If you have filed for a marriage-based green card and have received a notice to appear for an interview with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you and your spouse may be feeling quite nervous. This article will help you prepare for that interview by outlining AVA Global’s key steps and tips for a successful marriage-based green card interview.
Step 1: What is the Purpose of the Interview?
If you have been called in for an interview, then the primary goal is for the USCIS officer to evaluate the authenticity of your marriage and assess whether you are eligible for a green card. It is important to remember that the officer will be on the look out for marriage fraud, so s/he will want to ensure that your marriage is genuine and was not entered into solely for immigration benefits. The USCIS will evaluate your relationship through your testimony, documentation, and overall demeanor; therefore, demonstrating an authentic and committed relationship is absolutely critical to the success of your green card application.
Step 2: Gather Essential Documentation
When you are notified, via mail, that you need to appear for an interview, there will be an extensive list of evidence included on the notice that USCIS will expect you to bring. We highly recommend that you organize those items in a binder and familiarize yourself with where they are located so you can easily access them during the interview. The following list of documents are commonly requested, but please note that you should carefully read your interview notice to ensure that you bring everything the government requests.
- Government-Issued IDs: You should bring a government-issued ID, including passports, driver’s licenses, and any work permits that have been issued.
- Original Documents: You most likely submitted copies of original documents, so you should bring the originals to the interview, including birth certificates, marriage certificate, and any prior divorce decrees.
- Proof of Bona Fide Marriage: You may have submitted evidence that your marriage was bona fide with your application, but it is important to bring updated evidence such as joint bank statements, your most recent tax return showing you filed married, a joint lease, mortgage or title, joint insurance policies, photographs of important milestones, joint travel itineraries, birth certificates of your children and anything else that shows you live a joint life, together.
- Forms: Bring a copy of all the forms and evidence that was submitted for your green card application.
Step 3: Carefully Review Your Application
It is important to note that any discrepancies can cause red flags, so it is imperative that you and your spouse carefully review the application that you submitted for the green card application. Go through the supporting documents one by one and make sure you are familiar with all the details, including the timeline of your relationship, key dates and other personal information.
Step 4: Prepare and Practice Answering Questions about your Relationship and Future
USCIS officers often ask detailed questions to confirm the authenticity of your marriage. Sometimes, they can come across as a bit aggressive and ask the same question in a few different ways to assess your body language and ensure that your story does not change. Remember, they are on the lookout for fraud, so it is essential that you are prepared to answer questions about your relationship, including:
- How did you meet each other?
- Where was your first date?
- How did you fall in love?
- How did the engagement proceed?
- What sort of wedding ceremony did you have?
- What is your relationship like with other members of your family and friends?
- What is your daily routine like?
- What are your future plans?
While it is not possible to predict every question, practicing answering questions with your spouse can help you feel more prepared and at ease during your interview.
Step 5: The Interview Details
Double check that you know the exact date, location and time of your interview and that you have the interview notice as well as all the documents requested. If you need a translator, then make sure you make arrangements to bring one that complies with USCIS guidelines.
We highly recommend arrived at least 30 minutes before your interview time as you will need to go through security and check in procedures. It is also important to dress appropriately to convey respect and professionalism.
Step 6: The Interview
Usually, the interview will begin with you and your spouse being interviewed together. If the officer suspects marriage fraud, then they may separate you and interview each of you on your own. If you don’t know an answer to the officer’s question, then it’s better to say that rather than to guess or provide inaccurate information.
The officer will not only listen to your answers, but s/he will also pay attention to your body language. Be sure to make eye-contact and be respectful at all times.
Sometimes, certain factors, such as an age gap, cultural or religious differences or short dating periods, may prompt additional scrutiny from the officer. Be prepared to sincerely explain the circumstances surrounding any of these issues.
Step 7: After the Interview
At the end of the interview, the USCIS officer may provide immediate feedback or inform you that further review is needed. If additional documents are requested, it is important to respond promptly. Processing times very, so be patient while you wait for a response and understand that most notices will come via mail.
If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the interview process or your case involves unique challenges, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney is highly recommended. An attorney can help you identify potential issues, provide mock interview preparation, and guide you through the process. At AVA Global, we include thorough interview preparation as part of our full-service marriage-based green card package.
You may register for a consultation by calling 970-680-1223 or scheduling online. Our U.S. immigration attorneys are licensed to practice immigration law in all 50 states and at consulates and embassies all over the world.
**Please note this is not legal advice and engagement with this post does not create an attorney/client privilege. For specifically tailored legal advice, schedule a consultation.
Current as of December 2, 2024