Ultimate guide to airport immigration for exchange students: how to pass stress-free
Going through immigration doesn't have to be a seven-headed animal. In fact, agents are used to exchange students and know how to quickly identify when someone has legitimate study intentions. The key lies in showing trust, having the documents organized and answering clearly to the questions that arise.
What really happens during airport immigration
Immigration acts as the country's first security filter. Each nation has the sovereign right to decide who can or cannot enter its territory, and immigration officers are responsible for that decision. They're not there to disrupt your plans, but rather to verify that your intentions are genuine.
The process varies from country to country. Some nations, such as the United States, require more detailed interviews, while others may be more direct. Get to know the 10 essential English terms to use at the airport can make all the difference in communicating with officers.
For exchange students, the agents' main focus is on three points: verifying that you are financially able to support yourself during the study period, confirming that your intentions are truly academic, and ensuring that you intend to return to Brazil after the end of the program.
Essential Documents: Your First Line of Defense
The organization of documents is essential for a smooth passage through immigration. Having everything in hand and well organized demonstrates preparation and seriousness with your study trip.
Required documents for all destinations:
- Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Student visa (when required)
- Acceptance letter from the educational institution
- Proof of accommodation
- International health insurance
- Financial proof
Complementary documents that make the difference:
- Return ticket or proof of funds to buy it
- Bank statements for the last 3 months
- Income Tax Return of the parent or financial guardian
- Letter from the employer in Brazil (if applicable)
- Brazilian academic record
Keep all printed documents in an organized folder. Many officers prefer physical documents to digital versions on the cell phone. If you don't speak fluent English, consider having simple translations of the main documents. For specific destinations, such as Spain, there are 7 essential documents for exchange students that must be provided.
The most common questions and how to answer them
Immigration officers follow a basic script of questions, but can delve into any topic that arouses interest or doubt. Preparing for these questions is essential for a fluid conversation.
Questions about your studies:
- “What course are you going to take?” — Answer the exact name of the program
- “How long are you going to study for?” — Be specific with dates
- “Why did you choose this school?” — Demonstrate that you researched the institution
- “What do you plan to do after your studies?” — Always mention returning to Brazil
Questions about finances:
- “Who is paying for your studies?” — Be clear about your funding source
- “How much money do you have available?” — Answer with realistic approximate values
- “Where are you going to live?” — Get the full address of the accommodation
Questions about ties with Brazil:
- “What do you do in Brazil?” — Student, worker, or parent's profession
- “Does your family live in Brazil?” — Demonstrate family ties
- “Have you ever traveled to other countries?” — Travel history is positive
The golden rule is to always answer exactly what was asked. Don't provide unnecessary extra information. If the question allows for a “yes” or “no” answer, limit yourself to that. Show confidence, but don't seem arrogant.
Situation-specific strategies
For those who are not fluent in the local language:
Organize your documents in folders labeled in Portuguese and in the local language. Use translation apps to prepare basic answers in advance. Practice simple phrases like “I'm here to study English” or “I'm here to study Spanish”. Stay calm and don't be ashamed to ask the officer to speak more slowly.
Traveling as a couple or family:
Couples are often separated during the immigration process to verify that the information matches. Each person must have their own complete copy of all documents. Align information about accommodation, finances, and study schedule beforehand.
Exchange students from High School:
In addition to the standard documentation, have in hand information about the host family or school where you will be staying. Parents must prepare authorization letters and detailed financial evidence. Demonstrate maturity in your answers, but be natural for your age.
Special care with cash and cards
Having physical money in hand is one of the most concrete ways to demonstrate financial capacity. Officers may request to see the money as actual proof that you have the resources to support yourself.
Carry a reasonable amount of hard cash in local currency, especially for the first few days. For long-running programs, such as study and work in Australia, demonstrate that you have access to resources through international cards or a foreign account.
Avoid carrying excessive amounts that may attract unnecessary attention. The ideal is to have enough to cover initial expenses (accommodation, food, transportation) for a few weeks. For larger amounts, bank statements and bank letters are more secure and equally valid.
What never to say when immigrating
Some phrases may immediately raise red flags, even if their intentions are genuine. Avoid at all costs:
“I'll see where I'm going to stay when I arrive” - shows a lack of planning “I don't know when I'll return to Brazil” - suggests intention to stay permanently
“Then I ask them to send more money” - indicates a lack of adequate resources “I'm going to look for work” - for countries where tourist work is prohibited “Maybe I'll get married there” - raises suspicions about real intentions
Always demonstrate that you have concrete plans, adequate resources, and a clear intention to return to Brazil after your studies. If you don't know an answer, be honest, but avoid vague answers that could generate mistrust.
Countries with special procedures
United States: American immigration is notoriously strict. In addition to the standard documents, you will need a pre-approved F-1 visa. The officer may ask questions about your specific plans, ties to Brazil, and financial capacity. Get ready for longer and more detailed interviews.
Canada: For programs of Public college in Canada, immigration focuses especially on financial capacity and the genuineness of the study project. Get detailed information about your program and future professional plans.
United Kingdom: British immigration is known for its rigidity. Get ready for specific questions about your accommodation, financial resources, and ties to Brazil. Always have the full address and contact details of where you will be staying.
Australia: The focus is on verifying financial capacity and genuine study intent. For programs that allow work, be prepared to explain that the work is complementary to the studies, not the primary objective.
European Union (Spain, Germany, etc.): Each country has its own specificities, but they generally focus on academic documentation and financial proof. For programs such as study and work in Germany, demonstrate knowledge about work regulations for students.
Dealing with unforeseen situations
If you are directed to a secondary room: Keep calm. That doesn't necessarily mean that anything is wrong. Sometimes it's just a routine procedure to clarify some information. Be patient, cooperative, and answer all questions honestly.
If you don't understand a question: Don't be ashamed to ask to repeat or speak more slowly. It's better to ask for clarification than to answer something incorrect. Use phrases like “Could you please repeat?” or “I don't understand, could you speak slowly?”
If your documentation is questioned: Stay calm and provide additional clarification when requested. If you have additional documents, present them in an organized manner. Never argue or show irritation with the officer.
In case of denial of entry: While rare for students with adequate documentation, this can happen. You have the right to an explanation of why. In some cases, it is possible to appeal or request a second analysis. Immediately contact the school abroad and its exchange agency.
Cultural adaptation from the start
Going through immigration is your first real contact with the local culture. Observe how people behave in line, the level of formality expected, and the unwritten rules of the venue.
Some countries value punctuality and objectivity, while others are more flexible. Demonstrate respect for local regulations even in this first contact. This includes appropriate dress, appropriate tone of voice, and respectful posture.
Remember that you are representing not only yourself, but also other Brazilians who may be going through the same process. An appropriate posture contributes to a positive image of Brazilian exchange students.
For a more complete preparation on cultural adaptation, see our guide on How to adapt and thrive in a new culture.
Technology and useful tools
Essential apps for the trip:
- Google Translate (works offline)
- Your bank's application to check balance
- Currency conversion app
- Offline map of the destination city
Digital documents as backup: Even with everything printed, keep digital copies of all documents in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox). This guarantees access even if you lose physical documentation.
Emergency contacts: Always write down the phone numbers of the school abroad, the exchange agency in Brazil, and the Brazilian consulate in the destination country.
Be Easy
If you are planning your exchange and want to be sure that everything will be perfect at the time of immigration, count on Be Easy for complete preparation. Our team offers detailed pre-shipment guidance, helping you prepare for any situation. Don't let immigration anxiety get in the way of starting the most transformative experience of your life. Contact us and embark with complete confidence towards your international future!
