility for a new visa or waiver depends on the recorded ground and individual circumstances.
Can you speak with CBP or the traveler during secondary inspection?
Assistance may be possible. Access and communication depend on the circumstances and CBP procedures. Call us promptly so we can assess possible contact and guidance, including assistance to family members or companions.
What documents should I keep after an airport refusal?
Keep available CBP forms, visa cancellation markings, your itinerary, admission history and a written timeline. Depending on the outcome, relevant records can include Forms I-275 or I-860, but not every traveler receives the same documents.
Do you offer consultations by phone or in person?
Yes. Call (305) 515-0613 or request a consultation . In-person meetings are by appointment; representation can also be discussed by phone.
San Francisco International Airport
Concerned about entering the US? Already had trouble with CBP?
Speak with The Messersmith Law Firm about your travel and immigration history, the airport encounter and potential legal options. Phone or in-person consultations by appointment.