Does obtaining a visa guarantee entry into the U.S.?

Obtaining a visa is an important step in the process of traveling to the United States, but it does not guarantee admission into the country. The role of a visa is primarily to allow the holder to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter. Upon arrival, the individual must undergo an inspection by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, who assesses eligibility based on various factors, including the purpose of travel, adherence to immigration laws, and overall compliance with the terms of the visa.

It's crucial to understand that the issuance of a visa signifies that a consular officer has determined that the applicant meets the requirements for that specific visa category. However, this determination does not ensure that the individual will be allowed to enter the U.S. The final decision on admission is reserved for CBP at the point of entry, where other considerations, such as the traveler’s behavior, documentation, or changes in circumstances since the visa was issued, can lead to denial of entry.