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Immigration & Visas vocabulary · Border Control & Entry

Purpose of visit

Meaning in immigration & visas, with examples

phraseCore term

In immigration & visas, purpose of visit means: The main reason for your trip, such as tourism, business, study or visiting family, which forms ask for and border officers often check.

In Turkish: ziyaret amacı, seyahat amacı, geliş amacı

How it is used

The classic border question is "What is the purpose of your visit?" A short answer is normal: "Tourism" or "A business meeting". The stated purpose is expected to match your visa type and documents. Forms may say purpose of travel or purpose of journey.

Example sentences

  1. "What's the purpose of your visit?" "I'm attending a conference in Boston."

  2. In the purpose of visit box, I wrote "family visit".

Common collocations

  • purpose of visit
  • purpose of travel
  • state the purpose
  • main purpose
  • immigration officerA government official who checks travellers' documents at the border and decides, or helps decide, whether they may enter or stay.
  • border controlThe checks that officials make at a country's borders on people, documents and goods entering or leaving, and the area where these checks happen.
  • tourist visaA short-stay visa for holidays, sightseeing or visiting friends and family, which does not allow you to work in the country.
  • visa interviewA short meeting at an embassy or consulate where an officer asks about your plans, background and documents before deciding on your visa.

More terms: Border Control & Entry

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.