One of the most important steps of the green card application process is the green card interview. Regardless of whether you are applying via a family petition, marriage, or any of the available options, you need to be fully prepared for an interview. Your performance in this interview can determine whether or not you will get approval.
At Natalia Darancou Law, PLLC, our green card lawyers know how overwhelming the green card interview process can be for applicants. So, we’ve created this post to explain what you should know about the green card interview process, some common green card interview questions, and the possibility of a green card interview waiver.
Green Card Interview Explained
The green card interview follows all formal applications made for a green card and is conducted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if you applied from within the U.S. or a consular officer at your local embassy or consulate if you applied from outside the U.S.
Details provided during the application process are verified through a series of questions by the officer handling your case. Aside from asking questions, there is also further scrutiny of submitted documents to ensure the credibility of claims made.
The green card interview for a marriage green card is a lot more detailed than employment or other family-based green cards. USCIS vets this process more to be sure the marriage is genuine and not merely entered into for immigration purposes.
The Timing and Location of a Green Card Interview
After submitting your green card application and if USCIS is satisfied with your application, you will receive Form I-797C after about four to ten months. The notice, among other things, contains details of the location, date, and time of your green card interview. Typically, the interview is held at your nearest USCIS office, U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate.
What Documents Are Needed for a Green Card Interview?
You need as much confidence as you can gather when going for an interview for a green card. One way to build that confidence is to have all the necessary documents. Some key documents to bring to your green card interview include:
- Your passport and any government-issued ID
- Birth certificate, marriage certificate, and/or employment contract
- Document showing lawful entry into the United States
- Details of tax returns or pay stubs
- Documents proving bona fide marriage in the case of a marriage-based green card.
What Are Common Green Card Interview Questions?
The questions you will be asked when you go in for your green card interview will vary depending on the route you are applying for. General questions you might be asked include:
- Your name, date of birth, and time of entry into the United States
- Your current immigration status and whether you have violated any immigration laws
- Your criminal records in and outside the United States.
If you are applying for a family-based green card, you may be asked about:
- The person petitioning for you and your relationship with the petitioner
- The status, immigration history, and residence records of the petitioner.
Green Card Marriage Interview Questions
If you are applying for a marriage-based green card, you may be asked more detailed questions to test the genuineness of the marriage, like:
- How and where did you met your spouse?
- What are the details of the proposal?
- When did the marriage happen, and what was the wedding day like?
- What is your spouse’s favorite food, color, or activity?
- How do you split household chores with your spouse?
Green Card Interview Waiver
It is possible for USCIS, upon receipt and review of your application, to conclude that an interview is not needed. A detailed application, absence of inconsistencies or anything that requires further investigations are some reasons a green card interview can be waived. Working with an immigration attorney who understands green card applications can help you submit a waiver-worthy application.
After the Green Card Interview: What Next?
Different possible outcomes can follow an interview for a green card application, including an approval, a Request for Additional Evidence, or a denial. In the case of an approval, you will be notified on the spot, and your green card will be sent to you via mail within four weeks.
If there is a request for additional evidence, you will be provided with a deadline to provide the requested information. Finally, if your application is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision with the help of a skilled immigration attorney from Natalia Darancou Law, PLLC.
Helpful Tips for Green Card Interviews
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to green card interviews. Every case is different, and the interview is adapted based on each individual circumstance. However, some helpful pointers can guide how you approach the interview:
- You need to be as honest as possible. Lying or guessing can affect your case. It is fine to say you do not know or cannot remember when answering questions.
- Dress neatly and decently for the interview. This is your first chance to create a good impression.
- Be confident in your replies and keep them short, answering only the questions asked.
Schedule a Consultation with a Green Card Lawyer
The green card interview is an essential step of the application process that you need to be prepared for. Working with an experienced immigration law firm like Natalia Darancou Law, PLLC can help get you prepared for the interview and increase your chances of getting an approval. Schedule a consultation with our immigration lawyers today.
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